Video accessibility is critical to creating an inclusive online space. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on creating accessible videos, and it’s now considered a best practice for content creators.
To create accessible video content, creators must take several steps—and accessibility needs to be top of mind from the get-go. This means considering audio descriptions, captions, and transcripts. Even the video player used to display the content should be accessible, with features like keyboard navigation and adjustable playback speed.
There are several additional best practices to follow to ensure your online video content is accessible. These include providing clear and concise descriptions of visual information, using high contrast colors, and avoiding flashing or strobing effects that could trigger seizures. By following these best practices, content creators can ensure that their videos are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Understanding video accessibility
Video accessibility refers to the process of making video content accessible to anyone that has visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities. The goal of video accessibility is to ensure that everyone can access and understand the information presented in a video.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide standards for making web content, including video, accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines include recommendations for captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts for video content. The guidelines also recommend providing controls for users to adjust the volume, speed, and other settings of the video.
Importance of video accessibility
Video accessibility is important for several reasons. First, it ensures people with disabilities have equal access to information presented in videos. This is important for education, entertainment, and other purposes.
Second, video accessibility can improve the user experience for everyone. For example, captions can be helpful for people who are watching a video in a noisy environment or who have difficulty understanding spoken language. Audio descriptions can provide additional context for visual information in a video.
Finally, video accessibility is required by law in many countries, including the United States. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public accommodations, including websites, be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes video content.
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Creating accessible videos
Creating accessible videos is an essential aspect of ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal access to video content. Here are some best practices to consider when creating accessible videos.
Planning audio and video media
Before creating a video, it’s essential to carefully plan the audio and video media. This includes determining the message of the video, identifying the target audience, and selecting the appropriate language and tone. It’s also important to choose the right video format that’s compatible with assistive technologies and to ensure the video is high-quality.
Storyboarding
Storyboarding is an essential step in creating accessible videos. It involves creating a visual representation of the video’s content and structure. Storyboarding helps to identify any potential accessibility issues and ensures the video content is organized and easy to follow. It’s also important to include alternative text descriptions for any visual elements in the video.
Post-production
After creating the video, make it accessible to all audiences by adding captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts.
Captions provide a text version of the audio content and are essential for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Audio descriptions provide a narration of the visual content and are crucial for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Transcripts provide a written version of the video content and are useful for individuals who prefer to read the content.
Related: How to make an engaging unboxing video >
Accessible video best practices
Creating accessible videos is essential to ensure all individuals, including those with disabilities, can access and understand the content. Here are some best practices for creating accessible videos.
Captioning and subtitles
Captions and subtitles are essential for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They also benefit individuals who may not be able to listen to the audio, such as those in a noisy environment or those who do not speak the language. When creating captions and subtitles, consider the following:
- Use open captions instead of closed captions, as closed captions may not be supported by all media players.
- Ensure captions and subtitles are synchronized with the audio.
- Use a font that’s easy to read and has good contrast with the background.
- Use proper punctuation and grammar.
Audio description
Audio description is an additional audio track that describes the visual content of a video. It’s important for people who are blind or have low vision. When creating audio descriptions, consider the following:
- Describe the visual elements that are important to the understanding of the video.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Avoid interrupting the audio of the video.
Video description
Video description is similar to audio description, but it’s a separate video track that provides a description of the visual content. It’s essential for individuals who are blind or have low vision. When creating video descriptions, consider the following:
- Provide a description of the visual elements that are important to the understanding of the video.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Avoid interrupting the video's audio.
Accessible media player
Using an accessible media player ensures everyone can access the video content. When selecting a media player, consider the following:
- Choose a media player that supports accessibility features, such as captions and audio descriptions.
- Ensure the media player is compatible with different devices and browsers.
- Test the media player with different assistive technologies.
Color contrast and visual content
Color contrast and visual content are essential in ensuring that individuals with low vision can access the video content. When creating videos, consider the following:
- Use high contrast between the text and the background.
- Avoid using color as the only means of conveying information.
