Updated 7 October 2026
Audio can be useful for a demonstration, interview or performance. Let visitors start it themselves and provide another way to get the information.
Keep the page quiet on arrival
Unexpected sound can interrupt someone at work or make a page difficult to use. Avoid automatically playing background music. Give audio a clear purpose and visible controls rather than making it part of the atmosphere.
Provide equivalent information
Add captions for relevant video and a transcript or text explanation for audio content. Ensure the controls can be used with a keyboard. Do not make sound the only way to understand a message or warning.
Check rights and performance
Use audio you have permission to publish. Consider file size and load only what the visitor needs. Test the experience on a phone and with a slow connection. Browser autoplay behaviour varies, so a design should not depend on sound starting automatically.
Your next move
Review the page with sound muted. If essential information disappears, provide a text or visual equivalent. ITG can help integrate media without getting in the visitor’s way.
About the Author
Tina Kempling, the Lean Green Team Leader at Imagine That with over 35 years of experience in the print industry, newspaper and magazine advertising.
As an industry-certified designer since 1991, Tina knows her stuff when it comes to marketing vision. But what sets her apart is her understanding of advertising and marketing in today’s digital and print market. She can help companies tap into the incredible marketing power in new and creative ways. Ready to take your marketing game to the next level? Give Tina a shout!