Accessibility in Video Service - Building an Inclusive OTT Platform

The OTT video business has undergone significant changes in recent years with the rise of digital media. Today, we can easily consume videos on various devices such as computers, phones, and tablets. However, not all video businesses have prioritized accessibility, leaving a gap in inclusivity. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of accessibility in the video business and provide actionable tips for improving inclusivity. By implementing these suggestions, you can ensure equal access for all and as a result, level up the user experience for your OTT audience.

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What Does Accessibility Mean in Video Business?

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Simply put, accessibility in video business means ensuring your service is accessible to people with disabilities, which include visual impairments, hearing loss or deafness, cognitive impairments, or other relevant conditions. 

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Ensuring video accessibility benefits not only a specific group of viewers but also brings advantages to a broader audience and the business itself. By prioritizing accessibility, you can create an inclusive OTT service that caters to diverse users, ultimately reaching a wider audience. Furthermore, accessibility significantly enhances the overall experience for the average OTT user, enabling them to enjoy videos and consume content effortlessly, even in unfavorable environments.

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If you operate an online streaming platform, implementing certain accessibility practices, such as providing alternative text for photos or transcripts for videos, can improve your SEO. Search engines find it easier to crawl and index text-based information, thus strengthening the authority score of your web video service. This, in turn, boosts your platform's visibility and ranking in search results.

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To improve accessibility in your OTT video platform, consider the following:

User-friendly Streaming App  Design:

Ensure your video app is accessible and easy to navigate: use clear and concise text, avoid confusing layouts, and provide alternate methods of navigation, such as keyboard-accessible drop-down menus.

Closed Captioning:

When publishing video content, incorporate closed captioning to enable individuals who are deaf or have a hearing disability to understand the audio. Additionally, consider offering sign language interpretation or auditory descriptions of video content for a more inclusive experience.

Customizable Subtitles:

Expand accessibility by allowing viewers to customize the appearance of subtitles. Offer options for font size, color, and background transparency, empowering individuals with visual impairments to tailor the viewing experience to their specific needs.

Keyboard Accessibility:

Ensure that your streaming platform can be easily navigated using only a keyboard. Many individuals with motor disabilities rely on keyboard-only navigation as an alternative to traditional mouse input.

Audio Description:

Audio description provides a verbal narration of visual elements, enabling individuals who are blind or visually impaired to fully comprehend the on-screen action. 

Accessible Ordering Processes:

If your video business involves selling products or services, or is subscription based, make sure the ordering and signing up process is accessible to people with disabilities. Provide alternatives to online forms and checkout, such as phone or email orders.

Collaboration with Accessibility Experts:

Consider collaborating with accessibility experts and organizations. Engage in partnerships that promote research, innovation, and the development of best practices for inclusivity in the streaming industry. 

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Remember, enhancing accessibility doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. By prioritizing accessibility in your video business, you can create a more inclusive environment for your users. Implement the suggested tips and make your products and services accessible to individuals with disabilities. 

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At Accedo One, we build video services that cater to everyone, regardless of their ability level. Contact Accedo One team to launch your OTT business that welcomes all.

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