Guide for Content Creators on Video Accessibility (2025)
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, video content has become a dominant force, accounting for 82.5% of all internet traffic. As businesses strive to engage their audiences effectively, the importance of video accessibility has never been more crucial. This is especially true given that over 430 million people worldwide experience disabling hearing loss, and over 2.2 billion people live with vision impairment.
The Role of Content Creators in Video Accessibility
Content creators hold significant control over the perceivable and understandable principles of video accessibility. By incorporating elements such as closed captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts, they can ensure their content is accessible to a wider audience, including individuals with disabilities.
Key Tools for Video Accessibility
Several tools have emerged to facilitate the creation of accessible video content. For instance, Paths to Literacy allows contributors to add audio descriptions to YouTube videos without the need for re-editing or re-uploading the video. Kapwing offers a closed caption generator, an auto-transcript feature, and a tool for creating customizable closed captions quickly and intuitively.
Regulatory Requirements for Video Accessibility
United States - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that video content be accessible to people with disabilities. While specific video accessibility standards are not explicitly outlined in the law, the ADA guidelines often reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Key ADA-related requirements for video accessibility typically include:
- Closed Captions: All video content should include closed captions to assist individuals with hearing impairments.
- Audio Description: Videos should include audio descriptions for visually impaired viewers.
- Transcripts: Providing transcripts allows users to read the content if they cannot watch or listen.
European Union - European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The European Accessibility Act (EAA), adopted in 2019 and effective by June 2025, aims to make a wide range of products and services accessible, including digital ones. While the EAA itself does not specify detailed video accessibility requirements, it references the EN 301 549 standard, which is similar to the WCAG guidelines but broader in scope. Key EAA-related requirements for video accessibility typically include:
- Comparable to WCAG: The EAA indirectly supports the use of closed captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts by referencing broader accessibility standards.
- EN 301 549 Compliance: Ensuring digital content meets this standard can help ensure accessibility for a wide range of users.
Compliance Strategies
To comply with these regulations, businesses should:
- Conduct Accessibility Audits: Regular audits help identify and address accessibility issues.
- Implement WCAG Guidelines: In the U.S., aligning with WCAG 2.1 AA or moving towards WCAG 2.2 AA is recommended. In the EU, following EN 301 549 is crucial.
- Publish Accessibility Statements: Clearly communicate your organization's commitment to accessibility and ongoing efforts.
- Use Accessibility Reports: Tools like the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) can help document compliance efforts.
By following these guidelines and strategies, businesses can improve video accessibility and ensure compliance with both ADA in the U.S. and EAA in the EU. Notable examples of businesses prioritising accessibility include TED-Ed, Vox, and Rotten Mango, which provide closed captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts for their video content.
Prioritizing video accessibility isn't just thoughtful, it's essential due to the large portion of the population that relies on accessible formats. By making their content accessible, businesses can reach a wider audience and enhance their overall engagement.
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