In the ever-changing world of the Internet, videos are becoming a bigger and bigger part of how people get their information. Cisco predicts that by 2020, 82% of internet traffic will be video. However, with the rise of videos also comes the increase in the need for web accessibility and the two must intertwine together.  Audio Transcripts are a vital component of website accessibility. To comply with WCAG 2.0 AA guidelines, all videos must have an accessible transcript. Transcripts permit individuals that cannot access content from video or audio the ability to read a text version of everything that happens in the video. Where many individuals fail is in the content of the transcript. Many individuals believe that transcripts are the words spoken in a video verbatim. However, it is much more than that. Listed below are several tips on how to make your transcripts more accessible.  

Setting  

Other than the spoken word, transcripts must include the setting of the video. For example, if someone is sitting in an office talking in the video then the transcript must incorporate those details. It must tell the user that the person talking in the video is in an office sitting in a chair. Whenever there is a change in the setting, such as a different person speaking, it is necessary to include this variance in the transcript.  

Navigation 

Transcripts are also held to the same accessibility standard as any other web page. The transcript should have all lists, headings, and links marked appropriately so it can be easily navigated from accessibility software.  

Sounds 

If there are any sounds in the video, it is necessary to include them in the transcript. For example, if the setting for a video is set in a forest, the transcript must include any background noise in the video such as birds calling or leaves crunching.  

Text  

If there is any text in the video, it must be in the transcript. For example, should a phone number be displayed on the screen in the video, that phone number must be in the transcript.  

Pauses 

When there is a conversation in a video, there are natural pauses in a conversation. Transcripts must also include these breaks in audio. However, make sure not to indicate this by the popular ellipses “…”. Indicate the pauses by a “[pause]” inserted between the words where the pause takes place.  

These are just a couple tips to get you started on creating an accessible transcript. Contact us today to see if your transcripts are accessible.