Accessibility Best Practices

These practices improve accessibility while also strengthening search performance and compatibility with assistive technologies.

Use Clear, Descriptive Headings

Write headings that clearly describe the content that follows. Headings play a key role in how users scan pages and how screen readers interpret structure.

Heading should use specific and meaningful language, such as:

• Tutoring and Academic Support Services
• Financial Aid Application Steps
• Housing Options

Avoid vague or generic headings like “Getting Help,” which do not provide enough context.

Use Headings in a Logical Structure

Organize headings in a hierarchical order (H1, H2, H3, H4, H5) without skipping levels. A page should contain only one H1 heading, which identifies the main topic of the page.

• H1 (one per page)
• H2
• H3
• H4
• H5

Using a clear heading structure improves accessibility, helps screen reader users understand the organization of the page, and makes it easier for all users to scan and find information quickly.

Use Clear, Descriptive Links

Write link text that clearly describes the destination or action. Descriptive links help all users by setting clear expectations about where a link will take them or what it will do.

Avoid:

• Vague link text such as "click here" or repeated "learn more," because these phrases do not provide enough context for screen reader users who navigate by links.
• Referencing the location of content (for example, "use the link on the left"), because the position of content can change depending on the device someone is using.

Descriptive link examples:

• Apply for financial aid
• View housing options
• Explore degree programs

Use a Consistent and Predictable Structure

A consistent, predictable website helps users find information more easily and navigate with confidence. It also improves accessibility by making content easier to understand for people using assistive technologies.

• Use clear, descriptive headings and a consistent page structure.
• Keep navigation and page layouts consistent across the website.
• Avoid duplicating content across multiple pages. Instead, maintain one primary source for important information and link to it when appropriate.

When pages are organized consistently and information is easy to find, users can focus on completing their tasks instead of figuring out where to look.

Maintain Accuracy and Build Trust

Keep content current and consistent across the site. Outdated or conflicting information creates confusion and limits access.

• Review content regularly
• Update pages as information changes
• Link to a single source of truth when possible

Accurate content supports user confidence and ensures a reliable experience.

Creating accessible YouTube content helps more people engage with your message, including viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or have low vision or use assistive technology. Accessible videos are clearer, more usable and more inclusive for everyone.

Core Best Practices

Use Accurate Closed Captions

All videos should include edited, accurate captions. Automatic captions generated by YouTube are not sufficient on their own and must be reviewed and corrected. Captions should be synchronized with the audio and include relevant non-speech elements, such as speaker identification and meaningful sound cues.

For videos featured on csumb.edu, captions must be turned on by default.

Provide Transcripts

Include a written transcript for each video whenever possible. Transcripts support users who prefer to read content, use translation tools or review information at their own pace.

Describe Important Visual Information in the Audio

When a video includes slides, on-screen text, demonstrations, charts or other visuals that are necessary for understanding, make sure that information is also explained aloud. This supports viewers who are blind or have low vision.

Include Meaningful Audio Cues in Captions

If music or other meaningful audio appears without dialogue, include captions such as “[Music: upbeat]” or other brief descriptions that communicate the audio context.

Design for Visual Safety and Readability

Avoid flashing or strobing visuals more than three times per second. Use strong color contrast in thumbnails and on-screen text. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.

Write Clear, Descriptive Titles and Descriptions

Use titles and video descriptions that clearly explain what viewers will learn or experience. This helps users understand the content before they begin watching and improves searchability.

Support Keyboard Accessibility

Make sure video players, controls and related content can be used by people navigating with a keyboard rather than a mouse.

Use Sign Language When Appropriate

Sign language interpretation can expand access for some audiences and may be especially valuable for high-priority public-facing content, events or announcements.

Additional Guidance

Ensure Caption Quality

Captions should be verbatim when accuracy is required and should meet accessibility quality standards. Review punctuation, spelling, speaker labels and timing before publishing.

Explain Shared Screens and Slides

If your video includes screen sharing, slide decks or demonstrations, do not rely only on what appears visually. Speak key text, actions and takeaways aloud.

Use Emojis Sparingly

Avoid using emojis in titles, captions or descriptions unless they add clear value. Screen readers announce each emoji, which can interrupt the experience for users.

Choose Simple, Legible Fonts

Use clear, easy-to-read fonts in video graphics and thumbnails. Recommended options include Montserrat or Tahoma when they remain highly legible on screen.

Creating accessible social media content helps ensure your message reaches and resonates with all audiences. By making small, intentional choices, you can improve clarity, usability and inclusion across platforms.

Facebook

On Facebook, include alt text for every image by using the photo editing tools. Videos should always include captions, and auto-generated captions should be reviewed and edited for accuracy. When sharing links, write descriptive preview text so users understand where the link will take them. Structure posts with line breaks to avoid long, dense blocks of text and improve readability.

Instagram

On Instagram, add alt text to all images using the “Write Alt Text” feature. Reels that include dialogue should also include captions, with auto-captions edited for accuracy. Important information should not live only in graphics; repeat key details in the caption so they are accessible to all users. Use camelCase hashtags, such as #CSUMBEvents, to improve readability. Be mindful of layout by keeping text within safe margins so it is not cut off in the grid view.

For Stories, include caption stickers when speaking to ensure content is accessible without sound. Maintain strong color contrast, and avoid using very small text or overly cluttered layouts that may be difficult to read.

TikTok

On TikTok, enable auto-captions and take time to edit them for clarity. Reinforce your message by adding on-screen text that highlights key points. Audio should be clear and balanced, with background music that does not overpower speech. Avoid rapid flashing visuals or overly fast cuts that can make content difficult to follow. When appropriate, use the platform’s text-to-speech feature to support understanding and accessibility.

LinkedIn

On LinkedIn, include alt text for images and captions for all videos. Content should be written in a clear, professional and conversational tone that is easy to understand. Use descriptive links rather than pasting full URLs, and format posts with spacing to make them easier to read and scan.

X (formerly Twitter)

On X, add alt text to every image and keep posts concise within the platform’s character limit. Use camelCase hashtags to improve accessibility, and avoid excessive abbreviations that screen readers may misinterpret. Videos should include captions, as reliable auto-captioning is not always available.