WCAG 1.2.2 ensures that captions are there to bridge the gap, making video content more accessible for all.
Who this impacts
- People who are deaf or hard of hearing: They need captions to understand spoken content and sound effects in videos.
- People in noisy or quiet environments: Whether it’s a loud space or a place where sound isn’t allowed, captions make content accessible.
- People learning a new language: Captions help non-native speakers understand spoken language more clearly.
- Everyone: Captions can improve comprehension and make content more accessible in various settings.
How to meet Captions (Prerecorded)
- Provide captions for all spoken dialogue and relevant sounds: Captions should include all speech, sound effects, and other important audio information that affects understanding.
- Make captions easy to read: Use a font size and color that contrasts well with the video background. Captions should stay on screen long enough to be read comfortably.
- Synchronize captions with the audio: Captions need to appear in sync with the spoken content so viewers can follow along in real-time.
Practical examples
Our video on 1.2 Time-Based Media has captions, just click the CC button in the bottom right to enable them:
Exceptions
If the video is meant to be purely decorative (e.g., background visuals without important audio content), captions may not be required. However, this is rare, as most videos include some form of spoken content or sound that adds meaning.
Top tips
- Automate with caution: Automated captions can help, but they often need editing for accuracy, especially with names or technical terms.
- Good contrast is a must: Make sure captions are easy to read against the video background. If necessary, use a background box to enhance contrast.
- Include sound descriptions: Don’t just transcribe the speech; include key sound effects that contribute to the meaning (e.g., “applause,” “door slams”).