Adding Summaries to Transcripts
Adding Summaries to Transcripts records a distinct source-supported writing task while keeping implementation mechanics, unsupported preferences, and adjacent intents outside the page.
A transcript may include a short summary when that extra orientation will help readers understand or navigate the media content.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
W3C presents a summary as an optional enhancement, so this page does not treat it as a requirement for every transcript.
Further guidance
Content
Write a concise overview of the media’s main subject or purpose without replacing the transcript itself.
Practical Application
Use a short summary before or near the transcript when readers benefit from orientation to the topic, speakers, or major sections; keep it clearly separate from the verbatim or edited transcript text.
Purpose
A summary can help readers decide where to focus before reading a long transcript.
Reader Check
Does the summary help a reader decide what the media covers without pretending to replace the transcript?
Worked Example
Before a long interview transcript, add two sentences naming the interview topic and the major subjects discussed, then preserve the full speaker-labeled transcript below.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Transcripts — W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (opens in a new tab)W3C Web Accessibility Initiative · W3C WAI guidance on descriptive transcripts, transcript structure, navigation, clarifications, speaker presentation, and selective timestamps.