Accessible livestreams
Digital accessibility also in live streaming
At a glance (as of September 2026):
- What this is about: a livestream is accessible when all of its content is reachable without sight, without hearing or without a mouse — captions, translation, sign language, an operable interface, and presentations that exist as text.
- Who is obliged: since 28 June 2025, consumer-facing events fall under the German BFSG, internal events under § 164 SGB IX, public-sector events under BGG and BITV 2.0. The technical yardstick is the same throughout: WCAG 2.1 AA via EN 301 549.
- The single most expensive mistake: presentations burned into the video picture. They are out of reach for screen readers and force an audio description. How to avoid it is on our page about accessible presentations in livestreams.
Accessible events: A step towards inclusion
Increasing digitalization requires innovative approaches to make web content and online events accessible to everyone. Accessibility in the digital world, a key aspect of digital inclusion, means that people with disabilities can also easily access web content and webcasts. This includes clear use of language, visual and auditory aids, and consideration of different communication needs. Implementing these practices ensures that information and content are universally understandable, paving the way for accessible webcasts.
What does WCAG mean for webcasts?
The WCAG, short for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, represents an internationally recognized standard that defines important guidelines for the accessibility of online content. Compliance with these guidelines is essential when planning and implementing accessible webcasts. Websites must therefore be designed in such a way that they are also easy to navigate with screen readers, for example. It is also important to provide alternative texts for visual media such as images and videos to ensure comprehensive accessibility.
Which rules apply to which event?
Which obligation applies depends on the audience. What follows is not legal advice, but it sorts the three cases that occur in practice.
External events for consumers, investors, press and the public have fallen under § 3 of the German Accessibility Strengthening Act since 28 June 2025 — the national implementation of the European Accessibility Act. Digital events including attendee registration are covered, and an accessibility statement with a feedback mechanism comes on top.
Internal events for employees follow a different rule. Under § 164 SGB IX, employers with 20 or more staff must make reasonable accommodations so that employees with severe disabilities can take part on equal terms. Real-time captions and screen-reader-compatible presentations are named there explicitly.
Public-sector events are governed by the Disability Equality Act and BITV 2.0. Under § 12a BGG, event websites and streaming portals must meet EN 301 549; § 12b requires a public accessibility statement with a feedback channel.
In practice the platform is rarely what fails — the presentation is. Mix the deck into the video picture and its content is lost to screen readers, leaving an audio description as the only way to supply it. Why that is, and how to avoid it, is set out under accessible presentations in livestreams.
Digital accessibility: challenges and solutions
Every type of disability requires specific solutions in the area of digital accessibility. For the visually impaired, as already mentioned, screen readers and high-contrast visual design are important, while deaf users rely on live subtitling and sign language interpreters. Both the further development of existing technologies and the introduction of new technologies that address these needs are crucial for true digital inclusion.
Accessibility in livestreaming: more than just technology
Livestreaming and webcasts are effective tools for reaching a broad audience. The technical implementation of making these formats accessible requires a high level of technical expertise and experience. The use of accessible technologies is crucial to making content accessible to all user groups, including:
- Compliance with WCAG standards on the platform
- Provision of live captions and translations
- Integration of written and sign language interpreters, for example
- Audiovisual description of content
- Provision of materials in easy-to-understand language
It is important that event organizers are aware of the diversity of their target group’s needs and act accordingly.
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Accessibility as an opportunity
Accessible solutions in webcasts and livestreams are not only an ethical necessity, but also offer the opportunity to reach a wider audience and promote a more inclusive society. By integrating these technologies and practices, we are opening the door to a more diverse and inclusive future in the digital world.
At MediaEvent Services, we understand the importance of accessibility and inclusion and are passionate about making digital events on SlideSync accessible to everyone. If you have any questions or need support with the design of your accessible digital events, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working with you to shape a more accessible and inclusive digital future.
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