Inclusive YouTube Essentials
YouTube, Planet Earth’s most popular video-sharing platform, has revolutionized the way humans consume and share information. With over 2.5 billion active users and a staggering 1 billion hours of video watched every day, YouTube has become an indispensable part of our digital lives. YouTube isn't just another website; it's a digital behemoth. It has seen a 15% growth just this past year, demonstrating its continuing popularity over years of use, even as video platforms proliferate, and in spite of the growing use of video sharing competitors such as TikTok.
AdvertisementPart of YouTube's popularity is due to its longevity. Another factor is related to YouTube's ability to host longer videos as compared to many other video platforms, as well as the option to set up playlists. But a big part of why people love YouTube is its intuitive and straightforward usability, especially for casual viewers. But what about people with disabilities who want to access and enjoy this immense resource?
Why Is YouTube Accessibility Important?
In today's digital world, accessibility is indispensable in offering equal access to information and entertainment. This is especially true for video content, that universal form of communication and education. Video can’t always be easily accessed by people with disabilities.
What if you’re unable to take advantage of this massive digital trove of information, entertainment, and knowledge? That's the challenge many people face when accessibility in video content is not prioritized. With electronic content an increasingly integral part of our day-to-day, platforms like YouTube and its creators should champion accessibility in their content. Everyone deserves to experience the usefulness and fun of video streaming, without barriers.
Accessibility, in a YouTube context, is the ability of all users, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, to effectively access and enjoy YouTube’s vast array of video content. YouTube accessibility encompasses a range of features that make YouTube more inclusive and user-friendly for everyone. It also includes accessibility practices, such as adapting videos to be clearer for people who aren't native speakers, and making content accessible to users with visual or hearing differences. It's key to have an accessible workplace in business settings; we should understand by now that it’s also fundamental to apply accessibility in our online environments.
Who Needs YouTube Accessibility?
Everyone using YouTube benefits from accessibility. It’s a win-win-win.
YouTube Creators YouTube Viewers YouTube Platform Making their video content accessible helps them reach a broader audience, and cultivate a diverse community. YouTubers do tend to make more money from videos that have a lot of views, even though YouTube monetization is based on CPM (cost per mile), and not only on actual view numbers. Widely-viewed videos are more likely to be shown to viewers, so they generate more ad impressions, and more money. For YouTube viewers with disabilities, video accessibility translates to a feeling of inclusivity, and, more importantly, the ability to consume content seamlessly. Viewers without disabilities also need accessibility features from time to time, like captions. We’ll discuss this more in-depth in the next section. Prioritizing accessibility in its video content fortifies YouTube’s reputation as a forward-thinking, inclusive digital hub. Implementing accessibility features for its videos and its platform can also help YouTube attract and retain a wider audience, including people with disabilities. This can lead to increased user engagement and satisfaction, as well as a positive brand image.
Accessibility is not just a matter of social responsibility; it is also pivotal for the growth and success of YouTube as a platform. By making their content accessible, creators can reach a wider audience, including those with disabilities. For viewers, accessibility means having the ability to fully engage with the content they love, without barriers. And for YouTube itself, accessibility translates into a more inclusive and diverse community, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among all users. Aside from the human value that brings, it’s also very good for business.
A Peek Into the YouTube Accessibility Toolkit
YouTube offers a range of accessibility features designed to make the platform more inclusive for users with different needs. These features include:
Closed Captions
These are a synced text transcript of the audio in a video, so users with hearing impairments can follow along.
Auto-Generated Captions
YouTube automatically generates captions for most videos, making it easier for creators to provide accessibility without additional effort. However, it is important to note that these are often garbled or even gibberish.
Transcripts
Long-form transcripts offer a complete text version of a video's dialogue and narration, so users can read along or search for specific information.
Keyboard Shortcuts
These offer a way for users to navigate and control YouTube without relying solely on a mouse or touchpad. For example, ‘K' pauses the video, ‘J' rewinds 10 seconds, and ‘L' fast-forwards. There are many more.
Screen Reader Support
Screen readers, used by individuals with blindness or visual impairments, can effectively interpret and convey the content and functionality of YouTube.
