Checklist for Accessible TikTok Videos

Creating accessible TikTok videos helps you reach a broader audience, including over 1.3 billion people worldwide living with disabilities. Accessibility features like captions, alt text, and text-to-speech not only make your content easier to engage with but can also boost video completion rates by up to 28%. Here's a quick guide to making your TikTok videos more user-friendly:

• Add Captions: Use TikTok's auto-captioning tool, ensure proper timing, and choose high-contrast fonts for clarity.
• Enable Text-to-Speech: Convert on-screen text into audio for users with visual impairments.
• Use High-Contrast Colors: Ensure text and graphics are easy to see, even in different lighting conditions.
• Describe Visual and Audio Elements: Include descriptions of actions, background sounds, and key visuals.
• Write Alt Text: Provide concise, meaningful descriptions for images to support screen readers.
• Test for Accessibility: Use tools like screen readers and contrast checkers to review your content before publishing.
• Update Older Videos: Add captions or pinned comments to improve accessibility on past uploads.

Accessible content isn't just good practice - it improves engagement and ensures your videos are enjoyable for everyone. Start by adding captions to your next video and build from there.

What Are TikTok's Newest Accessibility Features?

Add Captions to Your Videos

Captions are a game-changer for making your TikTok videos accessible to everyone, including viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. They’re also incredibly useful for anyone watching in noisy environments or with the sound off. In fact, research shows that adding captions can boost content engagement by up to 40% across all audience groups[1]. Clearly, captions aren’t just an accessibility feature - they’re a way to connect with more viewers.

Here’s how you can activate and fine-tune TikTok’s captioning tools to make your videos stand out.

Turn On TikTok's Auto-Captions

TikTok’s auto-captioning feature uses speech recognition to transcribe your video’s audio automatically. After recording or uploading your video, head to the preview screen and tap the "Captions" button on the side panel to generate captions[2]. If it’s your first time using this feature, TikTok will ask you to opt in. Once enabled, you can select a preferred language for your captions to improve transcription accuracy.

Before you finalize, review the generated captions carefully. Look out for misheard words, punctuation errors, or awkward timing, and make edits as needed to ensure your captions are polished and accurate[2].

Edit Caption Style and Position

To make your captions easy to read, focus on contrast and clarity. According to WCAG guidelines, caption text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background[1]. High-contrast combinations, like white text on a dark background or black text on a light background, work well. Tools like WebAIM can help you double-check your choices.

Keep in mind that captions might look different depending on the screen or lighting conditions, so test their visibility on multiple devices. Plan your video layout to leave about 20% of the screen space for captions. This ensures your visuals remain clean and your captions stay readable.

For fonts, stick to simple, clear options in an appropriate size. Avoid decorative or overly stylized fonts that could make your captions harder to read.

Match Captions to Audio Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to captions. They should appear just before or at the same time as the audio they correspond to. Videos with well-timed captions hold viewers’ attention 32% longer[1]. After generating auto-captions, preview your video and adjust each line to ensure the timing aligns perfectly with the dialogue. Aim to display each caption for about 3–4 seconds, giving viewers enough time to read.

Don’t forget to include descriptions for key background sounds or music cues. For example, add text like "[doorbell rings]" or "[upbeat music plays]" so viewers relying on captions can fully grasp the audio elements of your video. These small details can make a big difference in creating a more engaging and inclusive experience.

Make Audio Content Accessible

Making audio content accessible is about more than just adding captions - it's about creating an inclusive experience for all viewers. With over 20% of U.S. adults identifying as having some form of disability, and many experiencing hearing impairments, audio-only content can leave a significant portion of the audience excluded [3]. By offering multiple ways to access audio information, you not only support people with disabilities but also cater to viewers in noisy environments, language learners, and those who prefer to read along with the audio. In fact, videos that incorporate multiple accessibility features see a 28% higher completion rate [1], meaning more people stick around to watch the entire thing. Below, we’ll explore how text-to-speech, clear audio recording, and background sound captions can make your content more accessible and engaging.

