Social Media Accessibility

This section outlines the steps for adding alt text to images on various social media platforms, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Threads, LinkedIn, and Bluesky. 

Some social media platforms do not fully support WCAG techniques for null or empty alt text. In those cases, indicate when an image is decorative or include a brief, neutral description to prevent platforms from generating inaccurate automatic descriptions.

Follow the guidance below to provide the clearest experience possible.

• Clearly and concisely describe the visual content of the image. Imagine you are describing the image to someone who cannot see it.

• Aim for a brief description that communicates the image’s purpose.

• Prioritize the most important elements of the image that convey its meaning or purpose.

• Do not repeat information already present in the caption.

• Consider the context of your post and what information is most valuable for someone to understand the image within that context.

• Do not start your description with "Image of" or "Picture of". Screen readers already announce that it's an image.

• For Text-Heavy Images (e.g., Screenshots of PDFs, Infographics):

  • If the image contains a lot of text, summarize the most critical takeaways in the alt text.

    • If the text is too extensive to summarize, state in the alt text that the full text or more details are available in the caption or via a provided link. For example: "Screenshot of [document name] showing [brief summary]. Full text available in the post caption." or "See link in bio for full details."

    • For crucial text, it's best practice to transcribe the full text into the post caption itself, and then use the alt text to describe the visual layout or elements of the image.

• Provide alt text for all images that convey information. If an image is decorative and the platform does not allow empty alt text, indicate that the image is decorative. Leaving the alt text blank may result in the platform generating an inaccurate or confusing AI description.

  • • If an image is purely decorative and doesn't convey important information (e.g., a background texture, a generic stock photo used for aesthetic appeal only), use a brief description such as “Decorative image” to indicate that no meaningful information is conveyed.

The steps for adding alt text can vary slightly between platforms and whether you are accessing them online (desktop browser) or on a mobile device (app).

1. Instagram

Instagram automatically generates alt text, but it's often generic. Always override with a custom, more descriptive alt text. You cannot add alt text to Instagram Stories. You can also edit alt text after posting by opening the post, selecting Edit, then Edit alt text.

On Mobile Device (App):

1. Start creating a new post and select your image(s).

2. Apply any desired filters or edits, then tap Next.

3. On the final screen before sharing, open Accessibility (sometimes shown under Advanced settings).

4. Tap the "Write alt text…" field for each image and type your descriptive alt text.

5. Tap Done (iPhone) or the checkmark (Android) in the top right to return to Advanced Settings.

6. Tap the back arrow or Done to return to the post creation screen.

7. Complete your caption and share your post.

Online (Desktop Browser):

1. Start creating a new post and upload your image(s).

2. On the caption page, click the Accessibility dropdown option.

3. Type your text in the “Write alt text…” box for each image.

4. Click Share at the top right once the post is ready.

2. X (formerly Twitter)

X provides a dedicated "ALT" button for easily adding alt text. You can enable "Image Description Reminders" in your settings to be prompted to add alt text before posting.

On Mobile Device (App):

1. Start composing a new tweet and attach your image(s).

2. For each image, tap the +ALT button (usually in the bottom right corner of the image preview).

3. Type your descriptive text in the "Describe this photo…" field.

4. Tap Done in the top right corner to save the alt text.

5. Repeat for any additional images.

6. Complete your tweet and post.

Online (Desktop Browser):

1. 1. Start composing a new tweet and attach your image(s).

   2. Below the image preview, click Add description.

   3. Type your text in the "Description" box.

   4. If posting multiple images, use the left and right arrow buttons at the top to navigate between them and add a description for each.

   5. Click Save to close the alt text editor.

   6. Complete your tweet and post.

3. Facebook

Facebook automatically generates alt text, but it's highly recommended to provide your own for accuracy and detail. You can also edit alt text on existing posts.

On Mobile Device (App):

1. Start creating a new post and select your image(s).

2. Once the image is uploaded, tap the three dots (...) in the top right corner of the image.

3. Tap Edit Alt Text (or "Change Alt Text" if it's an existing image).

4. Type your descriptive text in the "Write image alternative text" field.

5. Tap Done to save.

6. Complete your post and share.

Online (Desktop Browser):

1. Start creating a new post and upload your image(s).

2. For a single image: Hover over the image and click the Edit button. Then click Alternative text and type your text in the "Custom alt text" box. Click Save.

3. For multiple images: Hover over the images and select the Edit all button. All images will appear in a single column. Hover over an image to click the Edit button. Click Alternative text and type your text in the "Custom alt text" box. Click Save. Repeat for each image. Click Done when finished.

4. Complete your post and share.

To edit alt text on an existing Facebook post (Online & Mobile):

1. Go to the photo you wish to edit.

2. Tap/Click the three dots (...) in the top right corner of the post.

3. Select Change Alt Text.

4. Edit the text in the box and tap/click Save.

4. Threads

Threads, being closely integrated with Instagram, has a similar alt text functionality.

On Mobile Device (App):

1. 1. Start creating a new post and select your image(s).

   2. After uploading the image, tap the Alt button in the lower left corner of the image preview.

   3. A new window will appear where you can write your image description.

   4. If you have multiple images, you'll need to add descriptions to each image one at a time.

   5. Tap Done to save the alt text.

   6. Complete your post and share.

Online (Desktop Browser):

1. 1. Start creating a new post and upload your image(s).

   2. Click the Alt button in the lower left corner of the image preview.

   3. A new window will open for you to write your image description.

   4. Add descriptions for each image if posting multiple.

   5. Click Done to save.

   6. Complete your post and share.

5. LinkedIn

On Mobile Device (App):

1. 1. Start creating a new post and select your image(s).

   2. Once the image is uploaded, tap the ALT icon (usually at the bottom of the image editor).

   3. Type your text in the "Alt text" field.

   4. If you have multiple images, swipe left/right to switch between them and add alt text for each.

   5. Tap Done in the top right corner.

   6. Tap Next to continue adding to your post.

   7. Complete your post and share.

Online (Desktop Browser):

1. Start a new post and click the Photo icon to upload your image(s).

2. After the photo is uploaded, click the ALT button below the image.

3. Enter your descriptive text in the "Alt text*" box.

4. Click Add.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 for each image if posting multiple.

6. Click Next to continue creating your post.

7. Complete your post and share.

6. Bluesky

Bluesky makes it relatively easy to add alt text, and it's visible as an "ALT" badge on the image. Add alt text before posting, since editing after posting may not be available.

On Mobile Device (App) & Online (Desktop Browser):

1. Start creating a new post and attach your image(s).

2. Once the image is loaded, click/tap the +ALT button at the top left corner of the image preview.

3. In the resulting window, type the descriptive text for the image.

4. Click/tap Save.

5. You can now finish your post as normal. Click/tap Post when ready.