Audio and video summary

Ensure that video and sound files have a text alternative.

Requirements

• Video and Audio have a text alternative.
• Video and Audio embedded in web pages (including audio that is part of a video or multimedia file) must play for no more than 3 seconds before pausing or playing only when the user chooses.
• Disabled users can access clearly labelled play and pause controls for the audio player.
• Provide a skip link to video/Audio controls if the content plays automatically.
• Multimedia content is directly accessible, or an equivalent accessible HTML alternative is offered.

Full explanation

Information conveyed with sound or video must have appropriate alternative text so that Deaf and hearing-impaired users can read equivalents of audio information. Multimedia content must be directly accessible via keyboard and assistive technologies. All controls must be clearly and unambiguously labelled. Multimedia or objects which are, by their nature, inaccessible to certain user groups do not need to meet the requirements of this section. However, a text alternative explaining the purpose and objectives of the multimedia must be provided.

Please strive to make multimedia content fully accessible via keyboard and assistive technologies. All controls must be clearly and unambiguously labelled. If you cannot do so, you should provide information offering help and guidance and detailing the limitations of your content on the Accessibility page. Multimedia or objects which are, by their nature, inaccessible to certain user groups should offer a text alternative explaining the purpose and objectives of the multimedia.

Exceptions

Where the purpose of the multimedia depends on a specific sensory response, e.g. a colour recognition game, in such cases, the purpose of the multimedia must be explained using a text alternative.