Enhancing Web Accessibility Through Proper Use of Video and Audio Media

Rich media like video and audio are rapidly growing across the internet. These types of content—appealing to visual and auditory senses—are powerful tools for communication, education, promotion, and more. They help users understand complex topics and engage emotionally.

However, for users with visual or hearing impairments, multilingual backgrounds, or diverse cognitive characteristics, access to this information can be limited without appropriate alternatives.

This article explains what measures are required for video and audio content from a web accessibility perspective, based on established guidelines, and offers practical techniques for implementation.

1. Why Is Accessibility Support Necessary for Video and Audio Media?

Audio and Visual-Only Content Excludes Some Users

• People with hearing impairments cannot understand audio-only content.
• People with visual impairments cannot grasp content conveyed through visuals alone.
• Those with both sensory impairments or cognitive challenges may require captions, audio guides, or structured information to understand content.

Diverse Viewing Environments and Language Backgrounds

• In noisy places or quiet environments where audio cannot be played, videos without captions are hard to follow.
• For non-native speakers or those with reading difficulties, captions, translations, and audio support help improve understanding.

2. WCAG Requirements for Accessible Multimedia Content

According to WCAG 2.1, the following accommodations are required for video and audio content (Level A and AA compliance):

✅ Provide Text Alternatives (Transcripts) for Audio Content

• Include full transcripts for podcasts and audio recordings
• Makes audio-only content accessible in text format

✅ Provide Captions for Video Content

• Include captions that cover spoken words, sound effects, and background sounds
• Do not rely solely on auto-generated captions—human-edited captions are essential

✅ Provide Audio Descriptions for Video (When Visual Content Is Essential)

• Narrate important visual details (gestures, diagrams, actions) that aren’t conveyed through sound
• Offer descriptive narration alongside or in a separate track

✅ Give Users Control Over Media

• Provide controls to play, pause, adjust volume, etc.
• Avoid autoplay—let users initiate playback

3. Key Design Points for Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions

[Captions]

• Identify who is speaking (e.g., “Narrator:”, “Host:”)
• Include non-verbal audio (e.g., “(applause)”, “(thunder rumbling)”)
• Keep each line to 20–40 characters and break content for easy reading
• Synchronize with audio timing

[Transcripts]

• Provide the full spoken content in text format
• Allow users to access information even without sound
• Display within the page or link to a separate document

[Audio Descriptions]

• Supplement visual-only content not covered by narration (e.g., “The man is crying.”)
• Use a separate audio track if overlapping with the main audio would cause confusion

4. Case Study: Accessibility Improvements in Video Content

❌ Before Accessibility Support

• No captions in the video
• Speaker says “Look here” without explaining visually
• Control buttons lack labels and don’t support keyboard navigation

✅ After Accessibility Support

• Captions reflect spoken content and sound effects
• Visual-only details are explained via audio narration or a separate descriptive track
• A written summary or dialogue is provided on the page
• Buttons have accessible labels (aria-label) and support keyboard input

5. Tools and Services to Support Accessibility Efforts

Captioning and Transcription Tools

• YouTube’s caption tool: Auto-generate + manual editing
• Aegisub: Advanced captioning software
• Otter.ai, Notta, Vrew: AI-powered transcription and captioning tools

Audio Description Tools

• Voice-over software for narration
• Audacity: For adding and editing audio descriptions
• DAISY-compliant audiobook software for structured narration

6. Conclusion: The True Value of Accessible Multimedia

Ensuring accessibility in video and audio media is a critical step toward guaranteeing equal access to information. It’s not just a consideration for people with disabilities—it enhances content usability and understanding for everyone.

✔️ Final Checklist

• Provide full transcripts for audio content
• Add accurate captions for videos
• Use audio descriptions for visual-only information
• Allow users to control playback and sound
• Design all media with diverse user environments and needs in mind