#35 Flashing or Autoplay Content on Your Author Site? Tread Lightly
Mini-Series: Building an Accessible Website (Even If Tech Isn’t Your Thing)
What Counts as “Flashing or Autoplay”?
Blinking or rapidly moving content
Video or audio that starts on its own without permission
Why It Can Be Harmful
Some people are sensitive to flashing lights (risk of seizures), disoriented by motion (especially with sensory conditions), or find autoplay audio unexpected and startling.
How to Keep Things Gentle & Inclusive
Disable autoplay: Let users choose to press play.
Avoid fast flashing: If you must have animation, keep it slow and subtle.
Add pause controls: Let people stop animations or move on from them easily.
Use “Reduce Motion” media query for people with motion sensitivity.
This one is a little more tech-y, and your website builder may have this built in automatically, but if not, you can apply a custom CSS style like this:@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { animation: none; }
Need to Do Next:
Review your site for autoplay videos or animations
Remove autoplay and/or add pause controls
Tone down or remove fast-flashing elements
Ensure content still works without graphics or motion
Let’s Chat!
Ever clicked on a page and got startled by unexpected sound or movement? Share your funniest or most dramatic autoplay surprise story!