Videos and audio files are indispensable on the internet. But have you ever thought about whether all your content can be easily accessed by everyone? People with visual or hearing impairments often encounter barriers that can be easily avoided. With a few simple tricks, you can make your website accessible to everyone - and at the same time improve usability and reach.

Why accessible media is so important

Imagine you want to watch a video but can't hear the sound. Or you listen to a podcast but don't understand what it's about because there are no supporting texts. This is exactly what people with hearing or visual impairments experience every day. By providing accessible content, you can change that - and at the same time also meet legal requirements, such as the EU Directive on the Accessibility of Digital Content (EU 2016/2102). You can find more information on this. Here.

How to make your videos accessible

1. Insert subtitles

   • Use tools such as: Kapwing or Otter.aito create automatic or manual subtitles.

   • Make sure that the subtitles run in sync with the language and are easy to read (e.g. with sufficient contrast and in a clear font).

   • If you offer live videos, use real-time captioning tools like Web CaptionerCould you please provide the text that needs to be translated into English?

2. Provide transcripts.

   • Create a complete text version for each video using tools such as. Sonix.ai or DescriptionCould you please provide the text that you would like me to translate into English?

   • Provide the transcript as a download or directly as HTML text on the website. This will also improve your SEO!

3. Use audio descriptions.

   • Create an additional audio track that describes visual content. Tools such as are suitable for this. Adobe Audition

   • If adding audio description afterwards is not possible, try to verbally convey important visual information in the video from the beginning.

4. Integrate sign language.

• Offer a version of your video with sign language interpretation.

• Alternatively, you can provide a separate video with sign language interpretation.

• Make sure that the interpreter is clearly visible and not obscured by other content.

If you need assistance, you can rely on professional services such as VerbaVoice Feel free to reach out or contact us!

How to make your audio files accessible

1. Provide text alternatives

   • Use services like Clipto or Otter.aito automatically transcribe podcasts and other audio files.

   • Offer transcripts as a separate page or download on your website.

2. Ensure easy operation

   • Integrate clearly visible control elements for play, pause, volume control, and skip markers.

   • Make sure that all controls are keyboard accessible and compatible with screen readers.

   • Use accessible media players like the free one from. Action HumanI'm sorry, but you haven't provided any text to translate. Could you please provide the text you would like me to translate into English? which already provide support for keyboard control and screen readers

We will help you with that!

As an experienced media agency, we at euphorika have already made many websites accessible - and we are also happy to help you! Whether you need subtitles, want to insert an audio description, or simply don't know where to start - we are here to assist you.

Write to us and we will make your website inclusive together!