Understanding 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded)
"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."
This criteria applies specifically to websites that include audio and video (synchronized media). Captions must be added to all media files with sound so that they are accessible to people who are deaf or hearing impaired. This includes videos, podcasts, audio clips, and more. To make the caption the best it can be for deaf and hard of hearing users, ensure the following:
- Timing: The caption should be presented at the same time the audio is delivered.
- Accuracy: The caption should present the same exact content as the audio track.
- Contrast: Present captions using enough contrast to be easily readable.
- Position: Captions should not cover important images or visuals.
- On/Off: Give the user the ability to toggle captions on/off. (This is referred to as "closed captions." "Open captions are always on.)
- Non-Dialogue: Identify who is speaking. Include descriptions of background sounds, sound effects, etc.
Video in HubSpot
Audio captions are managed where the video is hosted. Unfortunately, as of the last update to this article, video hosted directly on the HubSpot file manager does not have caption functionality. To include captions with your videos, you will need to use a provider outside the HubSpot environment.
YouTube
- Auto-generates captions to use as a starting point
- One of the most well-known and easy-to-use video platforms
- Free to use
Wistia
Vidyard
- Allows you to manually create your own captions in-app
- Offers audio transcription services which include video captions
Exceptions
You do not need to include captions for media that has its own built-in text. For example, if you have a video walkthrough on how to assemble a table, and the video zooms in on pages from the instruction manual on the different steps, additional captioning is not necessary.
Captions are also not required if the video is itself an alternative presentation of text. For example, let's say you have a text news article. You want to present the content in another way for people who prefer to not read text, so you embed a video of someone reading the article aloud. In this instance, you would not need to include any captioning for the audio, since the same information is immediately below it. Just be sure to clearly label that the audio is a media alternative to the text article below.
