In spotlights 7-9, we look at the 9 WCAG guidelines (1.2.1 - 1.2.9) relating to making time-based media, such as audio and video content, accessible. In the previous spotlight, we covered the A and AA requirements related to using captions (WCAG 1.2.2 & 1.2.4). This week, we bring the A and AA requirements related to using transcripts and audio descriptions (WCAG 1.2.1, 1.2.3 & 1.2.5). Next week, we’ll look at all the AAA requirements related to time-based media together (WCAG 1.2.6-1.2.9).

So, in this spotlight, let’s have a look at the A and AA requirements related to transcripts and audio descriptions.

What are the requirements?

According to WCAG 1.2.1 (level A), with pre-recorded audio-only content, such as podcasts, a transcript should be provided. With videos that have no sound, but have on-screen information or non-decorative visuals, either a transcript or an audio description track should be provided. 

When it comes to providing audio description and/or a media alternative such as a transcript for videos with sound, there are different WCAG requirements depending on the conformance level. 

What is the difference between captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts?

How do you create audio descriptions and transcripts?

There are 3 main ways to provide audio descriptions with videos: using the video including the audio description as the default option for all users, providing a separate video or a link for the video that includes the audio description, or using a plug-in or the built-in audio description track option available in certain authoring tools. Note, however, that not all authoring or streaming tools have the last option.

For transcripts, there is no set requirement of how transcripts should be structured or provided; the main requirement is that they’re easy to find. Note though that if the video has any interaction such as taking the learner to a web page, then the transcript should also provide that functionality. 

 Finally, we’d like to mention that there are additional AAA guidelines that relate to transcripts and audio descriptions. We’ll cover these in the next spotlight.

For now, here's a summary of all the criteria covered in the time-based media section: 

Resources:

• Watch examples of videos with audio description along with a person who's blind:

• Follow this link for a brief, yet comprehensive guide on audio descriptions: Why Audio Descriptions Need to Be a Priority for Your Content (Learn.2g)

• Check out this quick guide on how to write audio descriptions: Audio Description Tip Sheet (Described and Captioned Media Program)

• For detailed information on audio descriptions, follow the link to this W3 page: Description of Visual Information (w3.org)

• This article also gives comprehensive and easy-to-read details about audio description: The Ultimate Guide to Audio Description (3 Play Media)

• For detailed information on transcripts, follow the link to this W3 page: Transcripts (w3.org)

• Follow this link to read reviews of transcription services for eLearning: 13 Best Transcription Software for Audio and Video to Text (My eLearning World)

• For more tips on writing audio descriptions with examples, check out this article: ​​Tips for Writing Descriptive Scripts (Accessibility at UNCG)

Discussion questions:

Get Involved: Come to the LCA Spotlight LinkedIn group and join the conversation.

• What method do you use to provide audio descriptions to your videos in your learning content?

• How do you structure your transcripts?

• What features are available in your authoring tool to facilitate using transcripts and audio descriptions?

When you post in the community, use the hashtag #LCASpotlightTranscripts