- Provide a description of visual information that is not conveyed through audio.
Accessibility features in video platforms
Video platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo offer various accessibility features to ensure that their videos are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
YouTube
YouTube is one of the most popular video platforms, and it offers several accessibility features to make videos more accessible.
One of the most important accessibility features on YouTube is closed captions. Closed captions provide a text-based version of the audio content in a video, allowing users who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand what is being said. YouTube also offers the option to add auto-generated captions, which can be edited for accuracy.
Another accessibility feature on YouTube is the ability to add audio descriptions. Audio descriptions provide a spoken narrative of the visual content in a video, allowing users who are blind or visually impaired to understand what is happening on the screen. YouTube also supports keyboard shortcuts to make it easier for users with mobility impairments to navigate the site.
Vimeo
Vimeo is another popular video platform that offers several accessibility features.
Like YouTube, Vimeo supports closed captions, and it also allows users to add audio descriptions. Vimeo also offers the ability to add subtitles in multiple languages, making videos more accessible to users who speak languages other than English.
In addition to closed captions and audio descriptions, Vimeo also offers a feature called “Video Privacy Settings.” This feature allows users to restrict who can view their videos, making it easier for users with disabilities to control their privacy and security online.
Compliance and legal aspects
When it comes to video accessibility, there are several compliance and legal aspects to keep in mind. The ADA is a piece of legislation protecting people with disabilities from discrimination when seeking employment and attempting to access goods and services. While the ADA doesn’t specifically address video accessibility, the WCAG provide a set of standards for accessibility that have three levels of compliance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA.
To ensure compliance with the ADA and WCAG, consider the following best practices:
- Provide closed captions: Closed captions are essential for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Captions should be accurate, synchronized with the video, and easy to read. Content creators should also ensure that captions are available in multiple languages, as needed.
- Use audio descriptions: Audio descriptions provide additional information about the visual content of the video for viewers who are blind or have low vision. Audio descriptions should be clear, concise, and synchronized with the video.
- Provide transcripts: Transcripts provide a text-based version of the video's audio content. This is useful for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as for viewers who prefer to read the content rather than watch the video.
- Ensure keyboard accessibility: Keyboard accessibility is essential for viewers who cannot use a mouse or other pointing device. Ensure all video controls can be accessed and activated using only the keyboard.
- Provide alternative formats: Some viewers may require alternative formats of the video, such as audio-only or text-only versions. Businesses should provide these alternative formats as needed.
In addition to the WCAG, there are also legal requirements for video accessibility. The Revised 508 Standards require federal agencies to ensure their electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities, including video content. Businesses working with federal agencies should ensure their videos also meet these requirements.
Accessibility for different audiences
Creating accessible videos is important to ensure everyone can enjoy and engage with the content. Different audiences have different needs, and it’s important to consider these needs when creating accessible videos. The following sub-sections discuss accessibility considerations for different audiences.
For the deaf and hard of hearing
For deaf and hard of hearing individuals, provide closed captions or subtitles for all spoken content in videos. Closed captions provide a text-based representation of the audio content, allowing individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand the spoken content. It’s also important to ensure the captions are accurate and synchronized with the audio.
In addition to captions, it’s recommended to provide a transcript of the video. This allows individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to read the entire content of the video. Providing a transcript also benefits individuals who may have difficulty understanding the spoken content due to language barriers or cognitive impairments.
For the blind and low vision
For blind and low vision individuals, provide audio descriptions of the visual content in videos. Audio descriptions provide a verbal description of the visual content, allowing individuals who are blind or have low vision to understand the visual content. It’s also important to make sure the audio descriptions are synchronized with the video.
In addition to audio descriptions, it’s recommended to provide a transcript of the video. This allows individuals who are blind or have low vision to understand the entire content of the video. Providing a transcript also benefits individuals who may have difficulty understanding the visual content due to language barriers or cognitive impairments.
