In today’s rapidly growing world of video entertainment, video accessibility innovation is more crucial than ever. As connected TV platforms evolve, there are still several underutilized accessibility features that could transform how users with disabilities experience video content. By focusing on these often-overlooked concepts, video players can provide a more inclusive and seamless experience for everyone. Here, we explore four key innovations that can improve video accessibility and user experience.

1. Playback Speed Controls

One of the most underutilized features in video players is playback speed control. While some platforms offer the ability to adjust playback speed, this feature isn’t universally embraced or fully optimized. Allowing users to modify playback speed without distorting audio pitch benefits a diverse range of viewers.

For instance, those who need to quickly catch up on content can speed up the playback without missing important details, while others who require more time to process information can slow it down. Playback speed control also increases ad consumption opportunities, benefiting platforms. By making this feature intuitive and customizable, video players can cater to different user needs and establish it as a standard feature.

2. Ad Accessibility

Despite being a significant part of video content, ad accessibility remains a major gap. Most platforms lack basic accessibility features for ads, such as closed captions (CC) and Text-to-Speech (TTS) announcements. Without these tools, people with disabilities miss essential information.

To improve ad accessibility, video platforms should ensure that:

  • Closed captions are consistently available for all ads, just as they are for regular content.
  • TTS announcements communicate important details like the number of ads queued, the total duration of the ad break, and how long until the program resumes.

By implementing these features, platforms can provide a smoother ad experience, reduce frustration for users with disabilities, and create a more inclusive advertising environment.

3. Native System Integrations

Many video apps miss the opportunity to fully integrate with native, system-level features like virtual keyboards, voice search, and accessibility settings (CC, AD, TTS). Platforms like tvOS have earned praise for accessibility, but many tvOS apps often lack consistency when used on non-tvOS devices.

For a more seamless experience, video players should:

  • Leverage native virtual keyboard integration, allowing users to use platform features like voice input for searching and typing. This reduces cognitive load and enhances accessibility for users with physical disabilities.
  • Ensure consistency in using system-level settings for CC, AD, and TTS across platforms, so users don’t need to adjust their preferences in each app.

By prioritizing native integrations, video players can offer a more cohesive experience across devices, making content more accessible for everyone.

4. Background Video Playback

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality can be helpful for many users, but it presents challenges for individuals with motor disabilities. Navigating between foreground content and PiP windows can be difficult and confusing, making it less accessible.

A better alternative for connected TV apps is background video playback, especially for Electronic Program Guides (EPG). This feature allows users to continue watching content in the background while navigating menus or guides, providing a smoother viewing experience without overwhelming the interface.

However, it’s crucial to give users control over this feature. They should have the option to disable background playback, or at least mute the audio, ensuring the experience remains flexible and user-friendly.

Conclusion: Video Accessibility Innovation

As the video streaming industry continues to grow, companies must prioritize video accessibility innovation at every stage of design and development. Addressing overlooked concepts like playback speed controls, ad accessibility, background video playback, and native system integration will create a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all viewers.

At VideoA11y, we’re committed to advancing video player accessibility and ensuring no user is left behind. Join us as we continue to push the boundaries of accessibility and shape a future where inclusive video experiences are the norm.

Get involved with VideoA11y and help us build a more accessible world of video entertainment!