Writing & StyleStyle guide

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.

Quick answer

A transcript may include a short summary when that extra orientation will help readers understand or navigate the media content.

Key details

Core IssueA transcript may include a short summary when that extra orientation will help readers understand or navigate the media content.
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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.

Purpose

A summary can help readers decide where to focus before reading a long transcript.

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.

  1. 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.

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