Enable Text-to-Speech

TikTok’s text-to-speech feature is a game-changer for accessibility. This tool converts on-screen text into spoken audio, making your content more inclusive for viewers with visual impairments or those who benefit from hearing written information. To use it, simply add a text overlay during the editing process, tap the text element, and select the text-to-speech option from the menu [2]. For the best results, keep your text overlays clear and visible for at least 3–4 seconds. Script your key messages carefully, and include natural pauses to ensure smooth and understandable speech. Pairing text-to-speech with manual captions creates a comprehensive approach that serves a wide range of accessibility needs. While this feature enhances clarity, it’s also crucial to focus on the quality of your audio recordings.

Record Clear Audio

Clear audio forms the backbone of accessible content. When your audio is crisp and easy to understand, TikTok’s auto-captioning tool can generate accurate captions with less need for editing. To achieve clear audio, record in a quiet environment and use a close-range or directional microphone to capture dialogue effectively. Plan your key messages in advance to maintain clarity, and take time during post-production to balance audio levels. Ensure that dialogue stands out over background music or sound effects for a consistent listening experience. Before publishing, test your audio on various devices, especially mobile phones, to confirm it sounds balanced and clear across different platforms.

Caption Background Sounds

Background sounds, music, and effects bring emotional depth to your videos, but they can go unnoticed by viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Adding visual descriptions of these sounds makes your content more inclusive. For example, describe the mood and style of music with cues like "[upbeat pop tune]" or "[mellow acoustic guitar]." Similarly, include sound cues like "[dog barking]" or "[applause]" to highlight key audio elements. Follow the same rules as dialogue captions - display descriptions for 3–4 seconds at the moment the sound occurs. To avoid cluttering the screen, reserve about 20% of the space for captions, ensuring they don’t obstruct your main visuals.

Create Visually Accessible Content

Making your content visually accessible goes beyond just adding captions or audio descriptions. It’s about designing videos that everyone can view and process comfortably, regardless of their visual abilities or sensitivities to light. People with visual impairments - such as those with photosensitive epilepsy, low vision, or color blindness - often face challenges with certain types of content. Prioritizing visual accessibility not only keeps your audience safe but also improves performance. In fact, accessible content can boost engagement rates by up to 15% by removing barriers that might otherwise cause viewers to lose interest[3]. Adding multiple accessibility features can further increase engagement by up to 40% across all audience groups[1]. This section dives into practical ways to enhance the visual design of your content.

Avoid Flashing Lights and Strobes

Flashing lights or strobe effects can be harmful to viewers with photosensitive epilepsy, potentially triggering seizures. Platforms like TikTok have systems in place to detect such effects and issue photosensitivity warnings, allowing users to adjust their settings or skip the video altogether[2]. To protect your audience, avoid using flashing effects that occur more than three times per second. If your vision for the video includes dynamic visuals, opt for smoother transitions, gradual lighting changes, or color fades instead. Keep transitions simple - limit the styles to two or three per video. Research shows that videos with clear, smooth visual progression retain viewers 32% longer[1].

Use High Contrast Colors

High-contrast color schemes help viewers with low vision easily distinguish text, graphics, and other visual elements. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for text and graphics[4]. A good rule of thumb is to pair dark text on light backgrounds or light text on dark backgrounds. Use tools like WebAIM’s contrast checker to ensure your color choices meet accessibility standards. Don’t rely solely on color to convey meaning - combine colors with text labels, icons, or patterns to make your message clear. When designing graphics with text overlays, choose simple, legible fonts and test how your content looks across different devices and lighting conditions. Stick to your brand’s color palette, but consider incorporating colorblind-friendly options to ensure your visuals are inclusive.

