Don't burden web visitors with video when text would do

A common trend on the web these days is to include some content only in video form. Click on a link that you think will lead you to an interesting article or product overview, and all of the sudden a window pops up saying that some video will appear soon, or that you need to download Windows Media Player.
Since this practice is so common now, you may wonder if you should follow suit. Clearly, the ability to show video on the web creates powerful opportunities. However, if the video merely shows a talking head reading a text, why not just include the text (or at least include a text version as an option)?

Here are some reasons why you should think twice before forcing users to view your text content in the form of a video of someone reading it:

• Many users keep the sound off their computers to avoid disturbing coworkers, family members, and neighbors.
• People’s behavior and outlook are different when using the web compared to watching television. On the web, people often want instant information. Therefore, they quickly scan for what they need by skimming the text. It’s hard to skim a video.
• Even with broadband, many users don’t appreciate the excess overhead on their computers and networks that videos produce.
• A lot of people still use dial-up connections, especially when traveling.
• An increasing number of users are viewing the web with handheld devices, which have a lower bandwidth and less tolerance for complexity than regular browsers offer.
• If the user lacks the latest version of whatever plug-in is needed to watch the video, he’s unlikely to wait for the download if he’s in a hurry. He’ll probably just scrap your site and go to someone else’s.