Does an auto play video with a pause button meet accessibility guidelines?

The pause button is an important step, but remember that the pause button itself must also be accessible so every user can take advantage of it.

The pause button needs to:

• Meet contrast standards so it is clearly visible (1.4.11 Non-text Contrast - Level AA)
• Be operable by keyboard alone (2.1.1 Keyboard - Level A), and have a visual indication that shows when the button is in focus (2.4.7 Focus Visible - Level AA)
• Communicate its role, state, and name to the accessibility tree, such as by using the button or toggle button design pattern (4.1.2 Name, Role, Value - Level A)

The Guided Manual WCAG Audit Tool from Accessible Web includes helpful tools for checking color contrast, checking keyboard operation, and understanding interactive design patterns.

Videos with Flashes

Also consider whether the video contains flashes. For some users, flashing lights may cause headaches, dizziness, or even seizures, and they may not have time to stop the video before it begins to affect them.

Based on Success Criteria 2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold - Level A, if the video contains flashes, they must be either:

• Occur no more than 3 times per second,
• Occur in only a small area of the page, or
• Occur below the general flash and red flash thresholds

The Photosensitive Epilepsy Analysis Tool (PEAT) can help you check for any areas of concern, and more details are available in Understanding Success Criteria 2.3.1. Checking for autoplaying video is part of our comprehensive, manual WCAG audits; reach out for more info!