Tiktok has begun to integrate new features into the platform that strengthens its approach to accessibility. These updates, which will enable visually impaired users to reach content more easily, are supported by artificial intelligence -based solutions. Especially the steps taken to explain the visuals are to make a difference for individuals using screen readers.
Tiktok, which offered manual subtext to the static visuals in April, has now turned to a more comprehensive step. When no sub -text is added to any image on the platform by the content producer, it takes over artificial intelligence. These automatically created texts are transferred to users through screen readers. Thus, the visuals that remain silent before are now defined in some way.
Tiktok control does not completely receive content producers
However, Tiktok content does not completely control the producers. Users can add their own explanations at any time or after sharing. This also gives the chance to correct if there is a mistake or deficiency in the definitions made by artificial intelligence. Despite everything, it is clear that automatic explanations are more functional than any explanation.
In addition, Tiktok has offered different settings to users to facilitate visual access. One of them is the contrast transition that increases the foreground of the text, icon and other user interface elements in the application. This is particularly possible for users with low vision to distinguish content more clearly. Navigation is easier as the difference between colors becomes sharper.
In addition, for users who activate thick text setting on their devices, articles are automatically shown in the entire application. Such compliance is of great importance for individuals with visual sensitivity. Tiktok’s considering this detail shows that a comprehensive process of thought is carried out in the accessibility approach. So the application works not only with its own settings, but also with device settings.
These new accessibility options offered by Tiktok can be controlled on the accessibility settings page of the application. iOS and Android users can access these settings from the three striped menu in the profile section. Desktop users can reach the same page by using the task menu in the left edge bar. Thus, the access path is simple and fast.
On the other hand, such steps taken by social media platforms are important in order for visually impaired individuals to take place in the digital world. It was possible to see similar systems on Meta’s Instagram and Facebook platforms. Tiktok’s progress in the same direction is considered as a development that will contribute to access equality. With technological solutions, digital inequalities should be prevented and emphasized every day.
But it should not be forgotten that no matter how advanced artificial intelligence is, human contribution is still indispensable to fully reflect the spirit of visual content. The user experience can be limited if the cultural, emotional and contextual details in the subtexts are missing. Nevertheless, it would be more useful for users to provide an AI -supported description rather than a completely silent in the screen reader.