Step-by-Step Video Accessibility Audit Guide + Free Checklist

With the advent of the Internet, our lives have improved significantly due to easier access to information, streamlined workflows, and much more. The famous phrase “Content is King” has become a way of life. However, even now, in the era of advanced technology, we still face problems with content perception. This remains a serious problem for people who face barriers due to health-related limitations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 2.2 billion individuals globally have some type of visual impairment, and approximately 71 million Europeans experience hearing loss that affects their daily communication. These statistics show just how vital accessible digital design is.

This article will explore the importance of accessibility of video controls, provide actionable steps to ensure compliance, and offer a free template to simplify the process. Whether you’re a designer, developer, or project manager, this guide will help you integrate accessibility into your workflow effectively.

Who Should Know About Accessibility in the Team and When to Introduce Requirements

Accessibility is a shared responsibility that extends across the entire team. Here’s a breakdown of who should be involved:

Product Managers: Define accessibility goals and ensure they are part of the project’s scope from the beginning.

Designers: Create wireframes and prototypes with accessibility in mind, including elements like high contrast, readable fonts, and accessible controls.

Developers: Implement accessible code and test for compliance using tools like screen readers and automated checkers.

Quality Assurance (QA) Specialists: Test for usability and accessibility at various stages of development.

Content Creators: Provide accessible captions, transcripts, and descriptions for video content.

The best time to introduce accessibility requirements is during the planning phase. Early integration will reduce costly rework and ensure accessibility remains a priority throughout the project lifecycle.

Step-by-Step Manual Test for Screen Readers and Keyboard-Only Navigation

To test the accessibility of video functionality with a screen reader, I used VoiceOver on macOS. If you're on Windows, you can use Narrator. These steps also cover keyboard-only navigation to verify that all controls are operable without a mouse.

Step1. Turn on the Screen Reader and Navigate to the Video Player

Using a screen reader is a crucial requirement in accessibility because it enables people who are blind or visually impaired to navigate and interact with digital content. Many accessibility laws, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and European Accessibility Act, mandate that digital content be accessible, including compatibility with screen readers.

Key Steps:

• Start with activating your screen reader. 
• Use the Tab key to locate the video player.
• Ensure the screen reader correctly announces the video title and that the player is identified.

Step 2. Check Control Labels and Keyboard Focus

Visually impaired users rely on screen readers to interpret and announce buttons and other interactive elements. If controls (e.g., play, pause, mute) are not properly labeled, screen readers may not provide meaningful context and it will lead to frustration and errors. A best practice is to implement appropriate ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes, such as aria-label="Play" or aria-label="Pause" on buttons, to ensure screen readers and assistive technologies provide meaningful feedback.

Key Steps:

• Tab through each control (Play, Pause, Volume, Fullscreen, Captions, etc.). 
• Ensure the screen reader announces a descriptive label for each control (e.g., “Play button,” “Volume control”).
• Confirm that each button has an accessible label and is keyboard-focusable.
• Verify that a visible focus indicator appears on each control when selected.

Step 3. Adjust Volume and Mute

Adjusting volume and muting audio using a keyboard and screen reader is essential for users with motor disabilities, blind or low-vision users, and those with sensory sensitivities. Providing accessible volume controls enhances usability for everyone, making digital experiences more inclusive.

Key Steps:

• Navigate to the Volume control and adjust it using keyboard controls (e.g., arrow keys, Tab).
• Ensure the screen reader announces changes (e.g., "Volume 50%”).
• Test the Mute button by pressing Enter or Spacebar and confirm that it toggles the mute status.

Step 4. Check Playback Speed

Providing playback speed options in video controls enhances accessibility for individuals with cognitive, learning, or attention disabilities by allowing them to adjust the speed to better process information. It also benefits people with hearing impairments or language barriers, offering more time to read captions or understand the content.

Key Steps:

• Navigate to the playback speed option and use the "Arrow" keys to adjust the speed (faster or slower), or follow the screen reader’s prompts for specific commands to adjust the playback speed, depending on the available options.
• Use "Enter" or "Spacebar" to select the desired speed. The screen reader should announce the new speed setting, confirming the adjustment.

Step 5. Enable and Disable Captions

Enabling and disabling captions ensures accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, allowing them to understand audio content through text. It also supports people with cognitive disabilities and non-native speakers by providing clearer comprehension and translation options. Additionally, captions improve the user experience in noisy environments.

Key Steps:

• Navigate to the Captions button and activate it.
• Confirm that the screen reader announces “Captions On” or “Captions Off.”
• Verify that captions appear on screen and can be toggled off using the keyboard.

Step 6. Toggle Fullscreen Mode

Toggling fullscreen mode improves accessibility by enlarging content, making it easier for users with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities to read and focus. It reduces distractions and simplifies the interface, helping those with motor impairments navigate more easily. Providing this option gives users more control, promoting a better user experience.

Key Steps:

• Navigate to the Fullscreen button and activate it using Enter or Spacebar.
• Ensure the screen reader announces “Fullscreen On” or “Fullscreen Off.”
• Exit fullscreen mode using the Esc key or by selecting the Fullscreen button again.
• Verify that keyboard focus returns to a logical location upon exiting fullscreen.

Step 7. Test Audio Descriptions (If Available)

Audio descriptions make visual content accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired by narrating key visual elements. They ensure equal access to information and enhance understanding of the narrative, actions, and context in videos.

Key Steps:

• Navigate to the Audio Description button and activate it.
• Ensure that the screen reader announces "Audio Description On" or "Audio Description Off.”
• Confirm that descriptions are audible and synchronized with the video content.

Step 8. Check for Keyboard Traps

For users with disabilities, especially those with mobility impairments who rely on keyboard navigation or switches, it’s essential that they can easily navigate video controls (play, pause, volume, seek bar, etc.) without being trapped in one area. A keyboard trap occurs when the user is unable to move focus away from a specific control element, preventing them from interacting with other parts of the interface or navigating away from the video controls entirely.

Key Steps:

• Move through all controls to ensure there are no keyboard traps.
• Verify that you can tab forward and backward freely and exit the video player without getting stuck.
• Confirm that focus continues through the rest of the page content after exiting the player.

Step 9. Error Messaging and Focus Reset

Without accessible error messaging, users may not be informed about issues like failed video load, incorrect form submissions, or technical problems. Properly coded error messages that are announced by screen readers ensure that users know exactly what went wrong.

Key Steps:

• Simulate a video loading error (if possible) and confirm that the screen reader announces the error message.
• Ensure any retry or alternative content option is accessible and announced.
• Verify that error messages are dismissible via keyboard (e.g., using Enter or Esc).
• Upon exiting fullscreen or closing the video, confirm that keyboard focus resets to a logical location (e.g., the video player or next interactive element).

Step 10. Color contrast

While keyboard navigation and screen reader accessibility are critical, visual design elements also play a crucial role in overall accessibility. High color contrast ensures that text (such as captions) and controls (like play/pause buttons) are clearly visible for people with low vision or color blindness. Without adequate contrast, these elements may blend into the background, making it difficult for users to interact with the video or understand the content.

Key Steps:

• Use the Google Chrome extension axeDevTools (or any other preferred tool) to inspect the page.
• Ensure that text and controls meet WCAG contrast guidelines (at least 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text).

By following these combined steps, we ensure that both screen reader users and keyboard-only users can fully interact with video content in an accessible manner.

Download this actionable checklist to streamline your workflow and enhance your design, making it more effective and user-friendly for everyone.