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The WCAG Primer is intended for use by the UK cross government accessibility community.

1.4.2 Audio Control (A)

Understanding 1.4.2 Audio Control (A)

When audio or video plays automatically on a page, it should last for less than three seconds or there must be a way to pause/stop it. This ensures that people who listen to content with a screen reader can do so without it being drowned out by the audio/video.

Requirements / What to do?

  • Audio or video content that plays automatically lasts for three seconds or less;
  • Audio or video that plays automatically and lasts for more than three seconds, can be paused and/or stopped.

Common mistakes

  • Audio or video plays automatically for more than three seconds, but cannot be paused or stopped by the user.

Useful resources

  • TBC