--- title: Ensure your video content complies with the European Accessibility Act 2025. Use our comprehensive checklist. description: Ensure your video content complies with the European Accessibility Act 2025. Use our comprehensive checklist. image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/website%20accessibility-1-1.jpg --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/eaa-compliance-checklist#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/eaa-compliance-checklist#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/eaa-compliance-checklist#footer) Test the accessibility of your website for free! Try UsableNet AQA. 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[Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) - [Who We Serve](https://usablenet.com/strategic-relationships) ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/e-commerce-accessibility-solutions) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) Close Open Menu - Solutions ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Which accessibility remediation approach is right for me? [Take our Quiz](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) - Resources ## Resources [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) - Who We Serve ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) # Video Accessibility Requirements: Your EAA Compliance Checklist for 2025 **By** [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) on Aug 6, 2025 **Topics:** [Web Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility), [Video Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/video-accessibility), [European Accessibility Act](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/european-accessibility-act) 0 Comments - - - ![Person working on video accessibility ](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/website%20accessibility-1-1.jpg) The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is no longer on the horizon; it entered into force on June 28, 2025. The law now applies to any organisation that offers digital products or services to EU consumers, including websites, mobile apps, and media content. Because video is one of the most engaging (and legally risky) content types, getting it wrong can expose brands to complaints, fines, and reputational damage. This checklist to video accessibility requirements unpacks exactly what “accessible video” means under the EAA and provides a practical checklist you can run through today. ## European Accessibility Act Checklist for Digital Compliance The European Accessibility Act (EAA) entered into force on June 28, 2025. It applies to any organization that offers digital products or services to EU consumers, including: - Websites - Mobile applications - Streaming services - Video content in marketing, onboarding, and customer support Video is one of the most visible, and legally risky, content types under the EAA. Failure to make video content accessible can result in: - **Financial penalties** (fines vary by Member State) - **Removal from the EU market** - **Exclusion from public procurement** - **Reputational damage** that can impact brand trust This guide explains exactly what “accessible video” means under the EAA, how it relates to EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 AA, and gives you a video accessibility checklist and roadmap to compliance. ## Why the EAA Focuses on Video Accessibility Video is deeply embedded in the modern customer journey: - **E-commerce:** Product explainers, promotional campaigns, live shopping events - **SaaS & Apps:** How-to tutorials, feature launches, onboarding videos - **Hospitality & Travel:** Destination overviews, booking walkthroughs, in-room guides - **Retail:** Staff training modules, marketing campaigns, customer service help videos Under the EAA, audiovisual media services must ensure that people with disabilities can access the same information and functionality as other users. This requires: - **Captions** for people who are deaf or hard of hearing - **Audio descriptions** for people who are blind or low-vision - **Accessible video players** compatible with assistive technologies - **Synchronized delivery** of all accessibility features These video accessibility requirements map to **EN 301 549**, which is the EU’s harmonized accessibility standard, and reference the **minimum technical standard of WCAG 2.1 Level AA**. ## EAA Video Accessibility Checklist The following checklist draws from EN 301 549 Chapter 7 (Web) and WCAG video accessibility requirements. ### 1. Captions - Provide **accurate, synchronized captions** for all prerecorded and live video content. - Include speaker identification and non-speech elements (e.g., music cues, sound effects). - Captions must be **available in the same language(s)** as the video’s primary dialogue. ### 2. Audio Description - Provide **audio description** for essential visual content that is not explained in dialogue. - Ensure descriptions are synchronized and give equal access to information. ### 3. Sign Language (When Required) - Offer sign language interpretation where necessary to provide **equivalent access**. - Requirements may vary depending on audience and national law—monitor your market-specific guidance. ### 4. Accessible Video Players - All player controls (play, pause, volume, captions on/off) must be **keyboard operable**. - Players must support **assistive technologies** like screen readers and voice control. - Ensure color contrast for player controls meets WCAG standards. ### 5. Synchronization - Captions, audio descriptions, and sign language must be **synchronized** with the video. - Users must be able to **toggle features on/off** independently. ### 6. Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) - For platforms that include EPGs, ensure accessibility metadata is present. - Allow **independent navigation** without relying on sight or hearing. ### 7. Documentation & Testing - Maintain internal documentation of compliance checks for each video. - Test with **assistive technology users** in addition to automated checks. ## Three-Phase Roadmap to Video Accessibility Compliance The **UsableNet + 3Play Media EAA Checklist** recommends this phased approach: ### **Phase 1 – Establish Understanding & Policy** - Review your country’s **EAA transposition** and identify any stricter requirements. - Define roles, timelines, and market-specific deliverables. - Create a formal **video accessibility policy** to guide content creation. ### **Phase 2 – Audit & Gap Analysis** - Inventory all current video assets, noting location, format, and accessibility status. - Identify missing accessibility features and prioritize based on: - **User impact** (critical instructional videos first) - **Legal risk** (high-visibility, high-traffic content) - Include **third-party hosted videos** in your review—your compliance responsibility doesn’t stop at your own servers. ### **Phase 3 – Continuous Monitoring & Feedback** - Add video accessibility checks to your **QA process**. - Schedule **regular audits** to catch regressions. - Provide a clear **user feedback channel** for accessibility issues. ## Addressing Legacy Video Content All video content, regardless of publication date, must meet video accessibility requirements. ### Triage Method for Backlog Content: 1. **High Priority:** High-traffic, business-critical videos with significant accessibility gaps. 2. **Medium Priority:** Lower-traffic videos that can be fixed quickly. 