For Non-English Speakers
For non-English speakers, provide subtitles or closed captions in the appropriate language. This allows shoppers who don’t speak the language of the video to understand the spoken content. You’ll also want to provide a transcript of the video in the appropriate language.
In addition to language considerations, it’s important to consider cultural differences when creating accessible videos. For example, certain gestures or symbols may have different meanings in different cultures. Make sure your video is culturally appropriate and doesn’t offend or exclude any specific cultural groups.
Improving accessibility with assistive technologies
Assistive technologies play a crucial role in improving the accessibility of videos for people with disabilities. These technologies are designed to help users with visual, auditory, or motor impairments to interact with digital content more easily. By incorporating assistive technologies into video production, you can ensure your videos are accessible to a wider audience.
One of the most commonly used assistive technologies is the keyboard. For people with motor impairments, using a mouse or trackpad can be challenging. By making sure all video controls can be accessed using the keyboard, you can ensure your videos will be accessible to people with disabilities.
Another important assistive technology is closed captions. Closed captions provide a text-based alternative to the audio in a video, making it accessible to people with hearing impairments. Always include closed captions and make sure they’re accurate and synchronized with the audio.
Audio descriptions are another important assistive technology. Audio descriptions provide a verbal description of the visual elements in a video, making it accessible to people with visual impairments. Always use clear and descriptive audio descriptions.
Screen readers can be used to provide a text-based alternative to the visual elements in a video, making it accessible to people with visual impairments. Similarly, alternative text can be used to provide a text-based alternative to images in a video, making it accessible to people with visual impairments.
SEO considerations for accessible videos
Video accessibility can have an impact on search engine optimization (SEO). By following best practices for both accessibility and SEO, you can reach as many people as possible.
One important consideration for SEO is the use of captions and transcripts. Search engines can't “watch” videos, so they rely on text-based content to understand what a video is about. Captions and transcripts provide this text-based content, making it easier for search engines to understand the content of a video and index it accordingly.
Also keep your descriptive titles and tags in mind. Just like with written content, descriptive titles and tags can help search engines understand what a video is about and how it relates to other content on the web. This can improve the visibility of a video in search results and increase the likelihood that it will be found by people who are interested in the topic.
Use a video hosting platform that’s optimized for SEO. Some video hosting platforms are better than others when it comes to SEO, so do some research and choose a platform that meets your needs.
Common errors and how to avoid them
When creating accessible videos, there are some common errors to avoid. These errors can prevent people with disabilities from accessing the content, which can be frustrating and exclusionary. Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them:
1. Not providing captions or transcripts
One of the most important things you can do to make your videos accessible is to provide captions or transcripts. Captions are a text version of the audio content, while transcripts are a written version of the entire video, including dialogue and sound effects.
Captions and transcripts allow people with hearing impairments to understand the content, and they can also be helpful for people who are watching the video in a noisy environment or who speak a different language.
2. Using inaccessible video players
Another common error is using video players that aren’t accessible. For example, some video players may not allow users to adjust the volume or turn on captions, or they may not work with assistive technology like screen readers.
To avoid this error, choose a video player that’s accessible and test it thoroughly to ensure it works with different types of assistive technology.
3. Using inaccessible visuals
Visuals are an important part of video content, but they can also be a barrier for people with visual impairments.
To make your visuals accessible, use high-contrast colors, avoid flashing or strobing effects, and provide alternative text descriptions for images and graphics. This will ensure people with visual impairments can understand the content and prevent the visuals from triggering seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.
4. Not testing for accessibility
Finally, one of the biggest errors is not testing your video content for accessibility. Test your videos with different types of assistive technology, such as screen readers and captioning software, to ensure they’re accessible to as many people as possible. You should also test your videos on different devices and with different internet speeds to ensure that they load quickly and work well for all users.
Moving forward with your accessible content
Creating accessible videos is an important aspect of making content available to a wider audience. By following best practices and guidelines, you can ensure your videos are accessible to people with various disabilities.
Some of the key best practices for creating accessible videos include providing closed captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts. These features help individuals with hearing or visual impairments to access video content. Additionally, ensuring videos have clear audio and video quality can also help individuals with hearing or visual impairments to understand the content.
