Accessible social media content is crucial for fostering inclusivity and ensuring equal participation for all individuals, regardless of ability. By implementing accessibility features such as alt text for images and closed captions for videos, creators can make their content more accessible to people with disabilities.
For federal communicators specifically, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires any information and communication technology (ICT) created by the federal government be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes content federal agencies and departments upload or post to social media. [Taken from the Section 508 government site.]
This is text that’s embedded within images or GIFs and conveys the image’s meaning. It makes sure visual content is accessible to people using screen readers.
Tips for writing alt text:
Keep it short and to the point. You don’t have to note ‘image of’ or ‘picture of,’ but do indicate if it’s a logo, illustration, painting, or cartoon.
Keep it relevant to the content shown by the image or GIF, not just describe how it looks.
Do not include any extra information.
Stay away from saying ‘black and white’ and ‘sepia.’
End the alt text with a period.
Most social media platforms will offer an option to add alt text. On Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, in particular, once you select a photo to post, you can click ‘edit’ and then it will offer an alt text option for you to create.
Did you know that tools such as Canva and Adobe PDF offer accessibility checkers? If you’re using Canva or Adobe to create a graphic or PDF you plan to post, consider using that before exporting, as it will help pinpoint any accessibility issues.
On Canva, click ‘File’ in the top left corner, then select ‘Accessibility’ followed by ‘Check design accessibility.’ Canva will automatically check the document and note any issues on the right. It will also offer advice on how to correct those issues.
On Adobe, select ‘All Tools’ in the top lefthand corner, then scroll down to ‘More.’ Then select ‘Prepare for accessibility.’
Quite frankly, the colors and text you’re throwing onto one document or graphic may be an eyesore in too many ways.
You can run your graphics through a free tool online to check HEX color, RGB value, and more here.
Emojis are cute and engaging, but avoid using too many in one post as it can become confusing and exaggerated for screen readers.
Hashtags containing multiple words can present issues. If your hashtag DOES contain more than one word, capitalize each word. For example, instead of #flashbackfriday, use #FlashbackFriday instead.
Go to Instagram and click the ‘+’ (plus) icon.
Select the reel you’d like to upload.
On the next screen, click ‘Sticker’ and then ‘Captions.’*
Instagram will automatically generate captions. You can edit them on the screen as they appear and change any typos and inaccuracies as well as change the color and size.
Captions for reels can NOT be edited after they’ve posted.
*You can also use this feature on any Instagram stories you share.
You can also make sure you’ve enabled automatic closed captioning on your reel, although you will not be able to edit these and users have to have their own accessibility settings turned on:
Go the reel in question and click the ‘…’ three dots in the top right corner.
Select ‘edit.’
Scroll down to ‘more options’ and then make sure ‘Enable closed captions’ and ‘Translate closed captions’ are toggled on.
It is highly recommended that you use the Instagram app on a phone instead of trying to edit in your web browser, as the options are more limited on desktops.
Read more about Instagram’s accessibility features here.
[From your phone]
Click the ‘+’ button and select the video you’d like to upload.
On the next screen, select ‘Captions.’
You may then edit them on the screen for size, type, color, and more. This video is a helpful demonstration.
You CAN edit captions after posting.
[From a desktop]
Go to your page timeline and click on where you normally would to post content.
Select the video you’d like to post.
Click ‘Video Options’ in the top left corner and ensure captions are automatically added.
The Meta Business Suite is helpful to handle video posts from, as it will give you these options in a more condensed format.
Select ‘Create post.’
Choose the video you want to upload.
Make sure ‘Add auto captions’ is toggled on.
You can find tons of helpful information via the Section 508 website here.
