4Viewers

Channel 4 streaming

The following FAQs relate to the accessibility on Channel 4 streaming.

I Have A Visual Impairment

Channl4.com is a responsive site and can be zoomed up to 200% with no loss of content, this will allow the page to wrap, and resize in line with the screen resolution and size. On a desktop browser to zoom the screen use the Ctrl key and '+' (plus key) or '-' (minus key).

Audio description is currently available on some content on the channel4.com website, represented by an 'AD' icon within the playback menu. This will allow audio feedback for visually impaired users giving extra description of what is happening on screen, sometimes during the dialogue. Select the logo to enable audio description. See the available audio described programming on Channel 4.

I Have Difficulty Hearing

Subtitled content be found across our platforms. If subtitles are available an "S" button will be visible on the video player bar. Click on the "S" and the subtitles will load and display.

Subtitles are currently supported on the channel4.com website, the iPhone/iPad app (for streaming), a number of Android mobile and tablet apps (for downloads and streaming), YouView, PS4, Amazon Fire, Freeview Play, Samsung devices and on our content available on Sky.

We take accessibility seriously and whilst we aim to subtitle as much content as possible, unfortunately, not everything on  demand will carry subtitles. In particular, this could be some of our older content that was subtitled live on our linear services or where the version of a programme differs to the one originally broadcast.

To view a programme with subtitles, click on the "S" button in the video player (once the ads have played) and subtitles for the programme will load. If the "S" button is not displayed, this means that there are no subtitles available for that programme.

For the best experience we recommend using one of the following browsers:

  • Google Chrome (latest version)
  • Microsoft Edge (latest version)

Channel 4 is committed to continuing to extend accessibility where possible, but there are known issues with subtitles for live television on both Safari and Firefox where the subtitle position is inconsistent. We therefore recommend using one of the above browsers for the best viewing experience.

Subtitles are currently supported on the channel4.com website, the iPhone and iPad app (for streaming), the Android app, YouView, Samsung Tizen (mid-2015 and above), PS4, Amazon Fire and Freeview Play.

Most of our recent content will have subtitles available, if subtitles are available, there will be a 'S' icon on the video. Subtitles are activated by selecting the subtitles icon.

Audio settings can be adjusted via your mobile, tablet or desktop PC settings

I Have Difficultly Reading Or Understanding Content

When navigating through the menus and programs, there is a highly visible focus indicator present on screen which will help many keyboard only or switch users when moving to selectable elements such as links or buttons. This colour change should also be visible for mouse users, where you will see a visual change when moving your mouse cursor over a selectable element.

I Have A Mobility Impairment Or Dexterity Issues

Channel4.com can be navigated using keyboard only and the tab key. Use space or enter to select links or activate controls.

Channel4.com can be used with switches and Voice Activation software.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking (also known as Dragon or DNS), is a speech recognition software package that allows you to control your computer by voice using verbal commands. It allows the user to speak into a microphone and translate the spoken words into text or browse an internet web page. Dragon Naturally Speaking is used for those with difficulty using a keyboard and/or mouse.

Additional accessibility information - Channel4.com website

Channel 4 takes its commitment to online accessibility very seriously. Our policy is to ensure this website meets recognised international standards for accessibility to ensure it is accessible to all. We are fully committed to ensuring this website meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) to AA standard to ensure people with disabilities are not excluded from accessing information and services. To this end, we work closely with the Digital Accessibility Centre (opens in a new window) to ensure the accessibility of all Channel 4 websites, including detailed testing by disabled people using a range of assistive devices such as screen readers. Whilst Channel 4 strive to adhere to the accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility and usability, it is not always possible to do so in all areas of the website.

Access Services: We are committed to providing subtitles on as much of our streamed programming as possible. We are also looking into the providing more programmes with audio description on streamed content in the future.

Accessibility challenges: As an innovative company working in broadcasting we are always looking at new ways to enhance and develop our websites. As part of this we will ensure we think about the accessibility of any new technology we use. There may be some instances where we display video players, advertisements and third party applications that are out of our control and therefore Channel 4 cannot guarantee accessibility of these. Where possible we work with our partners to rectify these issues with the aim of enhancing the experience of all our users.

Feedback: If you would like to comment about the accessibility of this site please use the Contact Us Form