Vimeo, a YouTube competitor, has recently updated its web-based video player. Vimeo now defaults to an HTML5-based player rather than Flash. It provides much faster playback/load times and improved tools to share a video.
Although the accessibility implementation may not be perfect, it’s a very significant improvement. The Vimeo player now supports keyboard and screen reader users and supports captions and subtitles! Here’s a live example of Vimeo captions by Amara (@AmaraSubs).
Thanks to Vimeo for these changes. We hope to hear about more improvements.
Further reading:
- Vimeo Rolls Out A Totally Rebuilt HTML5-Based Video Player (TechCrunch)
- Vimeo unveils update with HTML5 default, increased accessibility and voiceover compatibility (The Drum)
- Vimeo Enhances Accessibility (Media Access Australia)
- Is the New Vimeo HTML5 Player Accessible (by Interactive Accessibility)
One reply on “Vimeo Updates Video Player Including Accessibility”
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to add captions and subtitles with the new Vimeo player: http://www.3playmedia.com/how-it-works/how-to-guides/captions-and-subtitles-with-vimeo/