Making Accessible Instagram Posts

General Guidelines

  • If an image or video matters, describe it.
    Every meaningful visual should be described either in alt text or in the post caption.
  • Don’t rely on visuals alone.
    Instagram is highly visual, but accessibility requires that important information also be available in text and/or audio.
  • Put key context in the caption — not just in the image.
    Screen reader users typically read the caption before navigating media. Make sure your caption communicates essential meaning.
  • Limit hashtags in the main content.
    Place hashtags at the end of your post to reduce screen reader clutter.
    Use CamelCase hashtags (e.g., #NorthIdahoCollege instead of #northidahocollege) so screen readers pronounce them properly.

Photo & Carousel Post Recommendations

Add Alternative Text (Alt Text)

Instagram automatically generates alt text, but it is often vague (e.g., “Image may contain: 2 people, outdoor”).

You can and should override it.

How to Add Alt Text on Instagram

  1. Upload your photo(s).
  2. Tap Next until you reach the final posting screen.
  3. Tap More Options (at the bottom).
  4. Select Write Alt Text.
  5. Enter a concise but meaningful description.
  6. Post as usual.

You can also edit alt text after posting:

  • Open the post.
  • Tap the three dots (⋯).
  • Tap Edit → Edit Alt Text.

Writing Strong Alt Text

  • Describe what’s important, not everything visible.
  • Include context that supports your caption.
  • Avoid repeating the entire caption word-for-word.
  • If text appears in the image, include that text in the caption (not only in alt text).
Good alt text example:
“Three North Idaho College wrestlers laughing while playing mushroom ball on the mat after practice.”
Weak alt text example:
“Three people in a gym.”

Avoid Text-Heavy Images

Instagram posts often include graphics with text (event flyers, announcements, quotes).

If you must post text in an image:

  • Repeat all essential text in the caption.
  • Avoid tiny or low-contrast fonts.
  • Keep layout simple and uncluttered.

Video & Reel Recommendations

Always Caption Speech

Instagram supports:

  • Auto-generated captions (must be reviewed for accuracy).
  • Manually uploaded caption files (for feed videos).
  • On-screen caption stickers for Stories and Reels.

Best practice:

  • Edit auto-captions for accuracy.
  • Include speaker identification when helpful.
  • Caption meaningful sound effects (e.g., “crowd cheering”).

Provide Audio Description When Needed

If key information is only visual (e.g., actions, facial expressions, on-screen text), you have two options:

  1. Build description naturally into the spoken audio.
    • This is ideal and most seamless.
    • Example: “We’re standing in front of the new Immortal Jiu-Jitsu sign…”
  2. Create a separate version with audio description
    • Or summarize key visual information in the caption.

Unlike long-form platforms, Instagram does not support a separate AD track, so description must be:

  • Integrated into the main audio, OR
  • Clearly explained in the caption.

Instagram Stories Accessibility

Stories disappear quickly and are often the least accessible format.

  • Best practices:
  • Use the Caption sticker for speech.
  • Avoid flashing content.
  • Ensure strong color contrast.
  • Do not rely on animated text alone.
  • Keep text large and centered (avoid edges where UI overlaps).
  • Verbally read important on-screen text.

If posting informational Stories (events, announcements), consider:

  • Saving them to a Highlight
  • Creating a static post version for accessibility permanence

Hashtag & Formatting Recommendations

  • Use CamelCase for hashtags:
    • #NorthIdahoCollege
  • Place hashtags at the end of the post.
  • Avoid long chains of emojis between sentences.
  • Avoid excessive ALL CAPS (screen readers may interpret letter-by-letter).

Common Accessibility Pitfalls on Instagram

  • Relying on trending audio without context
  • Posting event flyers without captioning the event details
  • Tiny text in Stories
  • Auto-captions left unedited
  • No alt text added
  • Meaning conveyed only through facial expressions or gestures

Why Accessibility Matters on Instagram

Instagram is one of the most visual platforms — which means accessibility requires intentional effort. When you:

  • Add alt text
  • Caption speech
  • Describe key visuals
  • Format hashtags properly

You expand access to people who are:

  • Blind or low vision
  • Deaf or hard of hearing
  • Neurodivergent
  • Using screen readers
  • In sound-off environments

Accessibility also improves clarity and engagement for everyone.

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