Loading...
Loading content...
Loading content...
Provide captions for live videos with sound.
Why it matters: Users who are deaf or hard of hearing need real-time access to live audio content.
Captions are provided for all live audio content in synchronized media.
What This Means: This success criterion requires that all live video content with audio must have real-time captions. Unlike prerecorded content, live captions must be generated and synchronized in real-time as the event is happening. This typically requires human captioners (CART services) or advanced speech-to-text technology.
Why It's Important: Live events like webinars, news broadcasts, sports events, and live streams are inaccessible to deaf and hard of hearing users without real-time captions. Unlike prerecorded content where captions can be prepared in advance, live content requires immediate captioning to ensure equal access to information as it happens.
Live captions should appear with minimal delay (ideally within a few seconds of the spoken words), be synchronized with the audio, and include all dialogue and important sounds. They can be provided through professional CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) services, AI-powered speech-to-text systems, or a combination of both. The captions should be clearly visible and accessible through the streaming platform.
This criterion ensures that deaf users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
This criterion ensures that hard of hearing users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
Impact: When this criterion is properly implemented, it removes barriers for these user groups and creates a more inclusive web experience for everyone.
A live press conference is streamed, but deaf users cannot understand what is being said.
A live stream includes a window with real-time text captions provided by a CART service.
This success criterion benefits the following user groups:
Tip: Use this checklist during development and testing to ensure all requirements for 1.2.4 Captions (Live) are met. Check off items as you complete them.
Note: These are official W3C resources for 1.2.4. For the most up-to-date information and detailed technical guidance, always refer to the official W3C documentation.
Implementing 1.2.4 Captions (Live) correctly requires understanding your specific context. Code solutions vary significantly based on multiple factors:
HTML, React, Vue, Angular, PHP, Python, and other frameworks each have different patterns and best practices.
Server-side rendering, client-side rendering, static generation, and hybrid approaches require different solutions.
Your existing components, styling approach, and UI library influence how accessibility must be implemented.
Your specific user base, content type, and interaction patterns determine the most appropriate implementation.
We provide tailored implementation guidance by analyzing your specific technology stack, coding patterns, design system, and project requirements. Our team reviews your codebase and provides custom solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing architecture.
Get Custom Implementation HelpPart of
Perceivable PrincipleGuideline
1.2 Time-based Media