Audiovisual Media Hub
Video-on-demand platforms, streaming services, and broadcast catch-up services are explicitly named in the EAA. The Act requires not just accessible media players but end-to-end platform accessibility — from content discovery and search through playback controls, programme guides, and account management.
- ›European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882)
- ›Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2018/1808
- ›EN 301 549 v3.2.1
- ›WCAG 2.2 Level AA
- ›EN 301 549 Chapter 9 & 11
- ›TTML2 / WebVTT (subtitle formats)
- ›EBU-TT-D (broadcast subtitles)
- ›W3C MAUR (Media Accessibility User Requirements)
Compliance Requirements
Media Player Controls
Play, pause, stop, rewind, fast-forward, volume, mute, fullscreen, subtitle toggle, and audio description toggle must all be keyboard-accessible and labelled for screen readers. Controls must not disappear after a short timeout while focus is on them. Custom players built on <video> must expose all controls via the accessibility tree — not just visually.
Subtitles & Closed Captions
Subtitles must be available for all new content and — progressively — for archive content. They must be synchronised, accurate, and include speaker identification and relevant non-speech audio cues (e.g., [tense music], [door slams]). Users must be able to customise font size, colour, background opacity, and position. Subtitle rendering must not disappear or flicker on accessible display modes.
Audio Description
Audio description (AD) tracks must be provided for new scripted and factual content, describing key visual information — actions, scene changes, on-screen text, and visual humour. AD tracks must be selectable within the player without navigating away from the content. Where extended AD is provided, the platform must support it.
Sign Language Interpretation
For key content categories (news, emergency broadcasts, flagship programming), sign language versions should be available. Where a separate sign language stream is used, the platform must allow users to select it without losing their playback position. Signed content must be clearly labelled in the content metadata.
Electronic Programme Guide & Content Discovery
EPGs, carousels, recommendations, and search results must be navigable by keyboard and screen reader. Content metadata (title, rating, duration, accessibility features available) must be exposed programmatically. Filter options for accessibility features (subtitles, AD, BSL/ISL) must be present and functional. Thumbnails and promotional imagery must carry meaningful alt text.
Live Streaming Accessibility
Live streams must provide real-time subtitles (automatic AI subtitles are permissible if accuracy is maintained and corrections can be logged). Live audio description for major live events is a progressive obligation. Live stream players must meet the same control accessibility requirements as VOD players.
Account, Settings & Parental Controls
User account management, subscription settings, profile creation, and parental control configuration must all meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA. Accessibility preferences (subtitle style, AD enabled by default) must be saveable per profile and persist across devices and sessions.
Practical Steps to Compliance
- 1
Audit your media player against WCAG 2.2 — specifically 1.4.3 (contrast), 2.1.1 (keyboard), and 4.1.2 (name/role/value)
- 2
Assess your subtitle coverage percentage for both new and archive content; create a roadmap
- 3
Commission audio description for your top-rated or most-viewed titles as a priority
- 4
Test your EPG/homepage with a screen reader — carousels and lazy-loaded content are common failure points
- 5
Review subtitle customisation controls — font, size, colour, and position must all be user-configurable
- 6
Implement a content accessibility metadata schema so users can filter by subtitles, AD, and sign language
- 7
Publish an Accessibility Statement including contact details for users to request accessible format alternatives
Exemptions & Proportionate Burden
Microenterprises are exempt. Proportionate burden applies where providing audio description for all archive content would be prohibitively costly — must be documented with an accessibility roadmap.
Recommended Tools for This Sector
These AccessibilityRef tools are specifically relevant to your compliance needs. Use them to test, assess, and document your accessibility posture.
Video & Media Checklist
EN 301 549 Chapter 7 checklist — captions, audio description, player controls, and media content requirements.
Open tool →Colour Blindness Simulator
Test that programme guides and media player interfaces don't rely on colour alone.
Open tool →Contrast Checker
Verify subtitle text, player controls, and EPG interfaces meet contrast requirements.
Open tool →Focus Order Visualiser
Test keyboard navigation of media players — play, pause, seek, volume, caption toggle.
Open tool →Generic ICT Checklist
Set-top boxes and smart TVs must meet EN 301 549 Chapter 5 generic ICT requirements.
Open tool →Hardware Checklist
Remote controls and set-top boxes need tactile buttons, audio output, and hearing aid compatibility.
Open tool →Accessibility Statement Wizard
Generate the mandatory EAA accessibility statement for your audiovisual media service.
Open tool →Self-Assessment Pipeline
Run a full WCAG 2.2 / EAA self-assessment of your media platform.
Open tool →Important Legal Disclaimer
This tool is a self-assessment aid only and does not constitute legal advice or a formally certified compliance assessment. Outputs — including reports, scores, checklists, and accessibility statements — are for internal use and should be reviewed by a qualified legal representative or independent accessibility auditor before being relied upon for regulatory, procurement, or public-disclosure purposes. All assessment risk lies with the internal assessor. accessibilityref, its developers, and staff accept zero liability for losses arising from use of or reliance on these outputs. Always verify against official sources: the W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation, the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882), and your national enforcement authority.