Accessible Videos and Multimedia
Make sure everyone can learn from your audio and video content
Video is one of the most engaging ways to communicate—but without accessibility features like captions or transcripts, it can leave many people behind. Students, families, and staff who are deaf, hard of hearing, non-native English speakers, or using screen readers all benefit from accessible multimedia.
Why Accessibility Matters for Video and Audio
- Captions allow people who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow along.
- Transcripts give an alternative to watching or listening—useful for screen readers or poor internet connections.
- Descriptive audio or visual context helps people with low vision or cognitive disabilities.
- Accessible videos are also easier to search, understand, and reuse.
What Every Video Must Include
| Feature | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Captions | Required | Words on screen that match the spoken content, including sound effects when relevant |
| Transcript | Required for audio-only content | A written version of what’s said (and heard) |
| Audio Description | Optional but recommended | Narration that describes visual content for blind or low-vision users |
How to Add Captions Easily
YouTube (recommended for hosting videos)
- Upload your video to YouTube.
- YouTube will auto-generate captions—but always review and correct them!
- Go to YouTube Studio > Subtitles to edit captions line by line.
Screencastify, Loom, Zoom recordings
- Many of these tools now offer built-in captioning.
- Enable closed captions during recording or after uploading.
- Always check captions for accuracy before sharing.
Creating a Transcript
If your content is audio-only (like a podcast or voice memo), include a full written transcript. You can:
- Write it yourself
- Use automatic tools like Google Docs Voice Typing, Otter.ai, or YouTube auto-captioning to create a draft
- Paste it into a Google Doc or include it in the same location as the audio/video
Avoid Fast-Flashing Content
- Videos or animations that flash more than 3 times per second can trigger seizures and must be avoided.
- If you’re not sure, it’s safest to skip flashing effects entirely.
Posting Video on Social Media?
- Always upload with closed captions or include a version with burned-in subtitles.
- If your platform doesn’t support captions (like Instagram Stories), include the key spoken content in the text of the post.
Quick Checklist for Accessible Multimedia
- Video has captions
- Audio-only content has a transcript
- No flashing or seizure-triggering effects
- Key content isn’t only conveyed visually
- Content is posted in an accessible location (YouTube, Google Drive, etc.)