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Audio & Video

 

Creating Universal Audio, Video, and Multimedia Content

When using audio, video, and/or multimedia files, that include sound a text alternative, such as captions and/or a transcript should be provided.

What is a caption?

Closed captioning involves taking audio content/media, transcribing it to text, and synchronizing the text to the media so that it can be viewed simultaneously, as words are spoken, music is playing, and sounds are heard; closed captions communicate all audio information, including speaker identification. Closed captions typically appear over the video, yet can be turned on or off, so they are readily accessible when needed. They are essential for providing access to audio content for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  • Sometimes called “subtitles,” captions are the textual representation of a video's soundtrack; subtitles, however, only include what is being said and do not include information about background activity.
  • Captions are time coded text to coincide with video.
  • Open captions are burned into the video, whereas closed captions can be turned on and off. Real-time captioning is performed by stenographers who transcribe live.
  • Captions provide access to content and benefit:
    • Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing;
    • Individuals who are not fluent in the language spoken;
    • Individuals with learning disabilities; and
    • Individuals when sound is not an option, unavailable, or inaudible.
  • Captions also can be indexed for searching (video).

What is a transcript?

Transcripts are text documents that are not timed to media, but can be broken into small chunks and synchronized with media. They are not an appropriate substitute for closed captions; only captions when synchronized with visuals create a congruent message and provide full access. Providing only a transcript is not equivalent access as it requires the individual to either read the transcript or watch the video; this cannot be done simultaneously.

  • Transcripts are written, printed, or typed copy, usually of dictated or recorded material.
  • Transcripts include what was said; they are easily created from an original script adding descriptions of any background activity that is critical to the viewer/listener.
  • Note: when a transcript is provided to accompany video, it can be difficult to watch and read simultaneously, therefore, some may choose to review solely the transcript.

Captioning in YouTube

Captioning Tools

 

See also:

 

Additional Resources

 

Adapted from Best Practices in Online Content Accessibility: Audio, Video, and Multimedia by Xavier University's Instructional Design and Digital Media Department. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommerical-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. Creative Commons Icon