video-caption
Web validation
track element for captions.Captions turn a prerecorded video's soundtrack into synchronized text, so dialogue, sound effects, and music cues are perceivable for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Every video with meaningful audio needs a captions file linked through a track element with kind="captions". Without it, a whole layer of information is lost.
Pass Patterns
A single captions track
The video links one caption file declared with kind="captions".
<video width="300" height="200" controls>
<source src="myVideo.mp4" type="video/mp4">
<track src="captions_en.vtt" kind="captions" srclang="en" label="English captions">
</video>Multiple caption languages
Two caption tracks let the viewer choose a language.
<video width="300" height="200" controls>
<source src="promo.mp4" type="video/mp4">
<track src="captions_en.vtt" kind="captions" srclang="en" label="English captions">
<track src="captions_es.vtt" kind="captions" srclang="es" label="Spanish captions">
</video>Fail Patterns
No captions track
The video has audio but provides no <track> element for captions.
<video width="300" height="200" controls>
<source src="productDemo.mp4" type="video/mp4">
</video>Track marked as subtitles
The <track> uses kind="subtitles", so it omits the sound-effect descriptions that captions provide.
<video controls>
<source src="lecture.mp4" type="video/mp4">
<track src="lecture_en.vtt" kind="subtitles" srclang="en">
</video>WCAG techniques
Sufficient techniques
- G93: Providing open (always visible) captions
- G87: Providing closed captions
- H95: Using the track element to provide captions
Failure techniques
- F8: Failure of Success Criterion 1.2.2 due to captions omitting some dialogue or important sound effects
- F75: Failure of Success Criterion 1.2.2 by providing synchronized media without captions when the synchronized media presents more information than is presented on the page
ACT Rules
Try It Yourself
Watching the video
- Load the page and start the video.
- Turn captions on using the video player's controls.
- Pause now and then to confirm captions appear in sync.
Expected results: The player exposes a captions track, and caption text appears in sync with the video.
Actual results: No captions track is available, so the audio has no text equivalent.
Inspecting the browser dev-tools
- Right-click the video and choose Inspect.
- Expand the
<video>element. - Look for a
<track>child withkind="captions".
Expected results: A track element with kind="captions" and a valid src is present.
Actual results: No track with kind="captions" exists, or the only track uses kind="subtitles".
FAQ
How does this issue relate to 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded)?
SC 1.2.2 requires captions for all prerecorded audio in synchronized media. A captions <track> provides that text alternative, so dialogue and important sounds are available as synchronized text.
Why is this issue marked as Critical?
Without captions, people who are deaf or hard of hearing miss dialogue, narrative cues, and sound effects, losing the core meaning of the content. The barrier affects every major browser and assistive technology, so it is rated critical.
Standards and Regulations
| Standard | Success Criterion | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| WCAG 2.2 | 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (A) | 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. |
| EN 301 549 | 9.1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) | Same as the WCAG text. |
| Section 508 | 1194.22(b) | Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation. |
| 508 Trusted Tester | 1.2.2-captions-equivalent, 17.A | The multimedia provides accurate captions for the audio content. |