Creating Accessible Videos

Videos can be made accessible by:

• the way the video is created;
• how the video is inserted in the site;
• by providing a transcript;
• by providing audio descriptions; and
• by providing captions.

Video content

When creating video content:

• select an appropriate video length;
  
  • for instructional videos, an appropriate length is 5 to 10 minutes
  • recorded lectures or events may be longer, but realize your audience's attention span
• use only high contrast colors;
• do not convey information using color alone;
• do not use patterned backgrounds or settings;
• do not include any flashing or flickering content; and
• use a consistent, accessible file format.

If you plan to display text on screen, make sure that it’s reasonably large and choose a readable font. Use high-contrast colors, and ensure that the text remains on-screen long enough to be read.

Modified from "Video Accessibility Principles" (Accessibility Oz)

Authoring tools

When utilizing authoring tools to produce learning modules or other video resources, enable accessibility features based for the specific software or application. (Vendors typically provide this information online, or try consulting a company representative.)

Important: Once learning modules have been created, output typically cannot be made accessible. The best solution is to enable accessibility features within the software or application settings, edit the native file, and re-publish the output.

Adding videos to websites

When inserting a video in a website:

• allow the user to skip over the video using the mouse only;
• allow the user to skip over the video using the keyboard only;
• ensure the site is functional and all content is available without the video; and
• include information about how to access the video player.

See requirements for video players, captions, transcripts and audio descriptions.