Are Your Podcasts Accessible?

Podcasts have become a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and entertainment. From business advice to niche hobbies, there’s a podcast for everyone. But as podcasts grow in popularity, it’s important to ensure that they are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. This not only includes those with hearing impairments but also individuals with cognitive or visual challenges. So, how can we make sure podcasts are as inclusive as possible?

Why Accessibility in Podcasts Is Essential

At first glance, podcasts may seem to be naturally accessible — especially considering the fact that they are audio-based and can be listened to on the go. However, for millions of people around the world, auditory or cognitive impairments can present significant barriers to enjoying podcasts.

For example, someone who is deaf or hard of hearing would miss out on an entire medium that’s designed for listening. Similarly, people with cognitive challenges might struggle to follow complex or rapid discussions, particularly if content isn’t presented in an accessible way.

Making podcasts accessible is essential for inclusivity. For podcast creators, ensuring accessibility can broaden their audience, not just because their content is available to more listeners but also because it will gain a better ranking in search engines. Furthermore, creating content that is accessible to those with accessibility needs can boost word-of-mouth recommendations and show a commitment to making content available to everyone.

How Transcriptions Aid Understanding

One of the most straightforward ways to make a podcast accessible is by providing a transcription. A transcription is simply a written version of the spoken content, allowing people with hearing impairments to read along.

For instance, imagine a popular business podcast that regularly interviews industry experts. By providing a transcript of each episode, a creator can ensure that those who cannot hear the podcast are still able to access the valuable insights shared. Transcriptions also benefit individuals who prefer to read content, allowing them to skim or reference key points without re-listening to the audio. Similarly, a lot of podcasts now are not just audio content, there are now accompanying videos with many of them, which can help those who lip read or those who process visual content better when combined with transcriptions.

Companies such as TED offer transcriptions for their podcast episodes, making their content accessible to a wider audience. This not only demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity but also enhances the user experience for those who may want to refer back to specific sections of the episode.

Why Simple Language Matters

Complex jargon or fast-paced discussions can make it difficult for some listeners to fully understand podcast content. To tackle this, creators can adopt techniques such as slowing down the speed of delivery or using simple, clear language.

For example, consider a technology podcast discussing artificial intelligence. If the hosts dive too deeply into technical terms without explanation, listeners who aren’t familiar with the topic may struggle to follow. By breaking down complex ideas into simple terms and providing real-world examples, podcast creators can make their content more accessible to everyone, not just experts.

Using clear language isn’t just beneficial for cognitive accessibility; it also helps those who may be listening in their second language or in noisy environments, where comprehension may be more challenging. When content is easy to listen to and process, people are more likely to continue to be loyal listeners.

Accessible Platforms and Interfaces

The platform on which a podcast is hosted also plays a significant role in its accessibility. Podcast platforms should offer features such as screen reader compatibility for visually impaired users and easy navigation tools for those who rely on assistive technologies.

Spotify, for instance, has made strides in creating an accessible interface for its users. Settings now allow those with visual impairments that require screen reader support to navigate the platform much more easily. Similarly, ensuring that the play/pause functions and volume controls are accessible using keyboard shortcuts can enhance the experience for users who cannot easily use a mouse or touchscreen.

Creators should also be mindful of how they promote their podcasts on websites or social media platforms. Embedding accessible audio players and ensuring that any accompanying visuals or links are optimised for screen readers can make a significant difference in user experience.

Visual Accessibility

Although podcasts are primarily an audio medium, visual elements — such as episode cover art and promotional materials — are still a crucial part of the experience. Ensuring that these visuals are designed with accessibility in mind is key.

For instance, cover art that uses high-contrast colours and large, legible fonts can help users with visual impairments identify a podcast episode more easily. A cluttered or overly complex visual design might make it difficult for someone with low vision or dyslexia to understand what the episode is about. Including alternative text (alt text) for any images related to the podcast, such as on a website or social media post, is another simple way to enhance accessibility.

Captions and Subtitles

While transcriptions cater specifically to those with hearing impairments, podcasts that are recorded in video format can benefit from captions or subtitles. This allows viewers to follow along with the dialogue visually. Captions are particularly useful in interviews or discussions with multiple speakers, where it might be hard to distinguish voices.

BBC Sounds, for example, offers both audio and video content with subtitles where applicable, making it easier for all users to access the information being shared. This provides an inclusive option for those who may not be able to follow the audio alone.

The Future of Accessible Podcasting

As podcasting continues to evolve, the future looks bright for accessibility. We’re already seeing innovative approaches to making podcasts more inclusive, from apps that auto-generate transcriptions to platforms that offer speed adjustments for easier comprehension. The key takeaway is that accessibility should never be an afterthought— rather, it should be a part of the content creation process from the start.