Making your Instagram posts accessible ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can enjoy your content. Here’s how to make your posts inclusive and welcoming to a wider audience.
Use Alt Text for Images
Alt text describes what’s in an image for people who use screen readers. To add alt text on Instagram, upload your photo, go to "Advanced Settings," and select "Write Alt Text." For example, if you post a picture of a sunset over the ocean, you might write, “Sunset with bright orange and pink colors reflecting on calm ocean waters.” This helps people who can’t see the image understand what’s in it.
Include Descriptive Captions
Captions give extra details about your images. Be detailed and include important information. Instead of just saying, "Great day at the park," describe what’s happening: "Enjoying a sunny day at the park with kids playing on swings and a dog running around." This helps people who rely on captions for understanding the content of your posts.
Utilize Hashtags Wisely
Hashtags can help more people find your posts, but they should match the content. Use clear and simple hashtags that fit your post. For example, use hashtags like #BeachSunset or #FamilyPicnic to describe your photo. This makes it easier for people to find posts they are interested in and improves the accessibility of your content.
Choose High-Contrast Colors
When making images or graphics, use colors that stand out from each other. For example, dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background is easier to read. This is helpful for people with vision problems. Using clear, contrasting colors can make your posts more readable and accessible.
Create Accessible Videos
For videos, add subtitles or captions. Instagram lets you include subtitles in your videos, which helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Make sure the text is big enough to read and stays on screen long enough for viewers to see it all. This ensures everyone can follow along with your video content.
Use Clear Fonts and Sizes
When adding text to images or videos, choose simple fonts that are easy to read. Avoid fancy or elaborate fonts that can be hard to understand. Use a font size that’s large enough so people with vision impairments can read it easily. Simple fonts and clear sizes improve the accessibility of your posts.
Provide Text Descriptions for Videos
Along with captions, give a brief description of the video content. This helps viewers who may not be able to watch the video itself. For instance, you might describe, “This video shows a dog playing fetch with a ball in a sunny park.” Descriptions help viewers understand the video’s content even if they cannot see it.
Be Mindful of Emoji Use
Emojis can add fun to your posts but can be confusing for screen readers. Use them sparingly and make sure they add value to your message. For example, instead of only using emojis to describe an event, include a text description as well. This ensures everyone understands your post, regardless of how they view it.
Test Your Posts for Accessibility
Before sharing, check how your post appears to ensure it is accessible. Use tools or apps designed to test accessibility, or ask someone with a disability to review it. Testing helps find and fix any issues so your content can reach and be enjoyed by everyone.
Provide Context in Stories
Instagram Stories should also be made accessible. Include text descriptions for images and videos in your Stories. Use simple language to explain what’s happening in each Story slide. This helps users who might have trouble seeing or hearing understand your content better.
By following these tips, you can make your Instagram posts more accessible and inclusive. Making your content accessible not only helps reach a broader audience but also ensures that everyone can enjoy and engage with what you share.
Use Simple Language in Your Posts
When writing your posts, keep your language simple and clear. Avoid using complex words or phrases that might be hard to understand. For example, instead of saying, “We had a fantastic experience at the new café,” you can say, “We had a great time at the new café.” This makes your posts easier for everyone to read and understand, including those with learning disabilities.
Add Descriptive Audio
If you share videos or live streams, consider adding descriptive audio. Descriptive audio provides spoken details about what’s happening in the video. This helps people who are blind or have low vision follow along. For instance, you can describe the scene or actions taking place in the video, like “The video shows a cat playing with a ball of yarn.” This extra description makes your content more accessible.
Encourage Engagement and Feedback
Invite your followers to give feedback on how accessible your posts are. Ask them if they have any suggestions to improve your content’s accessibility. You can post questions like, “Is there anything I can do to make my posts easier for you to understand?” This not only shows that you care about their needs but also helps you make better and more inclusive posts in the future.