Creating inclusive video content – Accessibility in digital communication
Accessibility isn’t just an obligation – it’s an opportunity to create better and more inclusive digital communication. At our recent hybrid event in Oslo, we gathered experts to discuss accessibility in digital media, legal requirements, and, most importantly, how we can make video content more accessible for everyone. Here are the key takeaways!
What does digital accessibility mean?
Lily Ragnhild Nilsen from Funka, a leading expert in universal design of ICT, emphasized that digital accessibility is about ensuring equal opportunities for everyone to participate in society, regardless of ability. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities highlights the right to information and digital inclusion – something that should be a given.
”Accessibility isn’t an afterthought – it’s a fundamental part of the design process,” Nilsen said, stressing the importance of considering accessibility from the start rather than merely meeting the minimum requirements later.
Why is accessibility important for everyone?
Jasmine Skarpfors, UX and Product Designer at Quickchannel, clearly demonstrated that accessibility isn’t just for people with disabilities. Features such as subtitles, voice control, and high-contrast colors improve the user experience for everyone – whether you have a hearing impairment, are in a noisy environment, or simply prefer text over audio.
”Accessibility is essential for some, but beneficial for all,” Skarpfors explained.
What does the law say? New regulations to be aware of
Malin Tønseth, Partner at Simonsen Vogt Wiig, guided us through the legal aspects of accessibility. She highlighted the EU Web Accessibility Directive and the upcoming European Accessibility Act, which will come into effect in June 2025 and will impose new requirements on a broader range of digital services, including e-commerce and communication platforms.
”Regulations aren’t just requirements – they’re an opportunity to create a better digital experience for all users,” said Tønseth. Companies that start working on accessibility now will be ahead of the game.
5 practical tips for creating accessible video content
Lily and Jasmine shared a few simple but powerful tips to make video content more accessible:
- Use subtitles and text alternatives
Ensure content is accessible to people with hearing impairments and those watching without sound. - Verbalize visual elements
Describe what’s happening on the screen so that people with visual impairments can access the same information. - Ensure sufficient contrast
High contrast between text and background improves readability. - Offer multilingual content
Automatic or manual translations make your content accessible to a global audience. - Regularly test accessibility
Use tools like Lighthouse to analyze and improve accessibility on your digital platforms.
”It’s not just about following regulations – it’s about making content more engaging and useful for everyone,” Skarpfors pointed out.
How Quickchannel works with accessibility
At Quickchannel, accessibility is a core part of our product development. We offer features such as subtitles, audio descriptions, and sign language support, and we continuously test and improve our services to meet the latest accessibility requirements. An essential part of our strategy is involving users in the testing process – ensuring our features are intuitive and truly make a difference.
”By integrating accessibility from the ground up, we create a better experience for all users,” said Skarpfors.
Final thoughts – it’s time to take action!
Accessibility is more than just a legal requirement – it’s key to inclusive and effective digital communication. By making your video content accessible, you can reach a wider audience, increase engagement, and enhance the user experience for everyone.
”It’s time to make digital communication more accessible – for everyone!” Want to learn more? Watch the full webinar below and book a meeting with us to discuss how you can make your video communication more accessible.