For Creators: Making the Best Use of YouTube's Accessibility Features
To use accessibility features most effectively, creators should:
Review Auto-generated Captions: While auto-generated captions are a valuable tool, they may contain errors. Creators should check and edit captions for accuracy. Click on the ‘CC' button on the video player to review.
Provide Accurate Transcripts: Transcripts should be accurate and complete, including descriptions of non-speech audio elements. These will also boost SEO. They’re typically found under video descriptions, which are also a useful spot for adding reference links that can be helpful to your viewers. However, be sure that your transcripts themselves contain text based on the video’s audio only.
Use Clear and Simple Language: Creators should use clear and simple language in their videos and transcripts, making content more accessible to non-native speakers and those with cognitive disabilities.
Diverse Users, Diverse Benefits
For users with a wide range of needs, YouTube’s accessibility features can be extremely useful:
Hearing Impaired Users: Closed captions and transcripts are a game-changer. They make it possible for users with hearing impairments to fully engage with video content.
Visually Impaired Users: Screen reader support and keyboard shortcuts are very useful for users with visual impairments. With these tools, they can navigate and enjoy YouTube effectively.
Non-native Speakers: Captions and transcripts provide language learners with additional support in understanding video content. They’re also a great aid to language acquisition.
Older Users: With advancing age, some users may find that their hearing is not what it used to be, and neither is their vision. So, for these users, accessibility features become a necessity. And, some might find keyboard shortcuts easier to use, rather than navigating with a typical mouse.
Users with Learning or Cognitive Disabilities: Transcripts can assist users in processing information at their own pace. This is helpful for people with attention deficit disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities.
Additional Beneficiaries: These features also benefit users in noisy environments, and those who prefer to consume content without audio.
Video Accessibility: A Business Perspective
Accessibility fuels engagement. Making content accessible isn't only altruistic; it's smart business. Features that effect accessibility in the workplace and platforms like YouTube can potentially increase watch times, engagement rates, and overall reach. From a business perspective, accessibility is not just a moral imperative; it is also a strategic advantage. Inclusivity means a larger, happier user base and potentially more ad revenue for creators.
By making their content accessible, businesses can:
Expand Their Reach
Accessible content reaches a wider audience, including users with disabilities, increasing brand exposure and potential customer base.
Enhance User Engagement
Accessibility features improve user experience, leading to increased engagement and loyalty among all users.
Promote a Positive Brand Image
Embracing accessibility shows a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility, fostering a positive brand image.
Legal Requirements and Standards for Accessibility
Accessibility is a legal requirement in many countries. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set standards for digital accessibility worldwide, establishing requirements for websites and online platforms to be made accessible to all. Familiarity with these guidelines, as well as any that apply to other locations where you do business, can help in developing an accessible workplace, digital or otherwise. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 are most relevant for American businesses, and businesses operating in America.
While enforcement varies, and large monetary settlements for litigants and plaintiffs may be in some cases excused in favor of a commitment to improved accessibility, it is wisest for businesses to implement accessibility requirements sooner rather than later. Lawsuits are expensive in and of themselves, settlements aside. And, they can be very damaging in terms of publicity. So, our advice for businesses is: stay informed, and stay compliant.
Hope for an Accessible Tomorrow
Accessibility is not just about technology; it is about creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By embracing accessibility, we can break down barriers, foster understanding, and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. In the quest for a digitally inclusive world, platforms like YouTube are pioneering change. With practical accessibility features continuing to grow, we can hope for a future where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can laugh at the same joke, learn a new skill, or hum along to the same tune. The road to equality is digital, and it's beautifully accessible.
YouTube's accessibility features, when used effectively, have the power to transform the platform into a truly inclusive space where everyone can participate, learn, and be entertained. By embracing accessibility, we can collectively create a more equitable digital landscape, fostering a world where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to connect and thrive.
FAQs
What are some challenges in making YouTube content accessible?
Challenges include optimizing the accuracy of auto-generated captions, creating comprehensive transcripts, and using clear and simple language for a diverse audience.
How can I make my YouTube videos more accessible?
Use closed captions or transcripts, provide clear and simple language, and consider using visual cues and descriptions for non-speech elements.
What resources are available for learning more about accessibility?
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) provides comprehensive guidelines and resources for digital accessibility. However, since most of that is pretty heavy reading, you may want to consider checking out some of the many available blogs, and of course, vlogs.
