In today’s digital world, social media has become a vital platform for connection, entertainment, and information. But for blind and visually impaired people, accessing content on these platforms can present unique challenges—especially when images are shared without alt text descriptions (alternative text). This simple but essential element is often overlooked, yet it makes the difference between content being accessible or inaccessible.
For blind users who rely on screen readers to interpret digital content, as I do, missing alt text can mean being left out of the conversation. Screen readers use alt text to describe images, providing context and conveying information that sighted people absorb easily. When there is no description, the screen reader skips over the image entirely or announces it as "image" which is unhelpful.
Blind users are often left out of discussions when they can't "see" images that are crucial to the story or joke. Photos of events, infographics, or even memes become unintelligible, isolating users from engaging meaningfully with the content. For example, as a voracious audio book reader who loves book recommendations and follows multiple reader listservs, I often encounter frustrating posts where people share book covers in screenshots without descriptions. Even when a book has a glowing recommendation that sounds perfect for me, without a description of the cover, I’m left unsure what the book’s title is. Or recently there was an anti-Semitic billboard on a highway in my city. Friends, organizations, and news outlets were sharing it on social media rightfully outraged; I had no idea what it
said as it was shared as a screen shot, which was very frustrating.
Many people share text content (like quotes, announcements, or even news updates) in the form of screenshots or stylized graphics. Without a description, these images are unreadable by screen readers, leaving blind users uninformed or needing to seek information elsewhere.
Organizations and brands often profess a commitment to diversity and inclusion, but many fail to implement even this most basic accessibility practice on social media. This lack of alt text can leave blind users feeling undervalued and invisible, questioning the sincerity of these inclusion statements.
Inclusion on social media is not just a box to check; it fosters real connections and improves brand perception. Accessible content helps organizations reach a wider audience, including those who are visually impaired. When users feel valued and included, they are more likely to engage with, support, and share your content.
Consistently providing accessible content demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion, building trust with both visually impaired users and the broader community. Users are more likely to support organizations that actively uphold their promises of inclusivity.
Alt text not only aids accessibility but also benefits search engine algorithms. Accurate and descriptive alt text can improve a post’s discoverability, making it more likely to reach all users, including those without visual impairments.
Creating alt text is a simple step that can dramatically increase content accessibility. Here are some best practices for describing images in a way that is truly helpful:
- Focus on what’s important about the image. Is it a scenic landscape, a group of people celebrating, or a funny facial expression? Describe the core elements that convey the main message.
- Aim to be clear without being overly wordy. An ideal alt text conveys necessary information in a brief format, usually under 125 characters.
- Consider what context or details make the image meaningful. For example, if an organization is posting a team photo, mention who is in the photo (if relevant) and what the setting is (e.g., a charity event or conference).
- If you’re sharing an infographic or screenshot of text, include the main points in the alt text or as a caption. This ensures that blind users understand the content as thoroughly as sighted users do.
- Alt text doesn’t need to capture every tiny detail—stick to what makes the image important or unique. For instance, a photo of a sunset might just need "sun setting over the ocean with an orange and pink sky."
- For descriptive images, try to keep interpretations neutral unless it adds to the context. Instead of saying, “a beautiful sunset,” say, “sunset with orange and pink hues over a calm sea.”
For organizations and individuals alike, committing to accessible content is as simple as taking an extra minute to write a brief description. If you notice that a friend, organization, or business isn’t using alt text, nicely bring it to their attention. Most people want to be inclusive—they may just be unaware of the impact missing alt text can have.
For organizations, including alt text as part of your social media training and workflow can make accessibility a natural part of your content creation process.
- Use alt text in your own posts and share why it matters with your audience. Awareness breeds change, and small, consistent actions can have an enormous impact.
Creating a welcoming digital world isn’t just the responsibility of accessibility advocates or those who are directly affected by these barriers—it’s a collective effort. By embracing accessible practices like alt text, we create a social media landscape where everyone, regardless of ability, has an equal opportunity to connect, laugh, learn, and engage. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make social media more inclusive for all.
So, the next time you post a picture, take a moment to add an alt text description. For some, it might just be an extra step—but for many, it’s the bridge to an inclusive, shared experience.
How to Add Alt Text on Major Platforms
Adding alt text varies slightly by platform, but here’s a quick guide for some popular social media sites:
1. When uploading a photo, look for the “Edit Photo” option.
2. Select “Add Alternative Text.”
3. Enter a description of the image and save.
1. After choosing or editing your photo, go to “Advanced Settings” at the bottom of the screen.
2. Select “Write Alt Text.”
3. Type in a description and save.
1. After selecting a photo to upload, click “Add Description” below the image preview.
2. Write a description and click “Done.”
1. Upload a photo and select “Add alt text” in the edit options.
2. Describe the image briefly, then click “Save.”
This extra step can make a big difference for those relying on screen readers. Alt text isn’t just a technical detail—it’s an invitation for everyone to participate equally.
By Michelle Friedman
Michelle Friedman is the board chair of Keshet in Chicago, a member of Disability Lead and has been a disability advocate for 40 years. She has written two children’s books and is a frequent speaker for elementary and high school-age students.
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