Describe Visual Actions

Providing descriptions of visual actions helps make your content more accessible to those with visual impairments or those who rely on audio. Spoken narration is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. For instance, in a cooking video, you could say, “I’m now mixing the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients,” to clarify what’s happening on screen. For text that appears in your video, use TikTok’s text-to-speech feature to have it read aloud automatically. Keep text overlays concise and, if more detail is needed, include it in the caption or direct viewers to additional resources. Ensure overlays are easy to read and stay on screen long enough for viewers to absorb the information. Reserve space in your video for captions and visual descriptions, and include representations of sound effects (like "[door slams]" or "[phone buzzes]") to give context to audio cues. By combining narration, text-to-speech, and thoughtfully designed overlays, you create a viewing experience that works for everyone.

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Write Alt Text and Descriptions

Alt text and metadata work quietly in the background but play a big role in making your TikTok content accessible to all users while improving its visibility. These tools help screen readers convey visual details to users with visual impairments and enable TikTok's algorithm to categorize and recommend your videos more effectively. By incorporating accessibility features like alt text and well-crafted descriptions, engagement can increase by up to 40% across all viewer groups [1]. Here's how you can create alt text and descriptions that enhance both accessibility and discoverability.

Write Alt Text for Images

Alt text, or alternative text, provides short yet meaningful descriptions of images for screen readers [3]. On TikTok, alt text serves two purposes: it makes your content accessible to users relying on assistive technologies and boosts discoverability through search engines. To add alt text, upload your image, tap "Next", and then choose "More options" [2]. Use TikTok's 300-character limit wisely, sticking to essential details while keeping descriptions concise and easy to understand [2].

Good alt text is clear, specific, and focused on important details rather than decorative elements [3]. Avoid vague phrases like "photo" or "image." Instead, describe the scene in detail. For example, instead of "person at desk", try "woman in a blue blazer sitting at a wooden desk with a laptop and coffee cup." This level of clarity helps users grasp the image's context and its role in your video. If your caption already explains the image, avoid repeating information in the alt text [3].

Writing alt text for every image can feel overwhelming, especially if you're managing multiple accounts or posting frequently. Tools like TheBlue.social's free alt text generator can save time by using AI to create detailed descriptions that meet accessibility standards [3]. For images with embedded text, their OCR tool extracts text directly, making it easier to create accurate descriptions.

Format Hashtags and Descriptions

Hashtags and video descriptions do more than boost discoverability - they also make your content more accessible. Use camel case for hashtags (e.g., #DigitalMarketingStrategy) to ensure screen readers can read each word correctly [3]. This approach also improves readability for everyone and is widely recommended across social platforms [3].

Your video description should summarize the main content, highlight key messages, and provide any extra context that might not be obvious from the visuals [3]. Use line breaks to organize ideas and make descriptions easy to scan. Add relevant hashtags in camel case, and include timestamps if your video covers multiple topics. Stick to straightforward language to ensure users with cognitive disabilities can follow along. Well-written descriptions not only improve accessibility but also help TikTok's algorithm correctly classify your content for better recommendations [3].

Think about what someone who can't see the video would need to know. Describe key visual elements, actions, or on-screen text that captions might miss. For example, if your video includes important text overlays, mention them in the description. This ensures every viewer can fully understand and engage with your content, regardless of their abilities.

Optimize Thumbnails and Metadata

Just like captions enhance audio clarity, optimized thumbnails and metadata can extend your video's reach. Design thumbnails that are visually clear and high-contrast, ensuring they effectively communicate your video's content. Use color combinations with at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio between text and background elements [1]. Avoid relying solely on text in thumbnails; instead, focus on strong visuals. Use tools like WebAIM to check your color choices and ensure they meet accessibility standards [1].

Metadata includes all the descriptive information about your video, such as titles, descriptions, captions, and alt text for images [2]. TikTok's accessibility tools allow you to add chapter markers for longer videos, making it easier for viewers to navigate [1]. Enable auto-captions and review them for accuracy, as search engines index this metadata, which also supports TikTok's accessibility features [1]. Consistent formatting and visual cues in your metadata can help users with cognitive disabilities engage more easily [1].