Another important consideration for creating accessible videos is ensuring the videos are compatible with assistive technology. This can include using descriptive links and headings, providing alternative text for images, and making sure the video player is keyboard accessible.
Overall, creating accessible videos requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following best practices and guidelines, content creators can ensure that their videos are accessible to a wider audience, including individuals with disabilities.
Video accessibility FAQs
How can you ensure video accessibility?
Add captions and transcripts for audio content, use descriptive audio for visual content, provide alternative text for images, and ensure the video player is accessible. It’s also important to test the video for accessibility and usability.
What are some common accessibility issues in videos?
Some common accessibility issues in videos include lack of captions or transcripts, poor audio quality, fast-paced or flashing visuals, and insufficient contrast between foreground and background. These issues can make it difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to access the content.
What should be considered when creating accessible video content?
When creating accessible video content, consider the needs of people with disabilities. This includes providing captions and transcripts for audio content, using descriptive audio for visual content, providing alternative text for images, ensuring the video player is accessible, and testing the video for accessibility and usability. Also consider the context in which the video will be viewed, such as the device and environment.
What's the best way to present an accessible video?
The best way to present an accessible video is to provide multiple ways for people to access the content. This includes providing captions and transcripts for audio content, using descriptive audio for visual content, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring that the video player is accessible. It is also important to test the video for accessibility and usability.
How do you make a video ADA compliant?
To make a video ADA compliant, it is important to follow the guidelines and best practices for accessibility. This includes adding captions and transcripts for audio content, using descriptive audio for visual content, providing alternative text for images, ensuring that the video player is accessible, and testing the video for accessibility and usability. It is also important to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant laws and regulations.
What are the criteria for creating accessible videos?
The criteria for creating accessible videos include providing captions and transcripts for audio content, using descriptive audio for visual content, providing alternative text for images, ensuring that the video player is accessible, and testing the video for accessibility and usability. It is also important to comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Video accessibility is critical to creating an inclusive online space. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on creating accessible videos, and it’s now considered a best practice for content creators.
To create accessible video content, creators must take several steps—and accessibility needs to be top of mind from the get-go. This means considering audio descriptions, captions, and transcripts. Even the video player used to display the content should be accessible, with features like keyboard navigation and adjustable playback speed.
There are several additional best practices to follow to ensure your online video content is accessible. These include providing clear and concise descriptions of visual information, using high contrast colors, and avoiding flashing or strobing effects that could trigger seizures. By following these best practices, content creators can ensure that their videos are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Understanding video accessibility
Video accessibility refers to the process of making video content accessible to anyone that has visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities. The goal of video accessibility is to ensure that everyone can access and understand the information presented in a video.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide standards for making web content, including video, accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines include recommendations for captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts for video content. The guidelines also recommend providing controls for users to adjust the volume, speed, and other settings of the video.
Importance of video accessibility
Video accessibility is important for several reasons. First, it ensures people with disabilities have equal access to information presented in videos. This is important for education, entertainment, and other purposes.
Second, video accessibility can improve the user experience for everyone. For example, captions can be helpful for people who are watching a video in a noisy environment or who have difficulty understanding spoken language. Audio descriptions can provide additional context for visual information in a video.
Finally, video accessibility is required by law in many countries, including the United States. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public accommodations, including websites, be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes video content.
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Creating accessible videos
Creating accessible videos is an essential aspect of ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal access to video content. Here are some best practices to consider when creating accessible videos.
Planning audio and video media
Before creating a video, it’s essential to carefully plan the audio and video media. This includes determining the message of the video, identifying the target audience, and selecting the appropriate language and tone. It’s also important to choose the right video format that’s compatible with assistive technologies and to ensure the video is high-quality.
Storyboarding
Storyboarding is an essential step in creating accessible videos. It involves creating a visual representation of the video’s content and structure. Storyboarding helps to identify any potential accessibility issues and ensures the video content is organized and easy to follow. It’s also important to include alternative text descriptions for any visual elements in the video.
