Do not autoplay audio
Accessibility isn’t only about avoiding violations — it’s about ensuring your product can be used confidently by everyone. This guide explains the principle of this rule, shows what goes wrong in real-world code, and provides a verified fix that meets WCAG and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
Why this matters and how to fix it
Why this matters
Auto‑playing audio interferes with screen reader output and concentration, making pages unusable for many users.
How to fix this issue
Do not autoplay audio longer than 3 seconds. Provide clear Play/Pause controls. If autoplay is required, keep it under 3 seconds and offer an immediate way to stop.
Developer guidance
Block autoplay by default in media components. Add E2E tests that fail on unexpected audio playback.
Code examples
Incorrect Implementation
<audio autoplay src="intro.mp3"></audio>Correct Implementation
<audio controls src="intro.mp3"></audio>
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