Videos

Publish useful, accessible video content.

Create clear, accessible video content when video is the right way to meet a user need.

Avoid using video or animation to explain a concept or process that can be made clear with words. Text is easier to scan, search, update and use on a slow connection.

Video should supplement written guidance, never replace important information. Campaign and marketing videos are often better published on social channels and linked from the service.

Making videos accessible

Think about how people with different access needs will experience your video. Provide a clear title, accurate captions and a transcript.

Video titles

Describe the topic or purpose of the video. A useful title helps people decide whether to play it and gives screen reader users context if the video cannot load.

Closed captions and transcripts

Captions should include dialogue, who is speaking and important non-speech sounds. Automated captions need careful editing. Provide the transcript as HTML when the video is hosted outside YouTube.

Audio descriptions

Add an audio description when visual information is important to understanding the video. Include the same information in the transcript. A talking-head video may not need audio description if no important information is visual.

Contrast and visual design

Text and overlays must meet minimum contrast requirements. Keep text out of the lower part of the video so it does not overlap captions.