How do I provide captions or a transcript for an audio recording?

For prerecorded audio-only content, provide a transcript as the text alternative. Make it easy to find from the recording—for example, place a clearly labeled transcript link immediately after the audio player, with the transcript on the same page or at the linked destination. [S1]

For a conversation or podcast, identify speakers by name or a clear label, and include relevant information needed to convey the content. [S1] The guidance differs for video, where important visual information may also need to be conveyed, and requirements vary depending on the media and whether it is live or prerecorded. [S1] This example focuses on prerecorded audio-only content; it does not establish the requirements for every media type or situation.

Keep the recording and its text alternative together in a clearly labeled section. Place the transcript link directly after the audio player, then either show the transcript below or link to a transcript section on the same page. WAI gives placing the link immediately after the clip as an example. [S1]

Here is a page pattern. Replace the placeholders with your recording details and transcript. This version assumes the transcript is included further down the same page.

<h2>Recording: [descriptive recording title]</h2>
<audio controls>
  <source src="[recording-file]" type="audio/mpeg">
</audio>
<p><a href="#transcript">Read the transcript</a></p>

<section id="transcript">
  <h3>Transcript: [descriptive recording title]</h3>
  <p><strong>Host:</strong> [spoken words]</p>
  <p><strong>Guest:</strong> [spoken words]</p>
</section>

If the transcript is in a separate page or document, label the link plainly—for example, “Read the transcript for [recording title]”—so readers can tell which recording it belongs to.

Use a clear heading and separate paragraphs for the speakers. For a podcast, WAI describes text paragraphs with speaker names as an option. [S1] A simple format might look like this:

Transcript: [recording title]

Host: [Opening words.] Guest: [Response.] Host: [Next question or transition.] Guest: [Response.]

Include relevant information needed to convey the recording’s content. [S1] As a practical editorial step, compare your text with the recording before publishing, so you can catch missing or misplaced words. The cited guidance does not prescribe one exact transcript layout or review method, so adapt the formatting to the recording and your readers.

Do not assume that the audio-only example covers those cases. WAI distinguishes audio-only transcripts from video transcripts, which may need important visual information as well; it also notes that requirements vary by media type and by whether content is prerecorded or live. [S1]

For video, consider what meaningful visual information would be missing from a text version and consult guidance suited to that media. For live content, check the requirements that apply to your setting rather than treating a prerecorded transcript as a complete answer. The guidance establishes these distinctions but does not settle every format-specific requirement.