Pause, stop or mute autoplaying audio

• Control Mechanism: If audio plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, provide a control mechanism to pause or stop the audio.

• Volume Control: Alternatively, provide a way to adjust the audio volume independently from the system volume.

• Good: A video on a website includes a visible play/pause button and volume slider, allowing users to control the audio.

• Good: Background music on a webpage has a mute button or volume control, enabling users to turn it off or adjust its volume without affecting other system sounds.

• Bad: A webpage automatically plays background music without any controls to pause or stop it, causing distractions and interfering with screen readers.

• Short Audio: Audio that plays for less than 3 seconds and does not disrupt the user’s experience may not require a control mechanism.

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• Ensure that audio controls are easy to find and use, and are clearly labeled.

• Provide visual indicators for audio controls to make them accessible to all users.

• Avoid auto-playing audio unless it is essential for the content, and always provide controls for the user to manage it.

1. Functionality Check: Verify that any audio playing automatically for more than 3 seconds includes controls to pause, stop, or adjust the volume.

2. Volume Control Test: Test that the audio volume can be controlled independently from the system volume, if applicable.

3. User Feedback: Obtain feedback from users to ensure that audio controls are accessible and functional, and that they do not interfere with the user experience.

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