Using Timestamps Selectively in Transcripts
Using Timestamps Selectively in Transcripts records a distinct W3C-supported accessibility writing task while keeping implementation mechanics and unsupported house-style rules outside the guidance.
Include timestamps in a transcript only when they are useful; they usually do not need caption-level granularity or end times.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
W3C presents timestamps as an optional usefulness feature, so do not force them into every transcript.
Further guidance
Content
Add time markers where they help readers locate material in the media, and omit dense timing data when it would mainly create clutter.
Purpose
Selective timestamps preserve navigation value without turning the transcript into a caption-file display.
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.