Captions (Prerecorded)
Summary:
WCAG 1.2.2, "Captions (Prerecorded)," focuses on making prerecorded audio content in videos accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing users by providing captions. This is crucial for ensuring that everyone has equal access to multimedia information.
What:
This guideline requires that captions are provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media, like videos. Captions should accurately represent the spoken words and other relevant sounds in the media.
Why:
Captions are essential for users who can't hear the audio. They ensure that these users can access the information in videos, including dialogues, narration, and important sound effects.
Examples and Scenarios:
- Instructional Videos: Including accurate captions for dialogue and relevant sound effects.
- Corporate Training Modules: Providing captions for all spoken content in training videos.
- Marketing Videos on Websites: Captioning promotional videos to make them accessible to a wider audience.
How to Comply:
- Websites: Ensure that any prerecorded video content has accompanying captions that can be turned on or off by the user.
- Mobile Apps: Implement captioning features for all videos within the app.
- Software Applications: Similar to websites, provide captions for any prerecorded video content in the application.
Exceptions:
- Media Alternatives: If an alternative media presentation (like a text transcript) is available and provides equivalent information.
- Non-Speech Audio: For videos where the primary content is not speech, like a music video, captions may not be necessary unless the video conveys essential information through audio.