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( Perceivable / WCAG 1.4.2 )

Page auto-plays audio or video with sound

This check maps to Audio Control. Use the guidance below to confirm the issue, understand who it affects and ship a fix.

Serious Level A WCAG 1.4.2 — Audio Control

What’s wrong

A <video> or <audio> element starts playing automatically with sound and no immediately accessible control to stop it.

Why it matters

Auto-playing audio interferes with screen readers — the user hears page audio mixed with the screen reader’s voice, making both unintelligible. It is also startling and disruptive for anyone in a quiet environment.

How to fix it

Either disable autoplay entirely, or use muted for background videos.

Before
<video autoplay src="/promo.mp4"></video>
<audio autoplay src="/background.mp3"></audio>
After
<!-- Background video: muted is acceptable -->
<video autoplay muted loop playsinline src="/bg.mp4"></video>

<!-- Promo video: let user choose to play -->
<video controls src="/promo.mp4"></video>

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