Show a useful state when video playback fails

What to change

Ask the supplier to provide a recognisable failed-player state with practical alternatives available outside the broken component.

A worked example

Illustrative example

An unavailable introduction video presents a retry option and an adjacent transcript link, allowing the visitor to continue reading without waiting indefinitely.

How to check the result

Accept when a failed player leaves the page understandable and the visitor has a working next action appropriate to the available content.

A mistake to avoid

A link to the same failing embed in a new tab is not a dependable alternative reading route.

Your action checklist

Use these checks to prepare a discussion with your team or supplier. Tick a check when you have recorded the decision or evidence, rather than when a feature has simply been promised.

Decisions to recordHave the supplier block or reject the video request in a test environment. Observe how long the player remains busy and what eventually appears.Check the error state using keyboard navigation and a screen reader. Retry controls and alternative links should be identifiable without entering inaccessible provider menus.Restore the connection and use the offered retry route. Confirm the player recovers cleanly without duplicate controls, overlapping audio or stale failure messages.

Evidence, open questions and decisionsNext action and responsible role

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