Over 285 million individuals worldwide experience visual impairments. To ensure inclusivity in your content, it’s crucial to make your posts accessible to all. Instagram recently introduced an update, enabling visually impaired users to engage with content through the use of alt text. This article delves into Instagram’s new alt text feature and provides guidance on how to incorporate it into your posts.
Alt text allows you to provide a detailed description of your photos and videos, enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers. Previously, screen readers struggled to fully interpret images, but with Instagram’s new alt text, users can now hear descriptions of photos across the Feed, Explore, and Profile sections.
To create more accessible content, start by adding alt text to your photos and videos. Here’s how:
### Adding Alt Text to New Content
1. Press the plus (+) button to upload a new photo or video.
2. Select the desired content and apply filters or alterations.
3. On the description page, input your photo’s description, location tag, and choose social media sites to post on.
4. Access advanced settings, where you can add alt text for a more detailed description.
5. Once done, tap “Done” and post your content.
### Adding Alt Text to Existing Content
If you have content without alt text, you can easily add it:
1. Click on the photo you wish to edit.
2. Access the three-dot menu and select “Edit.”
3. In the photo editor, click the “Add Alt Text” button in the bottom right corner.
4. Input your alt text and save the changes.
Using alt text in your photos ensures that visually impaired users can understand your content, fostering inclusivity and avoiding potential exclusion of valuable leads. To effectively use alt text, provide a thorough description, including details like colors, patterns, and objects within the photo. This not only enhances accessibility but also helps build your brand’s identity and attract more customers.
To learn more about incorporating Instagram alt text into your content, contact us online to discover how our social media services can assist you in creating more accessible posts.
