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FCC Caption Customization Requirements - August 2026 Compliance Deadline

· 8 min read
Recap Innovations
AI-Powered Video Accessibility Solutions

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules requiring manufacturers of covered apparatus and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to make closed captioning display settings readily accessible to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. These requirements implement the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) and take effect in August 2026. If your organization produces, distributes, or displays video content, understanding these requirements now will help you plan for compliance.

The FCC's closed captioning display settings rule stems from the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), signed into law on October 8, 2010. The CVAA expanded accessibility requirements for communications and video programming to address gaps in the Americans with Disabilities Act and ensure that people with disabilities have access to emerging technologies.

The Commission adopted the Closed Captioning Display Settings Order in July 2024. The order was published in the Federal Register, and the Commission subsequently announced the effective date for compliance.

Compliance Deadline​

Effective date: August 17, 2026, or after the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) completes its review of information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act, whichever is later.

Organizations should monitor the FCC Display of Closed Captioning on Equipment page for any updates to the effective date. Institutions preparing for compliance, including higher education video accessibility teams and government agencies distributing video content, should plan their caption workflows and player configurations well in advance.

The Four Accessibility Factors​

The FCC evaluates whether caption display settings are "readily accessible" based on four factors:

1. Proximity​

Users must be able to access caption settings without navigating through excessive menus or requiring multiple steps. Settings should be logically placed and easy to find. For video platforms and players used in educational or government contexts, this means caption customization options should appear in settings menus that users can reach within a reasonable number of clicks.

2. Discoverability​

Caption display settings must be discoverable by users who need them. Labels, help text, and documentation should clearly indicate that users can customize how captions appear. Hidden or poorly labeled settings do not meet the standard.

3. Previewability​

Users should be able to preview caption appearance changes before applying them. This allows individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to adjust font size, color, background, and other display options and see the result in context. A preview function helps users find settings that work for their visual needs.

4. Consistency and Persistence​

Caption display preferences should persist across sessions and remain consistent when the user navigates between content. Users should not need to reconfigure settings every time they open a video or switch between programs.

What Must Be Customizable?​

While the FCC rule gives manufacturers and MVPDs flexibility in implementation, the goal is to support user customization of closed caption display. Common customization options that support accessibility include:

  • Font size: Ability to increase or decrease caption text size
  • Font family: Choice of font type (e.g., proportional, monospaced)
  • Text color: Options for caption text color
  • Background color and opacity: Caption background to improve legibility
  • Edge style: Outline or shadow to separate captions from video content
  • Character opacity: Transparency of caption text
  • Caption position: Placement on screen (e.g., top, bottom, custom)

These options align with longstanding accessibility recommendations from organizations such as the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) and WCAG guidelines for caption presentation.

Who Must Comply?​

The rule applies to:

  • Manufacturers of covered apparatus: Devices that receive or play back video programming with captions (e.g., televisions, set-top boxes, tablets, smartphones, computers)
  • Multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs): Cable operators, satellite providers, and other distributors that make video programming available to subscribers

Higher education institutions, government agencies, and content creators who use third-party video platforms (e.g., Kaltura, Panopto, YouTube) typically rely on those platforms and players to implement caption display settings. When evaluating video accessibility vendors, verify that their player or integration supports user-customizable caption display where technically feasible.

Implications for Content Creators and Accessibility Teams​

Even if your organization is not directly subject to the rule as a manufacturer or MVPD, the requirements affect your captioning strategy:

Caption Format Compatibility​

Caption formats that support styling and customization (e.g., WebVTT, TTML/DFXP, SMPTE-TT) enable downstream players to apply user preferences. Delivering captions in formats that preserve timing, text, and optional styling information helps ensure that users can access customizable displays.

Player and Platform Selection​

When selecting video platforms, LMS integrations, or video players for educational or government content, ask vendors whether their players support:

  • User-adjustable caption display settings
  • Preview of caption appearance
  • Persistence of user preferences

Procurement and RFPs​

Include caption display customization requirements in RFPs for video accessibility, captioning, and video platform services. Specify that deliverables should be compatible with FCC-ready display settings where applicable.

Relationship to WCAG and ADA​

The FCC caption display rules operate alongside WCAG 2.1 and ADA Title II requirements:

  • WCAG 2.1 Level AA (e.g., Success Criterion 1.2.2 for captions) focuses on providing captions that are accurate, synchronized, and complete. It does not mandate user customization of display.
  • FCC CVAA rules require that equipment and distributors make caption display settings readily accessible so users can customize how captions appear.
  • ADA Title II (for state and local government, including many public universities) requires accessible web and video content; caption display customization supports equal access for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Together, these frameworks ensure that captions are not only provided but also usable by people with diverse needs.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Does the FCC rule require specific caption formats?​

The rule does not prescribe specific caption file formats. It requires that manufacturers and MVPDs make caption display settings readily accessible. However, formats that support styling (e.g., WebVTT, TTML, SMPTE-TT) enable better customization in capable players.

Does this apply to web-based video players?​

The rule applies to "covered apparatus" and MVPDs. Web-based video players used by higher education and government may be considered covered apparatus depending on how they are used. Vendors of video accessibility and video platform solutions are increasingly implementing user-customizable caption display to support accessibility and align with FCC expectations.

What if our video platform does not support caption customization?​

If your current platform lacks robust caption display options, consider: (1) requesting this capability from your vendor; (2) evaluating alternative platforms or players that support customization; and (3) ensuring your caption files are delivered in formats (e.g., WebVTT, TTML) that compatible players can style.

How does Recap Innovations support FCC-compatible caption workflows?​

Recap Innovations delivers captions in multiple formats including WebVTT, SRT, TTML/DFXP, and SCC. Our caption output is designed for compatibility with platforms and players that support user customization of caption display. We integrate with Kaltura, Panopto, Zoom, and other platforms to deliver captions where your users watch content. Our native video player and live caption viewer both support caption display customization options, including font, contrast, color, background and size, that persists between videos. For procurement teams, we can provide documentation on format support and integration capabilities.

Next Steps for Your Organization​

  1. Verify your timeline: Confirm the current effective date on the FCC Display of Closed Captioning on Equipment page.
  2. Audit your video ecosystem: Identify which players, platforms, and devices your users rely on for video content.
  3. Review vendor capabilities: Ask video and captioning vendors about caption display customization support.
  4. Update procurement language: Include caption display and format requirements in RFPs and contracts.

Get Expert Support for Caption Compliance​

Recap Innovations helps higher education institutions and government agencies meet FCC, WCAG, and ADA requirements for video accessibility. We provide captions in formats compatible with FCC-ready players, integrate with your existing video platforms, and support procurement with the documentation you need.

Schedule a demo to see how our caption workflows, format support, and platform integrations can support your compliance efforts. Or explore our understanding of caption formats and RFP evaluation guide for more technical and procurement resources.

References​

  1. Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), U.S. Congress
  2. Closed Captioning Display Settings Order Published in Federal Register, FCC
  3. Commission Announces Effective Date of Closed Captioning Display Settings Rule, FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
  4. Display of Closed Captioning on Equipment, FCC