Spotlight 8:
Transcripts and Audio Descriptions
(WCAG 1.2.1, 1.2.3 & 1.2.5)
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.
The level A guideline (1.2.3) requires that for pre-recorded videos that have sound, either an audio description or a media alternative is provided. However, to conform at level AA (1.2.5), an audio description must be provided. That means that by providing an audio description, you conform at level AA, whereas if you only provide a transcript, you only conform at level A. Exceptions are videos where there are no visuals used to enhance the spoken content or where those visuals are explained in the narration.
What is the difference between captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts?
In general, captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts are all similar because they provide an alternative output method for the content in the video. The main difference is that captions give sighted users information about the dialogues and the sounds in the video that they need to understand the content.
On the other hand, audio descriptions give non-visual users information about the visuals, such as the setting and any action in the video. This typically involves an additional voiceover layer explaining the visuals in the pauses between the existing sound.
Finally, transcripts are text versions of the two combined. Transcripts should include both the necessary auditory and visual information users need to understand the content without hearing or seeing it.
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.
How to Create a Transcript Image Description
How to create transcript:
Take a text copy of the voiceover.
Add information about dialogues and sounds.
Place the transcript next to the video.
Add information about visual details in the video.
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How to Create Audio Description Image Description
How to create audio description:
Take note of things non-sighed users would miss.
Add these to the voiceover or create a separate video with new voiceover.
If using a separate video, add it as an alternative link or in a separate tab/dropdown.
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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:
Multimedia Guidelines Image Transcript
A table summarising the multimedia guidelines for captions, transcripts, audio descriptions and other for A, AA, and AAA categories.
In the A category, there's 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded), 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded), and 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded).
In the AA category, there's 1.2.4 Captions (Live), and 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded).
In the AAA category: there's 1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded), 1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded), 1.2.8 Media Alternative (Prerecorded), and 1.2.9 Audio-only (Live).
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
Spotlight 7: Captions
Spotlight 9: AAA guidelines related to multimedia