Make your social media posts accessible: How to add alt text

The perfect image can make or break the success of a great social media post. You might not realize it, but unless you add alternative (alt) text, not everyone will be able to fully appreciate your post. Alt text is a description of an image read to blind and low-vision users that use screen readers. This practice is fundamental to inclusive marketing and only takes a minute.

When you’re writing alt text on social media platforms, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep it as short and concise as possible
• Include text if it’s in the image
• Don’t write “image of” or “photo of” because that’s what you’re supposed to be describing
• Don’t be repetitive

So, what does a good alt text actually look like? Let’s take accessiBe’s G2 badge image, for example. For the alt text, we want to clearly explain what the image says and what it looks like:

Here is the alt text for the image:

Title “We love this pattern for us!” “Love” is highlighted. Below, three achievement badges accessiBe has received from G2. The first is “Leader Fall 2022.” The second is “Leader Winter 2022.” The third is “Leader Spring 2023”. Below, “web accessibility is” logo accessiBe.

Now, it’s time to post the image on our social media platforms.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for adding alt text to posts on each social media channel on your desktop: 

Instagram 

Instagram without alt text is like peanut butter without jelly. Since the social media platform is all about the visuals, alt text is 100% necessary for accessible engagement. Here’s how to do it:

1. Upload the image to Instagram
2. Feel free to edit and filter the image, and when you’re done click “Next”
3. Click on “Accessibility”
4. Write the alt-text in the description box
5. Click “Share” to post the photo. That’s it!

Facebook 

A picture says a thousand words. Especially on Facebook. Make sure your audience gets what you’re putting out with these alt text steps:

1. Click on “Photo/Video” to add a new image
2. Upload the image and then click “Edit”
3. When the “Edit” menu opens, click on “Alternative Text”
4. Here you’ll probably notice that Facebook added its own automatic alt-text; to get a more accurate and specific description you’ll want to write your own version in the “Custom alt-text” box
5. Click “Save” when you’re done! 

LinkedIn 

Networking is much more impactful when everyone can access the content you upload. Especially when that content drives business-boosting discussions in the comments. Here’s how to make sure everyone’s voice is welcome with alt text:

1. At the top of your LinkedIn page, click on “Photo” to upload your new post
2. After the photo is uploaded, you should see “Alt. text” right below it
3. Click on “Alt. text”
4. Write the image description in the box
5. Click “Save” and then you’re finished!

Twitter 

Twitter may be a platform of words, but the Twitterverse is buzzing with photo content that’s likable, shareable, and unforgettable. To make sure your images are accessible for all those tweeting, follow these steps: 

1. Start by uploading an image to a Tweet
2. Click on “Edit”
3. Then click on “ALT” positioned above the image
4. Write the description in the box at the bottom of the window
5. Click “Save” and that’s all!

Alt text is for everyone

Before we wrap it up, don’t forget that if you’re using a scheduling tool to post on any of these platforms, the steps might be different from the native posting guides above. Make sure to check out the alt text steps with your specific scheduling tool so you don’t miss the opportunity to reach everyone.

Alt text is a simple and impactful accessibility feature that really makes a difference for the many people using screen readers to be able to engage on your social media. These are valuable voices that you don’t want to miss out on. 

Happy posting!

Frequently asked questions about adding alt text to social media posts

Q1. What is alt text and why should I use it on social media?
A1. Alt text is a written description that allows screen readers to convey the content of an image to people who are blind or have low vision. Adding it ensures your visual posts are meaningful and inclusive for everyone who interacts with your content.

Q2. How long should alt text be and what should it include?
A2. Keep it brief—usually a sentence or two. Capture the essential elements or context of the image, include any meaningful text that appears within it, and avoid phrases like “image of” or “photo of.”

Q3. Do major social networks support alt text, and how do I add it?
A3. Yes. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X all offer built-in alt-text fields when you upload an image. Each platform places the field in a slightly different spot, but the process is straightforward once you know where to look.

Q4. Can I rely on automatic alt-text generators instead of writing my own?
A4. Automated descriptions can miss important context or provide inaccurate summaries, so they shouldn’t be your primary solution. Writing your own alt text gives you control over what users actually hear and ensures the meaning of the post is preserved.

Q5. Will adding alt text improve my SEO or reach?
A5. Alt text is designed for accessibility, not search optimization. While platforms may use it in indexing, its primary purpose is to communicate visual content to users with disabilities. Treating it as a keyword field can reduce clarity and usability.

Q6. Does anything change if I use a scheduling tool to publish posts?
A6. Yes. Some scheduling tools handle images differently, so you may need to enter alt text within the tool itself or confirm that the platform receives it correctly. Always check how your scheduling workflow supports alt text.