Creating an accessible video player goes beyond just adding captions or offering audio descriptions—it’s about leveraging technology and innovation to meet the diverse needs of all users, including those with disabilities. Engineers can play a key role in building inclusive platforms by incorporating new features and addressing current gaps in accessibility. Below, we explore ideas inspired by competitive analysis and recent advancements in technology, such as AI-powered pre-processing and innovative control systems, to enhance accessibility in video players.

AI Pre-processing for Epilepsy and Trigger Warnings

One area that has seen significant potential for accessibility improvement is video content for users with epilepsy. Apple’s tvOS was an early innovator, implementing screen dimming to mitigate flashing lights that could trigger seizures. However, this hardware-based approach is limited. AI-powered pre-processing could elevate this solution, allowing real-time detection of flashing lights and automatically dimming the screen during those scenes. This would provide more accurate and comprehensive protection for epileptic users.

Additionally, AI could improve the overall user experience by tagging content with trigger warnings for scenes with flashing lights, intense violence, or other potential triggers. This gives users a better understanding of the content they are about to watch, enhancing safety and comfort.

Enhancing Audio for an Accessible Video Player

For users with hearing impairments or sensory sensitivities, audio accessibility is paramount. While some platforms—such as Apple’s tvOS, Roku, and LG—include basic volume leveling or dialogue enhancement features, there’s still room for improvement. Leveraging AI pre-processing could offer more advanced audio adjustments. For example, audio tracks could be pre-processed to:

  • Reduce loud sounds that might startle or discomfort users.
  • Enhance dialogue clarity for those with hearing impairments, ensuring critical information is always audible.

In platforms that don’t natively support detailed audio adjustments, these pre-processing techniques would allow engineers to build in audio optimization without requiring system-level integration.

Video Quality and Bandwidth Flexibility

Video quality settings are typically available across most platforms, offering users the ability to choose between 720p, 1080p, or HDR depending on their bandwidth. However, adding more control over video quality can improve accessibility for users with limited bandwidth or metered internet connections. This control would allow users to choose a resolution that best suits their needs without consuming excessive data.

For users who are blind or have low vision, an innovative feature would be to include a “no video” option, allowing users to enjoy the audio content alone, further reducing data usage. This would cater to both accessibility needs and bandwidth constraints, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.

Integrating Mobile Apps for Enhanced Controls

Many connected TV (CTV) apps lack complex controls due to the limited functionality of traditional remotes. To address this, engineers could integrate CTV controls into mobile apps, allowing for more customizable, resizable remotes that include:

  • Advanced shortcuts for ease of navigation.
  • Synchronized audio experiences for Audio Descriptions (AD) and multi-language support.
  • Voice control or eye-tracking technology (like Apple’s upcoming feature for iOS 18), enabling users with mobility impairments to navigate the platform effortlessly.

By connecting mobile apps to CTV experiences, developers can offer users more complex interactions in a more accessible format without cluttering the main app interface. Additionally, there’s potential to open-source mobile app remote control APIs, encouraging the industry to adopt these features and promote better accessibility interactions across platforms.

Accessible Video Player Ads: A Missed Opportunity

Current advertising in video apps often lacks adequate accessibility features. For example:

  • Text-to-Speech (TTS) rarely announces the number of ads queued, time remaining in ad breaks, or other relevant information.
  • Many apps fail to include Closed Captions (CC) for ads, leaving deaf users without access to the content.

Moving forward, it’s crucial that ad content partners adopt accessibility standards for ads. A simple solution would be to require TTS to announce the number of ads and total duration when entering an ad break. Additionally, CC should be mandated for all ads to ensure consistency across content and maintain a high level of accessibility throughout the viewing experience.

Conclusion: Engineering an Accessible Video Player with Purpose

Building accessible video platforms requires thoughtful engineering and a commitment to inclusion. By implementing AI-powered pre-processing for video and audio, providing more flexible control options, and enhancing the ad experience, engineers can create a more inclusive environment for all users. Accessibility isn’t just a feature; it’s a necessity that allows everyone to engage with the content they love, no matter their abilities.

At VideoA11y, we believe in driving the industry forward with innovations that prioritize accessibility. Engineers, developers, and industry leaders—join us in making video entertainment accessible for all. Together, we can create platforms that serve the needs of every user. Get involved with VideoA11y today!