1.4.2 – Audio Control (Level A)

Don’t play audio automatically.

Introduction

Automatically playing sounds can distract and disorientate users, especially those with cognitive impairment or relying on a screen reader.

How to Pass

Don’t have any audio that plays automatically.

Exceptions

Although you can technically pass this guideline by adding a pause, mute or stop function to automatic audio, that’s a bad idea. You don’t want users searching around your website for the audio control.

There’s a further exception on audio that plays for less than three seconds. Ignore this too. Three seconds of audio can still distract users, especially those who have problems maintaining focus.

Tips

Don’t be afraid to use audio! It can be great on a website, just let users choose when to play it.

See Also

• 1.4.7 – Low or No Background Audio
• Understanding Success Criterion 1.4.2 (W3C)