In today’s digital world, videos have become an indispensable part of your communication strategy . Explainer videos in particular have established themselves as an effective means of conveying complex information in an understandable way. But how do you ensure that your videos are accessible to all target groups? In this blog post, you will find out why accessible videos are crucial and what measures you can take to create them.
Why are accessible videos important?
Did you know that around 15% of the world’s population live with some form of disability? This estimate comes from the World Health Organization ( WHO) and refers to various impairments – from physical and sensory to cognitive and psychological. The number can vary depending on the region and definition, but it provides a useful benchmark to illustrate the extent of the issue. This makes it all the more important that you keep accessibility in mind when creating your video content.
Accessibility is crucial to ensure that everyone has access to information. An accessible video is not only a legal requirement in many countries, but also a way to increase the reach of your content. Inclusive content promotes a positive image of your company and shows that you take the needs of all people seriously. In addition, accessible videos enhance the user experience and help you increase conversions.
Measures for creating accessible videos
To make your explainer videos accessible, you should consider the following aspects:
- Add subtitles
Subtitles are not only important for deaf people, but also help to convey information more clearly. According to a study by Nielsen 80% of viewers prefer videos with subtitles, even if they use the audio function. Providing captions is an easy way to make your video accessible to a wider audience and increase engagement at the same time.
- Audio description
Add audio descriptions to describe visual content for visually impaired people. This improves comprehension and makes your video more inclusive. By integrating audio descriptions, you can ensure that all aspects of your video are captured.This sample video from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth in Berlin uses audio description. (Not created by Videodesign.)
- Clear language and structure
Use clear and simple language. Avoid jargon and complicated sentence structures so that your video is understandable for everyone. This not only helps people with cognitive impairments, but also improves overall comprehensibility. Structure your video so that it is easy to follow and use visual aids to highlight the most important points.
- Colors and contrasts
Make sure that the colors and contrasts in your videos are well chosen. High-quality contrasts help people with visual impairments to better recognize the content. Also avoid color sequences that are difficult for people with color blindness to distinguish. A study by WebAIM has shown that the legibility of text in videos is crucial to promote viewer comprehension and engagement.
- Interactive elements
Bear in mind that interactive videos can also be designed to be accessible. Make sure that all users are able to participate in interactive content, for example by providing keyboard shortcuts and ensuring that navigation is simple and intuitive. Consider how you can incorporate interactive elements to encourage engagement and improve accessibility.
Conclusion: Accessibility is a benefit for everyone
Implementing accessible videos is a win-win situation. By creating accessible explainer videos, you not only ensure that your content is inclusive, but also reach a wider audience. Accessibility is a key to communication that moves and effectively engages the target audience. Take the first step to make your videos accessible to all and watch your engagement and conversions soar! At Videodesign, we strive to help you create content that is not only informative, but also accessible to all. Let’s work together to improve your communication strategies and ensure that no one is left out.
If you have any questions about creating accessible videos, we will be happy to assist you as a partner.
Schedule a free consultation with our video experts.
Together we simplify your communication.
Dustin Bättig | CEO
