Level ASince WCAG 2.0
1.4.2 Audio Control
Guideline 1.4: Distinguishable – Content is easy to see and hear: contrast, size, spacing.
What does the rule require?
Sound that starts by itself and plays for more than 3 seconds can be paused or turned down. Otherwise it drowns out the screen reader.
How to get it right
Best: never autoplay sound. If you must, provide a clearly visible pause button at the very start of the page.
Who benefits most?
- Blind people
- People with cognitive disabilities
Official wording
This page explains the rule in simple words. Only the original W3C text is normative.
- “Understanding Audio Control” at W3C (external site)
- Techniques in the WCAG Quick Reference (external site)