I once audited a site for a nonprofit that had a welcome video on the homepage. It autoplayed. No captions. No pause button. For most users, it wasn’t a big deal. For a deaf visitor or someone relying on keyboard navigation, it made the site nearly impossible to use.
Here’s the part people miss: if your video player blocks access, that’s not just a design flaw. It could be a violation of the ADA.
Why Video Players Create ADA Risk
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires websites to be accessible — and that includes how video content is delivered. If your video player doesn’t allow a user to control playback, understand content, or interact using assistive technology, you’re not meeting compliance standards.
I’ve seen demand letters triggered by things as simple as missing captions or players that don’t respond to keyboard input. These aren’t edge cases — they’re common. And they’re avoidable.
What an ADA Compliant Video Player Should Include
Here’s what I look for when evaluating a video player for accessibility risk:
- Captions or transcripts for all spoken content
- Keyboard-friendly controls (play, pause, rewind, etc.)
- Visible focus indicators for users tabbing through options
- No forced autoplay
- Ability to adjust speed and volume without a mouse
- Support for screen readers (via ARIA labels and proper HTML structure)
If your video player doesn’t offer these features, it’s not fully accessible — and it may put your business at risk for a complaint or lawsuit.
This isn’t just about being thoughtful. It’s about being legally prepared.
Why Autoplay Can Get You Into Trouble
Autoplay is one of the most common issues I flag. It starts the video as soon as the page loads, often with no warning, sound off, or way to stop it. That disrupts screen readers and overwhelms users with cognitive disabilities.
In accessibility terms, it removes user control — and that’s one of the fastest ways to fall out of compliance.
What WCAG 2.1 Requires
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which courts often reference in ADA cases, outline clear expectations for media content:
- Captions for all prerecorded audio
- Audio descriptions for key visuals, where needed
- User-initiated playback (no forced start)
- Programmatic access to controls
If your video content is central to your message or site function, those requirements apply. Ignoring them doesn’t just frustrate users — it creates exposure.
What I Tell Clients Who Rely on Video
If video is part of your sales, onboarding, or outreach strategy, you need to be sure your player supports all users — not just the average one. Accessibility isn’t a bonus. It’s part of the legal framework for how you’re allowed to publish content online.
Our ADA defense law firm helps businesses evaluate digital tools — including video — for compliance gaps that could lead to demand letters or lawsuits.
If you’re unsure whether your player meets the standard — or if you’ve already received a complaint — contact us here. We’ll help you get clarity before the problem gets expensive.