3. **Archive or Replace:** Low-value videos that require major rework. ## Enforcement and Penalties for Non-Compliance While exact fines and procedures vary by country, common EAA enforcement actions include: - **Financial penalties** proportional to the severity of non-compliance. - **Suspension of services** in the EU market until compliance is demonstrated. - **Public naming** in government reports, leading to reputational harm. - **Exclusion from procurement bids** for failing accessibility checks. ## FAQs about Video Accessibility Requirements ### **Does my backlog video content need to comply?** Yes. The EAA applies to **all consumer-facing video content**, regardless of creation date. ### **Is auto-captioning enough?** No. Automated captions must be reviewed for **accuracy**, **speaker labels**, and **non-speech audio**. ### **When is dubbing or sign language required?** Only when needed to provide **equivalent access**, depending on audience needs and national law. ### **What are the video accessibility standards for EAA enforcement?** Standards are defined in **EN 301 549**, which aligns with **WCAG 2.1 AA** for video accessibility requirements. ## Action Steps for 2025 Video Accessibility 1. **Download the full EAA Checklist** from UsableNet + 3Play Media. 2. **Schedule a baseline audit** of all video content against EN 301 549. 3. **Embed accessibility into creative briefs**, procurement processes, and QA testing. 4. **Prioritize remediation** for high-impact videos before lower-priority content. By proactively implementing **video accessibility requirements** now, you reduce legal risk, protect brand reputation, and ensure that your **video content is inclusive for all audiences**—a strategic advantage in the EU’s competitive market. Download your free [European Accessibility Act (EAA) Checklist from UsableNet + 3Play Media for a step‑by‑step remediation workbook and roadmap.](https://info.usablenet.com/usablenet-and-3play-media-european-accessibility-act-checklist) or visit the [*EAA Compliance Resource Center. *](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance/)   ***Disclaimer:** This article is for informational purposes only and is based on requirements in the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and EN 301 549. National transpositions may introduce additional obligations—always review your country’s official guidance.* ![UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo%20150%20x%20150.png) ### [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) Founded in 2000, UsableNet created some of the first tools and platforms to make websites accessible and usable for all people. Starting out, we worked with government agencies as well as universities and corporations. Today, accessibility has become important to almost all companies. We provide accessibility solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, small and medium enterprises, government, and education organizations across industries including retail, travel, hospitality, food services, automotive, financial services, and healthcare. - - - - ### Related posts ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ![The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/The%20Low-Cost%20Moves%20That%20Strengthen%20an%20ADA%20Website%20Defense.png) [The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-low-cost-moves-that-strengthen-an-ada-website-defense) Jun 16, 2026 ### Sign Up for the UsableNet Blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ### Posts by Topic - [Web Accessibility (311)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) - [User Experience (113)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/user-experience) - [ADA Lawsuits (45)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-lawsuits) - [ADA Website Compliance (38)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-website-compliance) - [European Accessibility Act (34)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/european-accessibility-act) - [Mobile Web (30)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-web) - [Mobile Apps (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-apps) - [Retail (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/retail) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Consultation%20Icon.svg) Need to improve digital usability, accessibility or performance? 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Stay up-to-date on our insights, the latest tech news and digital trends. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "UsableNet", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1" }, "dateModified" : "2025-09-16T18:47:25.544Z", "datePublished" : "2025-08-06T14:06:47.000Z", "headline" : "Ensure your video content complies with the European Accessibility Act 2025. Use our comprehensive checklist.", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/website%20accessibility-1-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/eaa-compliance-checklist", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The Disability Equality Act (BGG Act) is a German law enacted in 2002 that aims to eliminate barriers for individuals with disabilities, including in digital services. It primarily applies to federal public bodies and institutions funded by the German federal government. While private companies aren't directly required to comply, those working with government agencies must ensure their digital services are accessible." }, "name" : "What is the BGG Act and who does it apply to?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "BITV 2.0 (Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance) provides the technical standards needed to implement the BGG Act’s requirements. It adopts WCAG 2.0 guidelines and mandates that public sector websites, mobile apps, and intranets be accessible. It also requires websites to include accessibility statements. Though not mandatory for private companies, adopting BITV 2.0 standards is recommended to broaden digital reach and reduce reputational risks." }, "name" : "What is BITV 2.0 and how does it support the BGG Act?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Non-compliance with the BGG Act, BITV 2.0, or EAA can lead to legal disputes, financial penalties, and loss of business opportunities, especially in public procurement. Germany has established an arbitration service under the BGG Act to resolve disputes, and enforcement of the EAA will increase after its 2025 implementation." }, "name" : "What are the risks of not complying with digital accessibility laws in Germany?" } ] } ```