Time and media · WCAG 2.0 Level A
<video> or <audio> elements must not play automatically
Ensure <video> or <audio> elements do not autoplay audio for more than 3 seconds without a control mechanism to stop or mute the audio.
What it means
The no-autoplay-audio rule flags elements that fail this check. It maps to WCAG success criterion 1.4.2.
Who it affects
Deaf and hard-of-hearing users, screen reader users, and people distracted by motion or sound.
How to fix it
Do not autoplay audio longer than 3 seconds, or provide a control to stop it.
<video src="promo.mp4" muted autoplay controls></video>Check it on your site
Run a free scan. If this rule fails, the results list the affected elements. Deque, which maintains axe-core, also documents this rule in detail: Deque University: no-autoplay-audio.
Quick answers
What does the axe rule "no-autoplay-audio" check?
Ensure <video> or <audio> elements do not autoplay audio for more than 3 seconds without a control mechanism to stop or mute the audio.
How do I fix "<video> or <audio> elements must not play automatically"?
Do not autoplay audio longer than 3 seconds, or provide a control to stop it.
Who is affected by no-autoplay-audio failures?
Deaf and hard-of-hearing users, screen reader users, and people distracted by motion or sound.
Automated accessibility scan. Results are informational and may not identify every accessibility issue. This service is not legal advice, a compliance certification, or a substitute for comprehensive manual accessibility testing.