missing-audio-transcript

Ensures that audio-only content includes a transcript.

Description

Audio-only content must include a transcript. This ensures that users who cannot hear the audio, can still access the information. A transcript provides a text alternative for all spoken content and relevant non-speech audio.

The missing-audio-transcript rule aligns with WCAG Success Criterion 1.2.1 (Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)). This criterion requires that for prerecorded audio-only content, you provide an alternative that serves the same purpose, so that users with hearing disabilities can understand the content. For audio-only content, you need to provide a text transcript as an alternative.

Examples

In the following example, an audio-only file is embedded without an accompanying transcript. This violates the missing-audio-transcript rule because it excludes users who cannot access the audio content.

In the following corrected example, the audio content includes a link to a full text transcript. This makes the content accessible to all users.

How to fix?

To fix violations of the missing-audio-transcript rule, follow these steps:

• Identify all prerecorded audio-only content on your website or application.

• Create a complete text transcript for each audio file. This transcript should include all spoken dialogue and descriptions of any significant non-speech audio information (e.g., sound effects, musical cues).

• Ensure that the text alternative of the audio refers to the transcript location / contains the entire transcript.

• Make sure the transcript is easily navigable and readable.

Reference

WCAG Success Criterion 1.2.1: Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)