It’s the heart of social media, E-learning, and so much more. But have you ever stopped to think about those who can’t fully enjoy this visual experience?
Accessibility in video content isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must. Picture this: a blind person missing out on the latest blockbuster or a hearing-impaired student struggling to learn. Without accessible videos, we’re leaving a huge audience in the dark.
Why Accessibility Matters?
Understanding Accessibility
Accessibility involves generating content so that all people, with or without disabilities, can access and experience it. When we are talking about videos, that means offering captions for hearing impaired people, audio descriptions for the visually impaired, and content that all users can access.
The Reach of Video Content
- Engagement – Video is highly engaging content. HubSpot says that 54 percent of consumers expect more video from brands they endorse.
- Broader Audiences – The multicultural population in India presents both a challenge and a potential. Accessibility opens up your audience significantly as there are more than 1.3 billion individuals worldwide.
Legal Compliance
In many countries, including India, there are guidelines to ensure access. The 2016 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act ensures the accessibility of all communications. Inaction can get you in legal trouble and ruin your reputation.
Real-Life Examples from Indian Brands
1. Zee5 – Pioneering Accessibility in Streaming
Even Zee5, India’s top OTT operator, has taken steps to bring its content online. They offer subtitles and audio descriptions for most of their shows and movies. Not only does this work for the deaf, but also for anyone who may find rapid conversations difficult.
2. Tata Sky – Inclusive Advertising
The satellite TV provider Tata Sky has also conducted inclusivity-focused campaigns. Their ads usually feature sign language interpreters, which makes them relatable to a larger audience. It not only increases accessibility but builds brand loyalty with different user groups.
3. BYJU’S – Revolutionizing E-Learning
BYJU’S, the educational technology behemoth, now offers captions and sound descriptions for video lessons. This is an effort to make it possible for students with disabilities to use their learning resources. BYJU’S commitment to accessibility has set a precedent for other learning tools.
Pro Tip – Tips for Accessible Video Content Development
Use Captions and Subtitles
It’s important to add captions for the hearing impaired. They also benefit non-native speakers, who may struggle with textual immersion. Keep your captions in sync with the audio.
Implement Audio Descriptions
Audio descriptions narrate the visual content of the video, which makes it more intuitive for the visually impaired to get a sense of what is actually being presented. These can include descriptions of gestures, environments and significant visual cues.
Design for All Users
Take the user experience into account. Speak plainly, don’t complicate images. Make sure your videos are easy to navigate using keyboard shortcuts and screen readers.
Test with Diverse Audiences
Make sure you test your video content with as many different types of users as possible, including people with disabilities before you publish it. Their input will be invaluable to help us figure out where to improve.
Conclusion
As we strive to be an inclusive society, accessibility in video is not overrated. It’s not only user-friendly, but it introduces new audiences, meeting moral and commercial demands.
When weighing these practices, don’t forget that producing accessible content is an ongoing process. So, if you’re wondering how to improve your video content strategy, consider outsourcing the process to professionals who understand media production. Reset Media can guide you down this road so that your content is accessible to everyone. Together, let’s get your videos visible, accessible, and engaging.
Accessibility not only boosts your brand’s reputation but helps make the web more inclusive. Let’s take this big step together.