Instagram is a highly visual platform, but accessibility features are available to help ensure image and video content is usable by all. While Instagram offers some automatic tools, it’s best to manually add descriptions and captions for accuracy and compliance.
Image Posts
Instagram allows you to add alt text to describe the content of your images. The platform also uses Automatic Alt Text, an AI-based feature that attempts to generate image descriptions for screen reader users. As with other platforms, these auto-descriptions are often vague or incorrect, so editing them is recommended.
You can add or edit alt text by following the instructions here:
Instagram Alt Text Instructions
Tips for Writing Good Alt Text
- Keep it concise but meaningful—describe what’s important in the image.
- Focus on context: why is the image being shared?
- Avoid redundant phrases like “image of” or “picture showing.”
- Use simple language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the image’s purpose.
Video Content
Videos should include captions to be accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Instagram supports captions in video posts and Stories. Captions can be added using apps before uploading, or via Instagram’s built-in tools depending on the type of content.
For full instructions on adding alt text or captions, refer to Instagram’s accessibility documentation:
Instagram Accessibility Help Center
Other Considerations
- Stories and Reels: Use the text tool to add readable captions directly to videos.
- Color and contrast: Avoid light text on light backgrounds or overly busy images.
- Avoid overlays with important info: Ensure that critical content (like dates or instructions) is also in text, not just embedded in the image. Accessibility tools may not be able to distinguish text embedded as part of an image.
- Limit animation or flashing effects: These can cause issues for photosensitive users.