Your Video Accessibility Cheat Sheet

Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Version 2.1, Level AA, are part of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from the Department of Justice. And if you think that sentence was a mouthful, just imagine going through the actual document.

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WCAG 2.1 has dozens of “success criteria” designed to address barriers to accessibility on the web. While your organization should probably familiarize itself with the rules and regulations at some point, particularly the timeline for compliance, here’s a cheat sheet of guidelines to help you make sure your existing live and on-demand online content libraries are accessible and compliant.

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Captions are required for all video content. This is pretty straightforward and designed to help viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. WCAG 2.1 Level AA requires closed captions for pre-recorded, on-demand content that can be accessed via a website or mobile app. It also requires closed captions for live video and audio. In other words, all your web-based video content needs captions. 

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Transcripts are required for some pre-recorded content. Transcripts are different from captions. A transcript provides a word-for-word text version of the audio portion of video content, as well as non-speech audio information that helps the reader understand the content. A descriptive transcript goes a step further, adding visual information that help people understand the content. You can offer transcripts as downloadable or side-by-side documents.

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While encouraged for video content, transcripts are not required for all your media. However, they are required for pre-recorded audio-only content, such as podcasts, and pre-recorded video content with no audio. 

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Audio descriptions are required for some on-demand video content. Completely separate from captions, audio descriptions assist the visually impaired by providing a narration of visual content. Not everything needs audio description, which is important because an audio description service can be very expensive. 

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So, how do you decide what content from your library needs it? Generally, if you close your eyes but can still follow the program, such as a talking head interview, you probably don’t need it. However, if someone refers to visuals in a council meeting without describing them aloud, audio description would likely be necessary.

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Sign language for pre-recorded content is Making your online content accessible ensures that more of your constituents, regardless of ability, can engage with it. Plus, broader accessibility can even lead to increased views and more audience engagement.  required for AA compliance. There is a mention of sign language interpretation in WCAG 2.1, but it is only required for pre-recorded audio content at Level AAA. (WCAG has three levels of conformance, with Level A at the low end and Level AAA at the highest.)‍

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Check your captions for readability and contrast. What good are captions if your viewers can’t read them? It’s best to avoid light-colored text on light backgrounds or tiny fonts. WCAG guidelines recommend a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for text and images of text, while enhanced contrast (Level AAA) has at least a 7:1 contrast ratio. Font size should be at least 14 point, and fonts with thin strokes or unusual characteristics are discouraged because they are harder to read. Consider providing a Level AA or Level AAA compliant branding guide like this one to streamline workflows for your accessibility-concious staff. 

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Remove flashing content. In an effort to avoid causing seizures or physical reactions in viewers, make sure your webpages do not have content that flashes more than three times within a one-second period. Pay special attention to promo pieces or opening sequences of programming, which may include fast cuts, transitions, and animation. The Trace Center offers a free, downloadable Photosensitive Epilepsy Analysis Tool (PEAT) that can help you identify potentially problematic content.

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Make sure your video player is keyboard-accessible. As many users navigate the web using only a keyboard or assistive technology, all content should be operable via a keyboard interface (no mouse). There are several Section 508-compliant video players available that allow full keyboard control as well as caption customization. If you’re already using Cablecast Internet Channels, your web players comply with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standard.

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Disable auto-play. Videos that start automatically can be frustrating for many users and can pose serious issues for viewers with attention disorders, autism, or visual impairments who rely on screen readers. Auto-playing content may interfere with screen reader output, creating confusion and hindering access. To ensure accessibility, disable auto-play in your video settings, especially on platforms like YouTube.

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Of course, accessibility doesn’t end with your videos. We recommend you have your entire website evaluated to ensure compliance with standards like WCAG. Many third-party services offer accessibility audits that scan your site and provide detailed feedback on potential issues. These assessments are a great way to uncover problems and help you improve your accessibility for your content. 

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Ensuring video accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about inclusivity and respect. By following these best practices, you create content that welcomes everyone in your community. Accessibility also doesn’t have to be complicated. Use this cheat sheet as a starting point on your path toward improving your site for all visitors.

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