The Gobi Video Player Is Now Even More Accessible

At Gobi Stories, accessibility has always been a core priority. We believe everyone should have equal opportunity to experience and share stories — regardless of ability.

That’s why we’ve just released a major update to the Gobi video player, further strengthening our support for the WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards.

Why This Matters

In a digital-first world, accessibility is more important than ever. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people live with some form of disability. By ensuring our video player follows accessibility best practices, we’re helping more users engage with video content in a way that works for them.

This update builds on our existing accessibility features and continues our mission to deliver inclusive storytelling at scale.

What’s New?

Here’s a breakdown of the improvements we’ve made:

• Closed captions and video descriptions: Improved support for subtitles and descriptive audio for users who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
• VTT track support: Ability to include VTT files for enhanced compatibility with assistive technologies.
• Downloadable transcripts: Expanded support for multiple transcript formats (Plain Text, HTML, VTT).
• Accessible player controls: Improved navigation and functionality with screen readers and keyboard input.
• Screen reader announcements: Player progress is now announced to screen readers in real time.
• Accessible story previews: Better support for preview cards and story thumbnails.
• Card player and story popup improvements: Enhanced accessibility for both small embedded players and pop-up story views.
• Keyboard shortcuts: New shortcuts for easier video control and navigation.
• Configurable alt text: You can now define alternative text for thumbnails, covers, and stickers.
• Link stickers and keyboard navigation: Link stickers are now included in tab-based navigation for better accessibility.
• Reduced motion support: If a user prefers reduced motion, the player adapts accordingly.
• Zoom compatibility: Full functionality maintained at 200% zoom without loss of content or layout.
• Improved contrast: All controls now meet the minimum 3:1 contrast ratio for better visibility.

These updates make it easier for content creators to build inclusive video experiences, and ensure that your audience — no matter their needs — can engage meaningfully with your stories.

Learn more

🔗 You can read the full accessibility statement here

Need help making your content more accessible, or have questions about the updates?
We’re happy to assist — reach out to us at contact@gobistories.com

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