Avoid auto-playing videos & slideshows
Introduction
Autoplaying videos and slideshows cause numerous accessibility concerns. Though only a clear pause button is technically required for accessibility, we’ve found that there are still additional concerns that make auto-playing not worth it.
Decision
Avoid auto-playing videos and slideshows in projects.
Context
Autoplaying videos and slideshows can be distracting for users, increase cognitive load, slow page speed, cause motion sickness, create frustration, and trigger seizures (if there are flashing lights). On mobile, they can also use up data and get cut off.
Consequences
- Potential pushback: Some clients might push back against our recommendations, insisting on their personal preferences. We will need to educate them on why this approach is better for accessibility.
Exceptions
If the client insists against our recommendation, then we can:
- Add an autoplaying video as long as there’s a clearly visible pause button, and ideally no flashing lights.
- Add an autoplaying slideshow as long as there’s a clearly visible pause button, and ideally at least a 5-7 second delay before each slide of a slideshow auto-advances.