Web designs are no longer just texts. We also include videos and many other kinds of media on websites today. However, many ignore the need to make videos accessible on their sites. However, it is something that should be prioritised. It is important for user experience, website performance, and SEO as well.
Compared to even five years ago, we now have a plethora of tools available to help create video content that is as accessible as possible. All you need to do is use them efficiently and professionally. Hire expert services for web design in Brisbane if necessary.
Let’s see some useful tips now.
1. Embed Accessibility into Your Planning
In the past, many video projects treated accessibility as an afterthought. This often led to entire sections needing to be recreated or re-shot, resulting in wasted time and budget. Video production is time-consuming, and redoing even a single section from scratch can be costly.
These days, accessibility is considered right from the planning stages, including everything from storyboarding and scriptwriting to the technology used in recording and editing.
Accessibility considerations for video include:
– Ensuring that some viewers who cannot see the visual elements can still understand the content.
– Making sure people who cannot hear the audio can still follow along.
– Considering that certain animations, transitions, and other visual elements may make the video challenging to interpret for some viewers.
In this example, you can start with a social media video template on Canva. Plan the video changes so that even without audio or visuals, the content remains understandable by scripting first, followed by storyboarding additional visuals and transitions. Clean frames, smooth transitions, and text overlays can be used to enhance accessibility on social media platforms.
2. Make Both Audio and Visuals Clear
Clarity in both sound and visuals is essential for any video production, especially from an accessibility standpoint. High-quality visuals and sharp audio ensure that viewers with visual or auditory challenges have a positive experience.
Even with today’s high-end smartphone cameras, it’s still important to test lighting and focus with a few trial clips. Overusing filters can degrade the quality of your video, so it’s best to maintain clarity.
For audio, professional microphones are key. AI voice generators have also advanced, producing more natural-sounding voices. Tools like Play.ht allow you to input a script and generate clear, customisable audio files, which can streamline production and editing processes.
3. Provide Legible and Well-Timed Captions
Captions have become a vital aspect of video accessibility. Captions are not just for those with hearing impairments—they also benefit viewers who prefer to watch videos in silence.
Many video platforms, such as YouTube, automatically generate captions, but these often need editing for precision and timing. It’s up to you whether to employ open captions or closed captions. Tools like Kapwing provide AI-powered subtitle generation, making it easy to create and edit captions. For accessibility, simple formatting, like white text on a black background, is often the most effective.
4. Create and Edit Your Transcript
Transcripts serve a similar purpose to captions but can also include descriptions of visual elements. Transcripts are valuable for people with auditory impairments and those with cognitive impairments who prefer to read along.
5. Create an Audio Description File
Audio descriptions provide a spoken version of the visual elements in your video, making it accessible to people with visual impairments. The audio description can overlay the existing audio or be provided as a separate file.
When creating an audio description, start by expanding your transcript to include visual details. AI tools like AI4chat can generate the audio description file, allowing for customisation of tone and language.
After generating the audio file, it can be synced with the video using editing software like Canva or iMovie. For platforms like YouTube, the audio description can be uploaded as a separate file, giving viewers the option to enable or disable it.
6. Use Video Players With Built-In Accessibility
To embed videos on web designs, using a video player that supports accessibility features is essential. Options like AblePlayer and JWPlayer provide features like audio descriptions, interactive transcripts, and compatibility with screen readers, ensuring that your accessibility efforts are fully utilized by the audience.
Final Word:
Lastly, quality should take precedence over speed throughout the video production process. While AI tools can speed up the process, human oversight is needed to make sure it’s accurate and easy to use. The user experience can be significantly improved with high-quality captions and transcripts and thoughtful accessibility planning.
If you need more support, feel free to reach out to Make My Website, a top-rated agency for web design in Brisbane. Their years of industry experience and expertise will help you achieve your web design goals in a faster manner.
Good luck!
