Accessible Video Transcripts

An accessible transcript gives people a way to obtain video information without relying on sound or on the video display. It identifies speakers when needed, includes important non-speech sounds, and describes visual information that conveys meaning but is not apparent from the dialogue. Someone using a screen reader can navigate and read a well-structured HTML transcript independently of playback.

Captions and transcripts are related, but they serve different use patterns. Captions are synchronized with the video; a transcript is available as readable text. Exported captions can provide a starting point, but copying timestamps and dialogue alone may leave out an on-screen price chart or a demonstration that makes the message understandable. W3C distinguishes WCAG obligations by media type and conformance level; not every video needs the same combination of captions, audio description and transcript.

A useful workflow is to correct automated transcription, identify speakers, add necessary visual details, use headings for long recordings and link the transcript near the player. Accessibility should be tested with people and assistive technologies where possible.