Post-production
After creating the video, make it accessible to all audiences by adding captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts.
Captions provide a text version of the audio content and are essential for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Audio descriptions provide a narration of the visual content and are crucial for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Transcripts provide a written version of the video content and are useful for individuals who prefer to read the content.
Related: How to make an engaging unboxing video >
Accessible video best practices
Creating accessible videos is essential to ensure all individuals, including those with disabilities, can access and understand the content. Here are some best practices for creating accessible videos.
Captioning and subtitles
Captions and subtitles are essential for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They also benefit individuals who may not be able to listen to the audio, such as those in a noisy environment or those who do not speak the language. When creating captions and subtitles, consider the following:
- Use open captions instead of closed captions, as closed captions may not be supported by all media players.
- Ensure captions and subtitles are synchronized with the audio.
- Use a font that’s easy to read and has good contrast with the background.
- Use proper punctuation and grammar.
Audio description
Audio description is an additional audio track that describes the visual content of a video. It’s important for people who are blind or have low vision. When creating audio descriptions, consider the following:
- Describe the visual elements that are important to the understanding of the video.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Avoid interrupting the audio of the video.
Video description
Video description is similar to audio description, but it’s a separate video track that provides a description of the visual content. It’s essential for individuals who are blind or have low vision. When creating video descriptions, consider the following:
- Provide a description of the visual elements that are important to the understanding of the video.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Avoid interrupting the video's audio.
Accessible media player
Using an accessible media player ensures everyone can access the video content. When selecting a media player, consider the following:
- Choose a media player that supports accessibility features, such as captions and audio descriptions.
- Ensure the media player is compatible with different devices and browsers.
- Test the media player with different assistive technologies.
Color contrast and visual content
Color contrast and visual content are essential in ensuring that individuals with low vision can access the video content. When creating videos, consider the following:
- Use high contrast between the text and the background.
- Avoid using color as the only means of conveying information.
- Provide a description of visual information that is not conveyed through audio.
Accessibility features in video platforms
Video platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo offer various accessibility features to ensure that their videos are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
YouTube
YouTube is one of the most popular video platforms, and it offers several accessibility features to make videos more accessible.
One of the most important accessibility features on YouTube is closed captions. Closed captions provide a text-based version of the audio content in a video, allowing users who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand what is being said. YouTube also offers the option to add auto-generated captions, which can be edited for accuracy.
Another accessibility feature on YouTube is the ability to add audio descriptions. Audio descriptions provide a spoken narrative of the visual content in a video, allowing users who are blind or visually impaired to understand what is happening on the screen. YouTube also supports keyboard shortcuts to make it easier for users with mobility impairments to navigate the site.
Vimeo
Vimeo is another popular video platform that offers several accessibility features.
Like YouTube, Vimeo supports closed captions, and it also allows users to add audio descriptions. Vimeo also offers the ability to add subtitles in multiple languages, making videos more accessible to users who speak languages other than English.
In addition to closed captions and audio descriptions, Vimeo also offers a feature called “Video Privacy Settings.” This feature allows users to restrict who can view their videos, making it easier for users with disabilities to control their privacy and security online.
Compliance and legal aspects
When it comes to video accessibility, there are several compliance and legal aspects to keep in mind. The ADA is a piece of legislation protecting people with disabilities from discrimination when seeking employment and attempting to access goods and services. While the ADA doesn’t specifically address video accessibility, the WCAG provide a set of standards for accessibility that have three levels of compliance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA.
To ensure compliance with the ADA and WCAG, consider the following best practices:
- Provide closed captions: Closed captions are essential for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Captions should be accurate, synchronized with the video, and easy to read. Content creators should also ensure that captions are available in multiple languages, as needed.
- Use audio descriptions: Audio descriptions provide additional information about the visual content of the video for viewers who are blind or have low vision. Audio descriptions should be clear, concise, and synchronized with the video.
