Making Background Videos on Webflow ADA-Compliant: What You Need to Know

Background videos are a popular design element in Webflow sites, adding a modern, engaging touch. Unlike traditional videos, they are not meant to be watched and listened to in the same way. Instead, they enhance the overall aesthetic and user experience of a site. However, even though they don’t include narration, it’s still important to ensure they meet ADA compliance so that all users, including those relying on screen readers, can understand their purpose.

We were recently asked by a client who wanted to make sure their site was fully accessible. We do a lot of this as standard since we follow best practices, but video accessibility isn’t something we typically cover. That got us thinking—how many others are missing this piece? So, we decided to shine a light on it to help others.

Why Accessibility Matters

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance ensures that digital content is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Background videos often serve a decorative function rather than delivering essential content, but they still require textual alternatives so that users with visual impairments or those using screen readers can understand their context and contribution to the site’s design.

What’s Required for Accessibility?

For a background video to be fully accessible on a Webflow site, you need two key files:

1. WebVTT File (Timed Video Descriptions)

A WebVTT (.vtt) file contains time-synced descriptions of the video’s visual elements. Since background videos do not have narration or dialogue, this file provides essential context, ensuring users who rely on screen readers can follow along.

• The client or content creator will need to ensure accuracy.
• Each entry includes a timestamp and a brief description of what is happening in the video.

2. Video TranscriptA video transcript provides a text-based summary of the video’s content. Unlike the WebVTT file, which is time-coded, a transcript is a readable document that describes the video’s visuals in a structured format. This is especially useful when a background video contributes to a site's branding, messaging, or storytelling in subtle ways.Implementing These Files in WebflowOnce the WebVTT and transcript files are ready, they should be placed below the video on your Webflow site:

• The WebVTT file should be hidden but accessible to screen readers. This ensures users who need descriptions can access them at the correct timestamps.
• The transcript should be displayed or made available as a collapsible section. This keeps the site visually clean while ensuring compliance.

Example of How to Implement This in Webflow

Example of How to Implement This in Webflow

To embed the WebVTT file:

<video controls>
   <source src="video.mp4" type="video/mp4">
   <track src="video_descriptions.vtt" kind="descriptions" srclang="en" label="English">
</video>

To provide a readable transcript:

<details>
   <summary>View Video Description</summary>
   <p>
       The video begins with the homepage of a modern Webflow site, featuring a large hero image and smooth animations.
       A scrolling animation reveals a call-to-action section with bold typography.
       The page transitions to a testimonials section, where customer quotes fade in...
   </p>
</details>

For users who prefer to download the transcript, a simple link can be provided:

<a href="video_transcript.txt" download>Download Transcript</a>

Next Steps

If you're using background videos in your Webflow site, ensuring they comply with ADA standards should be a priority. By providing a WebVTT description file and a video transcript, you not only enhance accessibility but also improve the user experience for a wider audience.

At Flow Guys, we take accessibility seriously and bake best practices into our workflow wherever possible. While video compliance isn’t always front and center, it’s something we’re actively thinking about—and now you can too. If you’ve got background videos on your Webflow site, take a moment to review them and see if they meet these accessibility standards. Small changes can make a big impact!