News & Blogs | Events Calendar | Contact

UC Irvine Division of Teaching Excellence & Innovation

Accessible Video & Audio

  1. Resources
    2.  | 
  2. How To
    3.  | 
  3. Teaching Accessibility Guide
    4.  | Accessible Video & Audio

Video and audio accessibility ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and understand multimedia content. This involves providing alternative formats, such as captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions, to accommodate individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired.

What are Captions?

Captions and transcripts are valuable tools that provide access to multimedia, such as video, audio, etc. Captions with time-code markers describe dialogue, music, and sound effects in videos, which are required for all prerecorded and live time-based media that is published on a website. They are beneficial for all users, especially for video with poor audio quality. The most common formats for closed captioning are SRT (SubRip Text) and VTT (Web Video Text to Track). Both are simple formats that are compatible with many video players and platforms.

What are Transcripts?

Transcripts are documents that describe audio and video content. It is a text version of the speech in a video, which can be created using automatic speech recognition or human transcriptionists. It is included in United Access Board ICT Standards and Guidelines, §E104.4.

What is Audio Description?

Audio Description (AD) is a spoken narration that explains key visual elements in videos for blind or visually impaired users. It is required when important visuals—such as text, graphics, or actions—are not conveyed through the audio alone. AD ensures accessibility compliance under guidelines like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA and United States Access Board ICT Standards and Guidelines (§E104.4).

Best Practice Guidelines for Accessible Videos & Audio

1. Captions & Transcripts

  • All videos must have accurate, synchronized captions that reflect speech, sound effects, and music.
  • Review and edit auto-generated captions to ensure clarity, especially for accents or mispronunciations.
  • Provide full transcripts for all audio and video content, including spoken dialogue, sound effects, and music.
  • Plan for accessibility early by integrating captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions during media development.
  • Ensure captions are properly timed so they appear and disappear in sync with the spoken content.
  • Use clear punctuation and grammar to enhance readability.
  • Identify speakers when necessary, especially in multi-speaker videos or overlapping dialogues.
  • Describe meaningful non-speech audio (e.g., [laughter], [applause], [door creaks]) to provide full context.
  • Ensure captions do not obstruct important visuals, such as on-screen text or key graphics.
  • Allow users to adjust caption settings, including size, font, and color contrast, for better readability.
  • Provide a corresponding visual representation for all essential audio information.
  • Read aloud text displayed on the screen, such as quotes, instructions, or image descriptions.
  • Avoid vague language like “Click here” or “This slide.” Instead, describe the action or content (e.g., “Click the Submit button”).

2. Audio Descriptions

  • Include audio descriptions for videos with essential visual content not explained by narration.
  • Plan for accessibility early by integrating audio descriptions during media production.
  • Ensure descriptions are objective, factual, and free from personal interpretation or commentary.
  • Sync audio descriptions properly so they do not overlap or interfere with dialogue or important sounds.
  • Describe key visual elements, including actions, facial expressions, scene changes, and on-screen text when necessary.
  • Use clear, concise language that conveys visual details without disrupting the video’s flow.
  • Allow sufficient time for viewers to process important visual details before switching scenes.
  • If featuring a speaker, ensure their face is visible and they speak slowly and clearly for better comprehension.
  • Ensure audio descriptions are easy to understand, avoiding unnecessary jargon unless relevant.
  • Offer multiple video versions when needed, such as one with default audio and another with integrated audio descriptions.
  • Provide text-based descriptions alongside videos when an audio version is not feasible.
  • Include audio descriptions for videos with essential visual content not explained by narration.
  • Plan for accessibility early by integrating audio descriptions during media production.
  • Ensure descriptions are objective, factual, and free from personal interpretation or commentary.
  • Sync audio descriptions properly so they do not overlap or interfere with dialogue or important sounds.
  • Describe key visual elements, including actions, facial expressions, scene changes, and on-screen text when necessary.
  • Use clear, concise language that conveys visual details without disrupting the video’s flow.
  • Allow sufficient time for viewers to process important visual details before switching scenes.
  • If featuring a speaker, ensure their face is visible and they speak slowly and clearly for better comprehension.
  • Ensure audio descriptions are easy to understand, avoiding unnecessary jargon unless relevant.
  • Offer multiple video versions when needed, such as one with default audio and another with integrated audio descriptions.
  • Provide text-based descriptions alongside videos when an audio version is not feasible.

3. YouTube Video and Social Media Accessibility

  • Provide two versions of a video for learning materials on YouTube: one with audio descriptions and one without. Both must include accurate captions.
  • Enable and review captions for accuracy on all social media videos.
  • Provide alt text, captions, or transcripts for videos and images to ensure accessibility for visually impaired users.
  • Use high-contrast text and visuals to improve readability.
  • Ensure video thumbnails are accessible by including meaningful alt text or descriptions.
  • Add transcripts for videos, especially when captions are unavailable.
  • Use platform-specific accessibility features (e.g., automatic captioning), but always review for accuracy.
  • Ensure background music or sounds do not interfere with spoken content.
  • Avoid autoplay for videos to prevent disruptions for screen reader users and those sensitive to sudden audio.
  • Provide sign language interpretation for important educational or instructional content when possible.
  • Use clear and simple language in captions, transcripts, and descriptions.
  • Ensure text is readable, using an appropriate font size and sufficient contrast (use a Color Contrast Analyzer tool).
  • Present text in complete sentences for better readability.
  • Avoid using color alone to convey meaning; use additional indicators like text or symbols.
  • Do not include flashing elements, unnecessary motion, or distracting noises that could trigger seizures or cause discomfort.

4. Host Live Online Meetings (e.g., Zoom)

  • Enable Closed Captioning to provide real-time text for participants with hearing impairments.
  • Use a high-quality microphone to ensure clear audio and minimize background noise.
  • Test audio and video settings before the meeting to ensure proper functionality.
  • Introduce yourself before speaking, especially in multi-speaker settings, so participants know who is talking.
  • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace to improve understanding, particularly for captions and sign language interpreters.
  • Describe meaningful visuals (e.g., charts, graphs, or on-screen text) for blind or visually impaired participants.
  • Announce slide titles and numbers as you present to help participants follow along.
  • Repeat audience questions before answering to ensure all participants understand the discussion.
  • Use the chat feature for accessibility by summarizing key points, providing links, or allowing text-based engagement.
  • Offer sign language interpreters or live captioning services for participants who need them.
  • When reading out information, always include:
    • Famous quotes
    • Text displayed on the screen
    • Image descriptions
    • Full website addresses (consider using a short URL if the link is too long).

Additional Resources