- Provide transcripts: Transcripts provide a text-based version of the video's audio content. This is useful for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as for viewers who prefer to read the content rather than watch the video.
- Ensure keyboard accessibility: Keyboard accessibility is essential for viewers who cannot use a mouse or other pointing device. Ensure all video controls can be accessed and activated using only the keyboard.
- Provide alternative formats: Some viewers may require alternative formats of the video, such as audio-only or text-only versions. Businesses should provide these alternative formats as needed.
In addition to the WCAG, there are also legal requirements for video accessibility. The Revised 508 Standards require federal agencies to ensure their electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities, including video content. Businesses working with federal agencies should ensure their videos also meet these requirements.
Accessibility for different audiences
Creating accessible videos is important to ensure everyone can enjoy and engage with the content. Different audiences have different needs, and it’s important to consider these needs when creating accessible videos. The following sub-sections discuss accessibility considerations for different audiences.
For the deaf and hard of hearing
For deaf and hard of hearing individuals, provide closed captions or subtitles for all spoken content in videos. Closed captions provide a text-based representation of the audio content, allowing individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand the spoken content. It’s also important to ensure the captions are accurate and synchronized with the audio.
In addition to captions, it’s recommended to provide a transcript of the video. This allows individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to read the entire content of the video. Providing a transcript also benefits individuals who may have difficulty understanding the spoken content due to language barriers or cognitive impairments.
For the blind and low vision
For blind and low vision individuals, provide audio descriptions of the visual content in videos. Audio descriptions provide a verbal description of the visual content, allowing individuals who are blind or have low vision to understand the visual content. It’s also important to make sure the audio descriptions are synchronized with the video.
In addition to audio descriptions, it’s recommended to provide a transcript of the video. This allows individuals who are blind or have low vision to understand the entire content of the video. Providing a transcript also benefits individuals who may have difficulty understanding the visual content due to language barriers or cognitive impairments.
For Non-English Speakers
For non-English speakers, provide subtitles or closed captions in the appropriate language. This allows shoppers who don’t speak the language of the video to understand the spoken content. You’ll also want to provide a transcript of the video in the appropriate language.
In addition to language considerations, it’s important to consider cultural differences when creating accessible videos. For example, certain gestures or symbols may have different meanings in different cultures. Make sure your video is culturally appropriate and doesn’t offend or exclude any specific cultural groups.
Improving accessibility with assistive technologies
Assistive technologies play a crucial role in improving the accessibility of videos for people with disabilities. These technologies are designed to help users with visual, auditory, or motor impairments to interact with digital content more easily. By incorporating assistive technologies into video production, you can ensure your videos are accessible to a wider audience.
One of the most commonly used assistive technologies is the keyboard. For people with motor impairments, using a mouse or trackpad can be challenging. By making sure all video controls can be accessed using the keyboard, you can ensure your videos will be accessible to people with disabilities.
Another important assistive technology is closed captions. Closed captions provide a text-based alternative to the audio in a video, making it accessible to people with hearing impairments. Always include closed captions and make sure they’re accurate and synchronized with the audio.
Audio descriptions are another important assistive technology. Audio descriptions provide a verbal description of the visual elements in a video, making it accessible to people with visual impairments. Always use clear and descriptive audio descriptions.
Screen readers can be used to provide a text-based alternative to the visual elements in a video, making it accessible to people with visual impairments. Similarly, alternative text can be used to provide a text-based alternative to images in a video, making it accessible to people with visual impairments.
SEO considerations for accessible videos
Video accessibility can have an impact on search engine optimization (SEO). By following best practices for both accessibility and SEO, you can reach as many people as possible.
One important consideration for SEO is the use of captions and transcripts. Search engines can't “watch” videos, so they rely on text-based content to understand what a video is about. Captions and transcripts provide this text-based content, making it easier for search engines to understand the content of a video and index it accordingly.
Also keep your descriptive titles and tags in mind. Just like with written content, descriptive titles and tags can help search engines understand what a video is about and how it relates to other content on the web. This can improve the visibility of a video in search results and increase the likelihood that it will be found by people who are interested in the topic.