To ensure your thumbnails and metadata work well across devices, test them on different screen sizes and with TikTok's built-in screen readers before publishing [1]. Videos that incorporate multiple accessibility features see a 28% increase in completion rates on TikTok [1], and businesses using cross-platform accessibility tools experience a 31% broader reach compared to those sticking with standard formats [1]. By fine-tuning thumbnails and metadata, you're not just meeting accessibility guidelines - you’re improving your content's performance and reaching a wider audience.

Test and Update Your Videos

Ensuring your TikTok videos are accessible is a critical step before hitting publish. By testing for accessibility, you can catch potential issues early on, making your content more engaging for all viewers. Plus, revisiting and updating older videos can expand your reach and improve the overall performance of your content library.

Use Accessibility Testing Tools

Start by activating your device's screen reader to review how your video is presented. Pay attention to how captions are read aloud, confirm that alt text provides meaningful descriptions rather than generic placeholders, and check that interactive elements like buttons or links are properly labeled [1][2].

During editing, tools like WebAIM can help ensure your text overlays meet the WCAG-required 4.5:1 contrast ratio [1]. It’s also smart to view your video on different devices and in varying lighting conditions to ensure it’s visible in all environments [1].

For alt text, TheBlue.social's free alt text generator can simplify the process. In 2025, users of this tool generated over 20,000 alt texts, averaging 82.7 posts per user [5]. If your images contain text, their OCR tool can extract it directly, making caption creation easier and more accurate.

Test your videos with accessibility settings enabled, such as closed captions, text-to-speech functionality, and screen reader compatibility [1]. Preview your content with captions turned on to ensure they sync correctly, are easy to read, and don’t interfere with other visuals. This thorough testing helps identify barriers before your video goes live. And it’s worth the effort - videos with accessibility features see a 28% higher completion rate [1].

Once internal testing is done, gather feedback from your audience to refine your approach.

Ask Viewers for Feedback

Invite your audience to provide accessibility feedback. Add a call-to-action in your video descriptions asking viewers to report any issues they encounter. You can also set up a dedicated email or social media channel for accessibility-related feedback and monitor comments for suggestions [1].

When collecting input, ask specific questions about caption accuracy, audio quality, visual clarity, and whether animations or transitions cause difficulties. Document recurring issues and prioritize fixes. TikTok creator insights show that videos with clear visuals and accessibility features retain viewers 32% longer, proving that accessibility directly impacts engagement [1].

Create a feedback loop by regularly reviewing suggestions and implementing changes based on common themes. For example, if viewers frequently mention that captions are out of sync or text overlays are hard to read, adjust your production process accordingly. Acknowledge and thank viewers who provide feedback, and let them know when you’ve made improvements. This builds trust and encourages ongoing dialogue about accessibility.

Track how accessibility updates impact performance metrics like watch time, likes, comments, and shares. Brands that incorporate interactive accessibility features report a 23% boost in content engagement across diverse audiences [1]. If certain features consistently improve performance, make them a standard part of your production process.

Update Old Videos

Don’t stop at new content - revisit your older videos to bring them in line with current accessibility standards. Audit your video library to identify content that lacks captions, has poor contrast, or contains other accessibility gaps [1]. Keep an eye out for text overlays that obstruct key visuals or don’t meet contrast guidelines.

While TikTok doesn’t allow full re-editing of published videos, you can still enhance accessibility. For instance, use TikTok’s auto-captioning tool to add captions to older videos, then manually review and correct them for accuracy [2]. Reserve about 20% of the screen for captions and ensure text elements remain visible for 3–4 seconds [1]. If your videos include flashing effects, add photosensitivity warnings using TikTok’s built-in tools [2].

You can also pin comments with accessibility information to provide additional context. For example, if a video includes critical visual details that aren’t described in the audio, pin a comment explaining those elements. Creating follow-up videos with transcripts or added descriptions for popular content is another way to make older videos more inclusive.

