Breaking Barriers in OTT: Accessibility That Matters

Accessibility isn’t just a compliance box to tick in OTT and streaming. It’s the bridge between innovation and inclusion - making sure everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the content we all love. And as the streaming landscape grows, accessibility isn’t staying in the background. It’s shaping product roadmaps, engineering priorities, and the very way audiences connect with platforms.

Accessibility: From Afterthought to Industry Priority

Not long ago, accessibility was often seen as “nice to have.” Closed captions were bolted on, alt text was added at the last minute, and screen reader compatibility was inconsistent at best. But today, streaming companies are realising that accessibility isn’t an add-on - it’s central to growth.

Why? Because audiences are demanding it. Regulators are mandating it. And, most importantly, it makes platforms better for everyone. Features like customizable subtitles, voice controls, and intuitive navigation don’t just help people with disabilities - they improve user experience universally.

The People Driving Accessibility Forward

Behind every accessibility breakthrough in OTT, teams and leaders are making it happen.

Take Josh Carr, an Accessibility and User Experience Engineer who has helped shape best practices across Paramount+, BET+, and Pluto TV. He’s led cross-platform projects, such as bringing ARIA-based Connected TV Text-to-Speech (TTS) apps up to par with Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader using React Native. Josh is also the founder of VideoA11y.org, a nonprofit website creating standardised documentation for the multi-sensory entertainment industry. His passion for accessibility doesn’t stop at code, he’s conducting research, influencing policy discussions, and driving collaboration across the OTT space. (And for those looking: Josh is currently open to work, a huge opportunity for any organisation serious about accessibility.)

Stories like Josh’s show what’s possible when companies empower individuals to lead accessibility - it doesn’t just improve compliance, it changes how people experience content.

Where Accessibility Meets Opportunity

The push for accessible streaming is also creating new opportunities across the industry. We’re seeing demand for roles like:

• Accessibility engineers who specialise in compliance and assistive technologies.
• UX/UI designers with accessibility-first approaches.
• Product leaders who can align business goals with inclusive design.
• Operations teams who ensure consistent delivery of captions, translations, and audio descriptions globally.

For TA managers and decision-makers, this shift matters. Building accessible platforms isn’t just about doing the right thing - it’s about staying competitive, meeting regulations, and unlocking new audiences. That requires the right people in the right seats.

Breaking Barriers Together

At 5V Video, we’ve seen firsthand how companies that invest in accessibility see stronger engagement, improved retention, and reputational benefits that ripple across the market. More importantly, they build platforms that reflect the diversity of the audiences they serve.

And it’s not just about hiring one “accessibility specialist.” It’s about building cross-functional teams — from playback engineers to QA testers - who understand accessibility as part of their work. That’s when accessibility stops being an initiative and becomes an advantage.

Looking Ahead

As OTT continues to expand globally, accessibility will only grow in importance. The platforms that lead in this space will be the ones that not only adapt quickly but also embrace inclusion as part of their identity.

The good news? There’s a wealth of talent out there ready to drive this change - engineers, designers, operations professionals, and leaders who are passionate about breaking barriers.

At 5V Video, we’re proud to connect companies with the talent to make accessibility more than a buzzword. Because in the end, accessibility isn’t just about technology. It’s about people - both the ones who build it, and the ones who rely on it every day.

? To learn more about building teams that put accessibility at the heart of OTT, reach out to erin.hounsham@weare5vvideo.com