Images and graphics remove focus from text. This means it is more difficult to scan the page for required information. This is especially so if the image is of little relevance to the text.
We do not use images on standard pages. Some exceptions may exist for specific circumstances.
Images used on microsite pages must be relevant to the user need of the page.
When images are used in your content we must add alternative text, also known as ‘Alt Text’ to describe the image. Alt text is not visible to users on the page, but is read aloud to people who use assistive technologies.
Videos
If you are thinking about using a video, check if you can present your content on the page first. This is because:
- it is easier to find information in text
- users often don't watch videos
In some situations, videos are useful to aid understanding, but you must ensure that you do not exclude people with an impairment. To do this, you must enable captions and provide audio descriptions.
If you must use background music, make sure the volume of any voiceover is higher so that people can clearly hear it.
Avoid using flashing images in videos - do not flash more than 3 times per second.
Captions
YouTube can auto-generate captions, but you must check them and correct any errors.
This also helps people who use captions when watching videos in places where they can't have their sound on, for example if they're on a train or in an office and don't have headphones with them.
If you cannot provide captions you could consider providing a transcript of the video that contains all the important information (not just the speech, but any relevant visual details) for people to read.
Audio descriptions
When your video shows important information on screen, such as text or a diagram, and the audio does not explain it, add audio descriptions. This is so that you do not exclude those with a sight impairment.