New Feature: Vertical Video Component

Now available in Drupal Cloud, the Vertical Video component enables you to embed YouTube-hosted vertical videos (such as YouTube Shorts). This component is designed to support the growing trend of vertical video content on social media and mobile platforms.

Choose between a single video layout with title, description, and channel info, or a multi-video layout that adapts responsively for showcasing a series.

To learn more, refer to the Vertical Video usage guide.

Tips for Writing Clear, Accessible Link Text

Link text may seem like a small detail, but it plays a key role in both website accessibility and usability.

Why It’s Important

Why does link text matter? Because it’s often the first—and sometimes the only—information users get about where a link will take them. This is especially true for screen reader users who often navigate by scanning links alone. If link text is too generic or repeated, it can create accessibility issues and confuse users.

Examples of bad and good link text:

❌ Bad: Learn more about our undergraduate programs.
✅ Good: Learn more about our undergraduate programs.

❌ Bad: Before your advising session, you can view degree requirements here.
✅ Good: View degree requirements before your advising session.

❌ Bad: Instructions can be downloaded at https://dcloud.brown.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/sample-instructions.pdf
✅ Good: Instructions are available for download.

Remember, many users skim pages by focusing on headings, lists, and links. Take a moment to review just the link text on your page—are the destinations clear and relevant?

Do's and Don'ts of Writing Link Text

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when adding or evaluating links on your webpages:

• Ensure the text for each link or button destination on a given page is unique.
• Use link/button text that provides proper context to inform the user where they can expect to be taken by clicking.
• Do not use vague link text such as “Click here” or “Learn more.”
• Do not use underlined text for emphasis in normal body content. Reserve this style for links.
• Avoid using raw URLs as link text—they lack context and are hard to read. If a URL must be shown, omit “http://” “www” and trailing slashes (e.g., use brown.edu/academics).
• If you include an email address, make it a clickable link using the mailto: format when creating the link.