Why auto-playing media hurts accessibility
Auto-playing media (audio or video that starts without user input) can seem engaging but often disrupts accessibility.
Overwhelming sensory experience
Unexpected sounds or videos can be distressing, especially for people with sensory sensitivities, autism, or anxiety.
Disruptive for screen reader users
It interferes with screen readers, making site navigation difficult or impossible when on-page audio conflicts with the screen reader output.
Cognitive disruption
People with cognitive disabilities may find it hard to focus on content when unexpected media plays, leading to confusion and reduced comprehension.
Bandwidth and data usage concerns
It can be costly or frustrating for those on limited bandwidth or metered connections, slowing page loads and increasing data usage.
Best practices for accessible media
Let people control playback
- Include accessible play/pause buttons that are easy to locate and operate, including with assistive technologies.
- Give people the choice to engage with content when they’re ready.
Provide captions and transcripts
- Captions: Essential for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They provide a text version of spoken words and key sounds.
- Transcripts: Offer a full transcript so people can access content through reading if listening isn’t an option.
See WCAG 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) and WCAG 1.2.4 Captions (Live).
Use descriptive links and thumbnails
- Use specific links like “Watch our product demo video” instead of generic prompts like “Click here.”
- Include accessible alt text on thumbnails to describe video content.
Consider users with limited bandwidth
- Offer download options for larger media files, letting people engage without automatically consuming bandwidth.
- Compress and optimize media files for quicker load times and reduced data use.
Testing for accessibility
Before launching your campaign, it’s essential to test your media content for accessibility. Here are some steps you can take:
- Use screen readers: Test your content with screen readers like NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (Mac), or Silktide’s screen reader simulator to see how media interacts with the technology.
- Check with users: If possible, gather feedback from people with disabilities to understand how they interact with your media content and identify any potential barriers.
- Use accessibility testing tools: Tools like Silktide’s accessibility checker can help you identify and fix accessibility issues.