Maintain an accessibility audit spreadsheet to track which videos include features like captions, alt text, and high-contrast overlays. Note publication dates, the accessibility features present, and any issues that need addressing. This helps you prioritize updates and maintain consistency across your library.

Test updated videos just as you would new ones - use screen readers, verify contrast ratios, and check caption accuracy. Brands that adopt cross-platform accessibility features report a 31% broader reach compared to those sticking with standard formatting [1]. By systematically updating older videos, you create a more inclusive library that supports the 1.3 billion people globally living with disabilities [1].

Conclusion

Creating accessible TikTok videos doesn’t just expand your audience - it strengthens your brand. With over 20% of U.S. adults living with disabilities, making your content accessible isn’t just thoughtful; it’s a smart way to connect with a significant portion of the population [3].

The numbers speak for themselves: accessible videos enjoy up to 28% higher completion rates, 15% more engagement, and 22% greater interaction when captions and alt text are included [1][3]. By following a few key steps - like adding accurate captions, using high-contrast colors, enabling text-to-speech, writing descriptive alt text, and testing your videos - you can create content that’s more engaging and performs better across the board. Brands that include interactive accessibility features report an average 23% boost in engagement across diverse audiences [1].

TikTok’s built-in tools make accessibility easier than ever. Features like auto-captions, photosensitivity warnings, and text-to-speech are ready to use [2]. Combine these tools with manual tweaks - such as refining caption accuracy, enhancing color contrast, and adding personalized audio descriptions - and you’ll create content that resonates with the 1.3 billion people worldwide living with disabilities [1]. Using these features alongside the checklist steps ensures your videos reach and connect with a broader audience.

Start small. Add captions to your next video, test it with a screen reader, and invite your audience to share their feedback. Gradually integrate more accessibility features into your workflow. Each step builds trust with your viewers and shows that inclusivity is a core value of your brand. As accessibility becomes an expectation on social media platforms [3], those who prioritize it now will set themselves apart.

Accessible content isn’t just about reaching more people - it’s about fostering creativity through clear communication, thoughtful design, and meaningful connections. By incorporating captions, alt text, and visually clear elements, you’re not just checking off a list; you’re creating content that’s inclusive and impactful. Ultimately, you’re contributing to a more welcoming digital space where everyone can engage, participate, and feel valued.

For more tips and free tools to enhance your content’s accessibility, visit TheBlue.social.

FAQs

::: faq

What steps can I take to make my TikTok videos accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities?

To make your TikTok videos more inclusive and accessible to a wide audience, consider these essential tips:

• Include captions: Make sure to add accurate captions for any spoken content. This helps viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing follow along with your videos.
• Keep visuals clear: Avoid overly busy visuals. Ensure that any important text or graphics are easy to read and don't get lost in the background.
• Add descriptive alt text: If your video contains images or text overlays, provide alt text to describe them. This makes the content more accessible to visually impaired viewers.

These small adjustments can make a big difference in ensuring everyone can engage with and enjoy your content. :::

::: faq

How can I use TikTok's auto-captioning tool to make my videos more accessible?

TikTok's auto-captioning tool is a handy feature for making your videos more accessible. To ensure it works well, start with clear audio - avoid background noise so the tool can properly transcribe your speech. Once the captions are generated, take a moment to review and edit them, as automated tools can sometimes misinterpret certain words or phrases.

Adding captions does more than support viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing - it also appeals to people watching without sound. Accurate, easy-to-read captions can help your content connect with a broader audience. :::

::: faq

Why should I test my TikTok videos for accessibility, and how can I gather feedback to improve them?

Making your TikTok videos accessible ensures they can be enjoyed by everyone, including viewers with disabilities. This approach not only promotes inclusivity but also helps you connect with a broader audience, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

To get valuable feedback, consider engaging your audience directly through comments or polls. You can also share your videos with friends or members of your community who can offer constructive suggestions. Focus on areas like captions, audio quality, and visual elements to identify ways to improve and make your content more accessible. :::