How to make TikToks accessible to more viewers
Accessible videos work for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or low-vision, sensitive to flashing, or simply watching on mute in a noisy place. Most of the work is small habits.
Captions on every talking video
Turn on auto captions and correct them, or add your own text. Captions should follow speech closely and stay on screen long enough to read.
Include important sounds, such as [doorbell rings] or [music stops], when they matter to the story.
Readable on-screen text
Use large text with strong contrast, such as white text with a dark outline or a solid background box. Avoid thin fonts, light colours on light backgrounds and text over busy footage.
Keep text on screen for at least two seconds per short line.
Say what you show
If the point of a clip is visual, say it out loud: 'the left one is matte, the right one is glossy'. Screen readers cannot see your video, and many people glance away while listening.
Write a descriptive caption. It helps people using screen readers understand what the video is before playing it.
Avoid harmful effects
Rapid flashing and strobing can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Avoid flashing more than three times a second, and add a warning at the start if a flashing effect is unavoidable.
Keep music below speech. Loud music under a voice makes it hard to follow for anyone with hearing loss.
Frequently asked questions
Should captions include sounds as well as speech?
Yes, when a sound matters to the story. Add short notes such as [doorbell rings] or [music stops] so viewers who cannot hear the audio still follow what happens.
How long should on-screen text stay visible?
Keep it up for at least two seconds per short line, and use large, high-contrast text, such as white with a dark outline or a solid background box.
How can I use flashing effects without putting viewers at risk?
Avoid flashing more than three times a second, since rapid strobing can trigger seizures. If a flashing effect is unavoidable, add a warning at the very start of the video.