Pause, stop or mute audio

Rule ID Audio 4
Definition Media content with audio that automatically starts playing when the page loads and lasts longer than 3 seconds must provide a means for the user able to stop, pause or mute the audio content.
Purpose
  • Audio content interferes with people using speech based assistive technologies like screen readers.
Mappings
  • HTML4 Legacy Techniques (Required)
  • HTML5 and ARIA Techniques (Required)
WCAG Success Criteria

1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A, Primary Success Criterion)

Rule Category Audio/Video
Scope Page
Target Resources Content that is used to auto play media that includes audio content
Techniques
  • Remove or disable the auto playing of media that includes audio content.
  • Provide a means to pause, stop or mute the audio content.
  • Use cookies to perserve the user peference of pausing, stopping or muting the audio content.
Manual Checks
  • Verify that there is no media content that plays automatically and includes audio content that lasts longer than 3 seconds. If the audio content lasts longer than 3 seconds, verify the user can pause, stop or mute the audio.
Informational Links