Why this matters
If learning is delivered through audio with no visual alternative, a deaf learner has nothing to go on. Transcripts also help non-native speakers who read better than they listen, people in quiet environments who cannot use speakers, and anyone who wants to search or copy the content. WCAG 1.2.1 requires a text transcript for every pre-recorded audio-only file.
Storyline 360 example
A Storyline course has a slide with a voiceover recording and no on-screen text. There is no transcript anywhere in the course. A deaf learner reaches this slide and has no way to know what was said.
Rise 360 example
A Rise lesson uses an Audio block with a recorded interview. No transcript text is provided below or alongside the player.
How to fix it
- 1Write a full text transcript for every audio-only recording in your course
- 2Include speaker names if more than one person is talking
- 3Place the transcript near the audio player — directly below it is ideal
- 4Keep transcripts updated whenever the audio changes
- 5For video content, you need captions — and can optionally add a transcript too
Fix in Storyline 360
- 1Add a scrolling text panel on any slide that relies on audio narration
- 2Use the Notes panel to include a transcript — it is accessible in compliant output
- 3Add a dedicated transcript slide immediately after audio-heavy slides
- 4Export slide notes as a document learners can download
Fix in Rise 360
- 1Add a Text block directly below every Audio block
- 2Paste the full transcript into the block
- 3Use an Accordion block if you want to keep the layout tidy — label it clearly as Transcript
- 4Never bury a transcript somewhere learners would not think to look
Common questions
Is a transcript enough for audio-only content?
Yes — for audio-only files (no video), a text transcript satisfies WCAG 1.2.1 Level A. For video with audio, you also need synchronised captions under WCAG 1.2.2.
Where should I put transcripts in Storyline?
Common approaches: a scrolling panel on the same slide, the Notes area (visible in accessible output), a dedicated transcript slide immediately after, or a downloadable document linked from the course.
Do I still need a transcript if I have captions?
Captions satisfy WCAG 1.2.2 for video. A separate transcript is not required — but it is still useful. Transcripts are searchable, downloadable, and work for people who want to read at their own pace without playing the video.
How accurate does a transcript need to be?
Completely accurate — every word, every speaker. Unlike captions, you do not need timestamps. But you should note relevant non-speech audio (for example: [alarm sounds]) and identify speakers in multi-person recordings.
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