Importance of Transcripts and Captions
Audio and video media are frequently used to deliver content digitally in web pages, presentations, social media, online textbooks, online courses, advertisements, virtual live events, etc. Audio and video media delivery options include:
- Audio only: For example, podcasts, spoken feedback, radio programs, etc.
- Video synchronized with audio (i.e., multimedia): For example, commercials, movies, television programs, livestreamed graduation, virtual conference, narrated PowerPoint lecture, etc.
Audio and video media need alternatives to allow people with varying abilities equal access to the information.
Audio only content needs transcripts. Videos with audio (pre-recorded and live) need captioning. Audio descriptions are also needed for videos that have meaningful information that is only provided visually and is not described/supported by audio content. Additionally, audio or video media player controls need to be accessible.
Audio and Video Alternatives
- Transcript: A separate, non-synchronized, verbatim, text version of a media’s spoken audio content. Text versions of non-speech sounds (e.g., alarm sounding) are also included when non-speech sounds provide meaningful information.
Examples:- A text document is provided as a transcript next to a video on a web page.
- Link to an example podcast transcript: A Tough Year for Spring Wheat with Dr. Mike Pumphrey Podcast (Scroll down to access transcript)
- Captions: Synchronized, verbatim, timed text displays of a video’s spoken audio content. Text versions of non-speech sounds (e.g., alarm sounding) are also captioned when they provide meaningful information.
Example: Captions displayed over video.
- Audio Description: A spoken audio track/narration that describes what is visually happening, between the dialogue, within a pre-recorded video. This is an alternative description that aids people who cannot see the visual content.
Examples: - Sign Language: A system of communication that uses visual hand signs, body movements, and facial expressions to communicate meaning.
Benefits of Transcripts and Captions
- Makes audio only and video content accessible to a diverse group of people (e.g., deaf, hard of hearing, blind, English-language learners, etc.).
- Provides an alternative and supplementary option for accessing the video and audio only content.
- Improve search engine optimization because captions and transcript text are available.
- Aids in comprehension and processing of the media content.
- Allows audio to be accessed and videos to be watched in a quiet environment or in an environment where audio is difficult to hear.
- Makes videos more searchable, interactive, and engaging.
- Aids in translation and the creation of multilingual subtitles and transcripts.
Common Errors
These common errors hinder the accessibility and usability of digital content.
- A transcript is not provided with audio only content.
- Captions are not included with videos that have audio.
- Audio descriptions are not provided for videos that have meaningful information that is only provided visually.
- Audio or video content that starts automatically cannot be easily paused/stopped.
- Audio and video media player controls are not available or are not accessible with a keyboard and assistive technology.
Best Practices
Follow these best practices to improve the accessibility and usability of audio and video in your digital content.
Transcripts
- Transcripts are provided for audio only media content.
- Speaker changes are identified.
- Transcripts must be verbatim with the audio content.
- Transcripts should be accurate and in the same sequence as the auditory content.
- Transcripts are provided in the same language as the spoken language.
- Transcripts should be provided alongside the audio only content.
- Consider including transcripts, as a supplemental source, along with captioned videos.
Captions
- Captions are provided for pre-recorded and live videos that have audio.
- Speaker changes are identified.
- Captions should be synchronized, with little to no delay, with the auditory content.
- Captions are provided in the same language as the spoken language.
- Captions must be verbatim with the audio content.
- Captions should be accurate and in the same sequence as the auditory content.
Audio Descriptions
- Audio descriptions are provided for pre-recorded videos that have meaningful information that is only provided visually and is not described/supported by audio content (e.g., speech and non-speech sounds).
- Audio descriptions are provided between the spoken dialogue.
- Videos should be modified to allow audio descriptions when natural pauses do not occur or are too short.
Media Player
- Video or audio player controls must be available or accessible with a keyboard and assistive technology.
- Avoid having media content start automatically because it can interfere with a person’s ability to hear assistive technology. However, if it must start automatically, it must be easily paused or stopped.
Sign Language
- Sign language may be provided when captions and transcripts are not meeting an individual’s communication needs.
Accessibility Checks
Use this check list as a guide to ensure your audio and video are in an accessible format.
- Pre-recorded and live videos are captioned.
- Audio only content have transcripts.
- Transcripts and captions are verbatim with the audio content.
- Speaker changes are identified in captions and transcripts.
- Text or audio descriptions are provided for meaningful visual content in pre-recorded videos that is not described/supported by a video’s audio.
- Audio or video content that starts automatically can be paused.
- Audio and video media player controls are available and accessible with a keyboard and assistive technology.