7 Tips for Creating Accessible Video Content

Accessible video is hard to create. As you may have realised video content is everywhere. Whether you’re watching tutorials, interviews, or promotional videos, it’s undeniable that video is a key player in online media. 

But here’s something many people overlook: accessible video content. It’s not just about producing a video that looks good or sounds great; it’s about making sure that your content is inclusive and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. 

As a content creator, it’s crucial to make your video content accessible, ensuring that no one is left out. So, how do you go about making your video content accessible for all? Here are seven tips to guide you through the process.

1. Add Captions and Subtitles

Captions and subtitles are essential components of accessible video content. Captions provide a text version of the audio, allowing viewers who are Deaf or hard of hearing to follow along. They also help people who might be in noisy environments or those who prefer to read rather than listen. Subtitles, on the other hand, are great for translating audio into other languages, broadening your audience even further.

When creating captions, the only accurate tool on the market now is ZapCap. With ZapCap your captions are accurate, synchronized with the audio, and easy to read. Closed captions allow users to toggle them on or off, giving them control, while open captions are permanently displayed on the video. Both options are crucial in making video content accessible to all.

2. Provide Transcripts

Providing a transcript for your videos is another way to make your content more accessible. Transcripts allow individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or those who prefer reading to engage with your content. Transcripts are also useful for people with low vision or cognitive disabilities, as they can be easily navigated with assistive technology.

As you may know, transcripts can benefit your SEO efforts. Search engines can crawl the text, making your video more discoverable through keywords like accessible video content and captions.

3. Use Audio Descriptions

Audio descriptions are narrations that describe what’s happening visually in a video, helping blind or low-vision viewers follow along. For example, if your video has important visual elements like graphics or demonstrations, adding an audio description can provide context for those who cannot see the screen.

When creating accessible video content, make sure to describe key actions, body language, scene changes, and any text displayed on the screen. This addition ensures that no one misses out on important visual information.

4. Choose Inclusive Design Elements

Design plays a big role in accessibility. Choosing the right colors, fonts, and layouts can make or break the accessibility of your video. Start by ensuring that there’s a good contrast between text and background colors to help viewers with low vision. Using large, clear fonts will also make text easier to read.

Avoid using flashing or rapidly moving content, as it could trigger seizures in some individuals. Keep the design simple, clean, and easy to navigate to make your video content accessible for everyone.

5. Allow Users to Control Playback

Accessibility isn’t just about adding captions or audio descriptions; it’s also about giving viewers control over their experience. Ensure your media player is fully accessible, allowing users to control playback using a keyboard or assistive technology. Functions like play, pause, rewind, and volume control should be easy to access.

It’s also essential not to let your videos autoplay. Autoplaying videos can confuse or disorient users, especially those using screen readers. Giving users control over when and how they engage with your video is a small but significant step in making video content accessible.

6. Test Your Video for Accessibility

Before you publish your video, it’s important to test it for accessibility. Use tools and feedback from individuals with disabilities to ensure your video works well with various assistive technologies. 

Can a user with limited vision follow along using a screen reader? 

Are your captions accurate and easy to read? 

Does your audio description provide enough context for those who can’t see the video?

Testing ensures that all of the accessible elements you’ve added actually work as intended. If possible, involve users with disabilities in your testing process for more accurate feedback.

7. Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Finally, adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is key to ensuring your video content meets accessibility standards. WCAG offers clear guidelines on how to make online content, including videos, accessible to people with disabilities. By following these guidelines, you’ll not only make your content more inclusive but also ensure that it complies with legal standards.

For example, the WCAG 2.1 guidelines recommend providing captions for all pre-recorded video content, ensuring your media player is navigable via keyboard, and making sure that text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for readability.

Conclusion

Making your video content accessible is more than just a “nice-to-have” feature; it’s a necessity. From adding captions and subtitles to providing transcripts and inclusive design, creating accessible video content ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can engage with your material. By following these seven tips, you can help level the playing field and provide equal access to your video content, ultimately reaching a wider audience.

If you’re just starting out or have been creating videos for a while, accessibility should be a top priority. When creating accessible video content, remember that even small changes can have a significant impact on the user experience.