You should edit the generic alt text that Instagram provides by default to make sure your alt text accurately conveys the purpose of your post.
Adding Alt Text within Social Media Platforms
The process for adding alt text to your image differs depending on which social media platform you are using.
X (formerly Twitter)
Write your alt text in the "image description" field when you're posting an image to X.
Facebook has an automatic alt text feature, but it is often inaccurate and limited, so you will need to write the alt text for images yourself.
LinkedIn may automatically add alt text to your image, but you'll need to make sure that alt text is descriptive and accurate every time.
Solutions to Common Issues
Some social media platforms have limitations that make it difficult to add the appropriate alt text. These best practices will help you ensure your digital content is still as accessible as it can be.
- Short Character Limits:
Some social media platforms limit alt text to the point where you may have to rewrite a shorter version to make it fit. Start with the most important information first, including any text in the image. If possible, you consider describing the image in the post itself where you have more room. - Inability to Mark Images as Decorative:
If you're unable to mark images as decorative in a particular platform, you will need to write alt text for the image. Since decorative images add no visual information to the screen, keep your alt text as short and helpful as possible. Do not leave the field blank! - No Option to Add Alt Text for Videos:
Some social media platforms do not offer the option to add alt text to video thumbnails. You will need to describe the video thumbnail in the post or caption instead. - Cannot Add Alt Text to Stories:
Most social media platforms that have a "Stories" feature do not support screen reader functionality for Stories. This means that not only is there no way to add alt text to the stories you post, writing your description as part of the story won't work either.
The best option is to make your story content available another way that people can access from your social profile. For example, create a post with the same information found in your story — there you can add alt text and a longer description if necessary.