Use a video hosting platform that’s optimized for SEO. Some video hosting platforms are better than others when it comes to SEO, so do some research and choose a platform that meets your needs.
Common errors and how to avoid them
When creating accessible videos, there are some common errors to avoid. These errors can prevent people with disabilities from accessing the content, which can be frustrating and exclusionary. Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them:
1. Not providing captions or transcripts
One of the most important things you can do to make your videos accessible is to provide captions or transcripts. Captions are a text version of the audio content, while transcripts are a written version of the entire video, including dialogue and sound effects.
Captions and transcripts allow people with hearing impairments to understand the content, and they can also be helpful for people who are watching the video in a noisy environment or who speak a different language.
2. Using inaccessible video players
Another common error is using video players that aren’t accessible. For example, some video players may not allow users to adjust the volume or turn on captions, or they may not work with assistive technology like screen readers.
To avoid this error, choose a video player that’s accessible and test it thoroughly to ensure it works with different types of assistive technology.
3. Using inaccessible visuals
Visuals are an important part of video content, but they can also be a barrier for people with visual impairments.
To make your visuals accessible, use high-contrast colors, avoid flashing or strobing effects, and provide alternative text descriptions for images and graphics. This will ensure people with visual impairments can understand the content and prevent the visuals from triggering seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.
4. Not testing for accessibility
Finally, one of the biggest errors is not testing your video content for accessibility. Test your videos with different types of assistive technology, such as screen readers and captioning software, to ensure they’re accessible to as many people as possible. You should also test your videos on different devices and with different internet speeds to ensure that they load quickly and work well for all users.
Moving forward with your accessible content
Creating accessible videos is an important aspect of making content available to a wider audience. By following best practices and guidelines, you can ensure your videos are accessible to people with various disabilities.
Some of the key best practices for creating accessible videos include providing closed captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts. These features help individuals with hearing or visual impairments to access video content. Additionally, ensuring videos have clear audio and video quality can also help individuals with hearing or visual impairments to understand the content.
Another important consideration for creating accessible videos is ensuring the videos are compatible with assistive technology. This can include using descriptive links and headings, providing alternative text for images, and making sure the video player is keyboard accessible.
Overall, creating accessible videos requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following best practices and guidelines, content creators can ensure that their videos are accessible to a wider audience, including individuals with disabilities.
Video accessibility FAQs
How can you ensure video accessibility?
Add captions and transcripts for audio content, use descriptive audio for visual content, provide alternative text for images, and ensure the video player is accessible. It’s also important to test the video for accessibility and usability.
What are some common accessibility issues in videos?
Some common accessibility issues in videos include lack of captions or transcripts, poor audio quality, fast-paced or flashing visuals, and insufficient contrast between foreground and background. These issues can make it difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to access the content.
What should be considered when creating accessible video content?
When creating accessible video content, consider the needs of people with disabilities. This includes providing captions and transcripts for audio content, using descriptive audio for visual content, providing alternative text for images, ensuring the video player is accessible, and testing the video for accessibility and usability. Also consider the context in which the video will be viewed, such as the device and environment.
What's the best way to present an accessible video?
The best way to present an accessible video is to provide multiple ways for people to access the content. This includes providing captions and transcripts for audio content, using descriptive audio for visual content, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring that the video player is accessible. It is also important to test the video for accessibility and usability.
How do you make a video ADA compliant?
To make a video ADA compliant, it is important to follow the guidelines and best practices for accessibility. This includes adding captions and transcripts for audio content, using descriptive audio for visual content, providing alternative text for images, ensuring that the video player is accessible, and testing the video for accessibility and usability. It is also important to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant laws and regulations.
What are the criteria for creating accessible videos?
The criteria for creating accessible videos include providing captions and transcripts for audio content, using descriptive audio for visual content, providing alternative text for images, ensuring that the video player is accessible, and testing the video for accessibility and usability. It is also important to comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
