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You are here: Home / Web Accessibility / WCAG / Understanding SC 1.4.2 Audio Control

Understanding SC 1.4.2 Audio Control

Last Modified: August 6, 2018 by Raghavendra Satish Peri Leave a Comment

1.4.2 Audio Control: If any audio on a Web page plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, either a mechanism is available to pause or stop the audio, or a mechanism is available to control audio volume independently from the overall system volume level. (Level A)

Note: Since any content that does not meet this success criterion can interfere with a user’s ability to use the whole page, all content on the Web page (whether or not it is used to meet other success criteria) must meet this success criterion.

Automatic playing content distracts users, especially cognitive, screen reader users & will hinder in performing their tasks effectively. If you can avoid, don’t play audio automatically. While there is an exception that audio that is less than 3seconds can be added to a web page & an exception that providing a pause/stop or volume control will pass this success criterion we still recommend not to play audio automatically on the web page.

While many may argue that the system could be lowered to prevent distractions, that solution would not solve the problem. It is mainly because the assistive technologies like screen reader volume is based on the system volume and the volume of the automatically playing audio content must be independent of the system volume.

The best example of playing audio automatically is Youtube videos & other video sharing sites.

Points to Remember

  • Don’t play audio automatically if possible.
  • Make sure your audio is less than 3 seconds.
  • If audio is more than 3 seconds then provide a pause/stop or a mechanism to control the audio player volume from the overall system volume.
  • Make sure that focus is on the pause/stop or volume control as soon as page opens if audio is playing automatically.

References

Understanding Success Criterion 1.4.2

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Filed Under: WCAG Tagged With: A11Y, accessibility, Audio, WCAG

About Raghavendra Satish Peri

Raghavendra Satish Peri is a digital accessibility evangelist working at Deque Systems as Product Manager [Accessibility]breaking web accessibility & mobile accessibility challenges. He authors an Accessibility Blog at DigitalA11Y.com & is galvanizing the adoption of accessibility by inspiring the local tech community with meetups and mentorship. He propelled this thought by founding HelloA11y.com, a community of accessibility professionals, developers and enthusiasts. When away from his computer, Raghava can be found at local cafes & restaurants sampling cuisines, attending local meetups, listening to audio books or writing on his Personal Blog at raghava.in.

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