How Blind People Create Video Content

Today, platforms like Twitch and YouTube provide audio communication, chatbots, and voice assistants, which allow users to participate in gaming communities without seeing the screen.

In addition to computer programs, streaming is also possible directly from the PlayStation 5, as the console has built-in support for broadcasting to Twitch and YouTube, and its interface works well with screen readers and voiceover, making the process more accessible for blind users.

For those who stream from a PC, one of the most popular options remains OBS Studio. Although OBS was not specifically designed for blind users, many members of the blind community note that the program works well with screen readers, and almost all functions can be controlled via hotkeys. Thanks to its flexible configuration and access to scenes, sources, and the audio mixer via the keyboard, OBS remains one of the most convenient tools for streamers with visual impairments.

Blind streamers build an audience using a unique content format: audio reviews, detailed descriptions of in-game events, and interaction with subscribers through voice commands. For many viewers, this is educational content, where they learn about accessible games and ways to play them without visual support.

How Blind Video Bloggers Work: Examples

Successful video blogging by a blind person is based on careful content preparation, the use of assistive technologies, and building trustful relationships with the audience. It is important to choose games that are somewhat popular, as this helps to find viewers faster and form an active community. Blind video bloggers often choose projects with predictable mechanics, clear sounds, and large communities: for example, World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and various turn-based or card games.

Access to chat is especially important for interacting with viewers. Many blind video bloggers use the program SheepChat, which reads viewers’ messages aloud using text-to-speech, allowing timely responses to comments and maintaining lively dialogue without having to focus on visual interfaces.

The stories of successful blind video bloggers are inspiring: they show that, starting with small communities, it is possible to gradually build an audience, share gaming experiences, interact with viewers, and grow a channel through persistence and the right choice of tools.

Examples of blind or visually impaired streamers:

• Steve Saylor — blind streamer, gamer, and accessibility consultant.
  
• Terry (aka TrueBlindGaming) — fully blind, plays video games and runs a YouTube channel.
  
• Brian (TheBlindGamerTV) — visually impaired content creator, gamer, and tech enthusiast.
  
• Sven van de Wege (account “BlindWarriorSven”) — fully blind content creator competing in games like Hearthstone.
  
• James (BLINDLYPLAYINGGAMES) — Twitch channel “BlindlyPlayingGames”: fully blind gamer streaming gameplay.
  
• Nick (aka SightlessKombat) — British blind gamer, accessibility consultant, and streamer.
  
• Sam Savey — the creative force behind the YouTube channel The Blind Life, recognized as a pioneer in the field of assistive technologies.
  

Programs and Tools for Video Blogging with Voice Support

For blind video bloggers, audio representation of interfaces and in-game events is key. There are specialized programs and tools:

Screen Readers

• NVDA (Windows) — free screen reader that vocalizes interfaces.
• VoiceOver (Mac) — built-in macOS tool that reads on-screen actions aloud.
• JAWS — professional paid screen reader with extended features.

Voice Assistants

• VoiceAttack — allows creating voice commands to control games.
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking — recognizes voice commands and can control certain applications (rarely used for games but suitable for application control and dictation).

Specialized Video Blogging Applications

• OBS Studio — supports plugins for interface vocalization.
• Streamlabs — allows configuration of sound alerts so all chat events and donations are read aloud (note: the interface is more cluttered and less readable with screen readers).

Audio Interfaces and Add-ons

Games developed specifically for blind players or games with built-in accessibility can be found here. Add-ons:

• BlindSlash — add-on for World of Warcraft that makes it more accessible for blind players.
• BlindAssist — adds audio cues for various actions (e.g., announces the name of dungeons/battlegrounds upon entry, character status, etc.).
• AudioQs – Blind Assist for Retail and Classic — allows creating audio rules (conditional sound notifications), which are especially useful for players with visual impairments (e.g., audio signals for health, status changes, etc.).

Using a combination of these tools, a blind video blogger can create a full broadcast without needing to see the screen.

Сhat Management and Voice Interaction with the Audience

One of the key aspects of video blogging is communicating with subscribers. For blind video bloggers, the following options exist:

Voice-enabled Chatbots

• SheepChat and StreamElements can read chat messages aloud.
• Filter settings help avoid spam and minimize distractions from gameplay.

Voice Commands

• OBS Studio + VoiceAttack allows managing scenes, triggering animations and effects on the video blog via voice.
• Enables answering viewer questions without using a mouse or keyboard.

Direct Audience Interaction

• Conduct interactive voice polls.
• Engage viewers to help with visual information if needed.

This approach makes the video blog more accessible and unique, as viewers are involved not only through the screen but also through sound.

Tips for Beginners: How to Start Video Blogging Without Visual Barriers

• Choose games with good audio support: games where sound design and audio cues are important.
• Configure screen readers and voice commands in advance to avoid distraction during streaming.
• Start with short streams: this helps adapt and understand what works best.
• Inform the audience about your methods: this builds trust and creates a unique style.
• Find a community: other video bloggers, forums for blind gamers, Discord servers.
• Consistency: audience support grows with frequent and stable broadcasts.

Conclusion

Video blogging for blind people is a viable form of creativity and an example of how technology makes content accessible to everyone. The key is to use the right tools, build audience interaction through sound, and not be afraid to try new approaches. Today, a blind video blogger can become a popular content creator, inspiring others and breaking barriers in the gaming industry.

Inclusion in video blogging is real when there is technology support and the desire to create unique, engaging content.