Animations are a common feature on modern websites — you'll often find them in icons scattered across a page, adding a polished, premium feel to the design.
Sure, animations are a nice-to-have that enhance the overall atmosphere of a site, but that doesn't mean we can ignore them. They must align with existing web accessibility standards and guidelines.
How Does Animation Accessibility Show Up in Practice?
Take animated icons that loop continuously as an example — in that case, we are required to provide users with a button or some other technical control that lets them pause or freeze the animation.
Wondering why?
Because we need to account for users with attention and focus difficulties, who will struggle to concentrate on content while a looping animation flickers on the side of their screen.
But It's Not Just Icons
Consider an image slider that automatically switches images every few seconds.
Here too, the user is trying to read the page while another design element keeps pulling their eye away, again and again.
In effect, we're shooting ourselves in the foot — we're degrading the browsing experience of our visitors, and very likely making it harder for them to complete the action they came to our site to perform.
Just as with icons, we need to implement a technical solution that allows users to pause the slider animation.
Exceptions to the Rule
If the animation lasts no longer than 5 seconds, there is no accessibility issue and no proactive remediation is required.
However, if the animation runs continuously — meaning the icons or slider we described keep moving indefinitely — then we are obligated to provide users with a way to stop it.
Cases That Slip Under the Radar
One of the things we love most about this field is that it pushes us to examine even the smallest details.
For example: on many websites, when data is loading, a loading spinner or icon appears for roughly 2–3 seconds.
We need to treat that animation the same way we'd treat a static image, and provide visually impaired or blind users with a clear explanation of what's happening on screen. After all, they have no way of knowing the site is loading. It is both acceptable and recommended to include a short descriptive phrase alongside the loading animation — something like "Loading your data, please wait" or "Just a moment, we're crunching the numbers."
Similarly, if a user saves information and there's a waiting period, it's important to include a message such as "One moment — we're saving your information."
The bottom line: we must always communicate what's happening to the user.
Making Longer Animations Accessible
So far we've focused on minor, brief animations — but what about animations that run for more than 10 seconds and convey critical information?
Think of an animation that walks users through how to use a specific product.
These animations require a written alternative — a clear, detailed written explanation that gives users who cannot interact with the animation access to the exact same information that other users receive visually.
Flashing and Strobing Content
Some animations may include rapid flashing or strobing effects, which can pose a serious risk to users with epilepsy — and here's the key insight: flashing content can also affect people with no pre-existing conditions.
No animation should produce more than 3 flashes per second.
For example: nightclub or event venue websites that want to showcase their DJ sets need to think twice before uploading event footage.
And yes, we're completely serious — a video like that could absolutely expose them to an accessibility lawsuit.
Talk to Us
Our guiding principle is that web accessibility lives in the details. Every component, every element, has the power to completely transform the browsing experience for your audience.
At User A, we're proud to offer professional web accessibility services at a flat annual rate of 600 ILS + VAT.
With an annual plan, you get manual accessibility implementation by an expert developer, full technical support, and responses to any site changes throughout the year.
Want to learn more? Leave us a message and our team will be happy to answer any questions.