Web accessibility gaps in online video platforms: video services ahead of the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

Abstract Web accessibility enhances the usability of websites for persons with disabilities, who make up about 16% of the global population, including 87 million in the European Union (EU). To protect against discrimination, laws and regulations have been enacted worldwide, including digital types such as websites, apps, and software. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a standardized framework that is important in EU legislation. Currently, a directive mandates accessible digital services for public entities in the EU. The forthcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA), effective June 2025, will require all companies operating in the EU to comply with accessibility regulations, affecting a broad range of goods and services, including digital products. This study evaluates the web accessibility of four popular online video platforms in Austria - Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Netflix, and YouTube - using their desktop web versions and mobile apps. The evaluation involved two phases: an automated test using the WAVE evaluation tool and a manual examination based on a checklist of 53 criteria grounded in WCAG 2.1. The analysis revealed significant accessibility issues across all platforms, particularly keyboard navigation, color contrast, responsive content, screen reader compatibility, and media alternatives. Many problems were device-independent, highlighting the need for improvement. The study suggests further research for a deeper evaluation of content and additional devices.