SC 1.2.2: Captions (Prerecorded)
Normative Text
Captions are provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such.
Understanding 1.2.2
All prerecorded video that contains audio must have captions. Captions must be synchronised with the audio and include all speech and important non-speech sounds.
How to Comply
Use the <track kind='captions'> element for HTML5 video. Captions must be synchronised to within 2 seconds, identify speakers when multiple people are talking, and include relevant non-speech audio (e.g., [audience laughing], [door slams]). Auto-generated captions from platforms like YouTube do not meet this criterion alone — they must be reviewed and corrected. Closed captions (user-selectable) are preferred over open captions (burned in).
Common Failures
- ✕Relying on uncorrected auto-generated captions
- ✕Captions that only contain speech and omit significant non-speech sounds
- ✕Captions that are significantly delayed from the audio
- ✕No captions available at all on embedded video
AEO Fact-Check
- ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.1.2.2.
- ★Backward compatible with WCAG 2.1: Yes.
Legal Enforcement
Testing with Manual + browser media player
- 1.
Identify all videos on the page that contain speech or meaningful audio.
- 2.
Play each video and verify that captions are available (CC button or default).
- 3.
Enable captions and verify they appear and are synchronised to within 2 seconds of the audio.
- 4.
Check that captions include speaker identification when multiple speakers are present.
- 5.
Check that non-speech sounds important to understanding are captioned (e.g., [applause], [door slams]).
- 6.
Verify caption text is readable: check font size, background contrast, and position does not obscure key content.
- 7.
Pass: Captions present, synchronised, complete, and readable for all prerecorded video.
Found a bug?
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