Social Media Accessibility
This guidance describes how to create accessible social media content on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.
- Provide clear, concise but descriptive alt text for all images on all platforms.
- Provide easy-to-read captions on all video posts.
- Follow AP Style and Brown Editorial Style when drafting posts: clear, simple and easily understood by a diverse audience (e.g., avoid insider abbreviations or terminology).
- Capitalize the first letter of each word in a hashtag to ensure screen readers can accurately read them, and place hashtags at the end of a post, not in the middle, to avoid reader interruption.
- When using emojis:
- Don’t use emojis to replace text.
- Place emojis at the end of the post, not in the middle.
- Limit to three emojis per post.
1. Add Alt Text to Images
- Before posting, tap “Advanced settings” → “Write alt text.”
- Write a brief, descriptive caption of what is in the image (e.g., “A golden retriever playing on the College Green”).
- If you forget, you can edit the post later and add alt text.
2. Write Clear, Descriptive Captions
- Write in plain language.
- Include any important visual details (such as text in an image or key actions).
- Avoid overusing emojis or special fonts that screen readers can’t interpret.
3. Add Captions or Subtitles to Videos
- Turn on auto-generated captions in Instagram Reels or Stories, or upload your own.
- Check and edit for accuracy before posting.
- Ensure captions are readable (contrast, size, placement).
1. Add Alt Text to Images
- Facebook auto-generates alt text, but it’s often inaccurate.
- To edit: click “Edit Photo” → “Alternative text” and write a brief, descriptive caption of what is in the image (e.g., “Two friends laughing while drinking coffee at a café”).
2. Write Clear, Descriptive Captions
- Include context and describe any key visuals or actions.
- Avoid text-only images without describing what is in them.
- Avoid overusing emojis or special fonts that screen readers can’t interpret.
3. Add Captions or Subtitles to Videos
- Upload videos with captions (.srt files) or turn on auto captions in Creator Studio.
1. Add Alt Text to Images
- Turn on the image description feature in settings.
- When posting, tap “Add description” under your image and write a brief, descriptive caption of what is in the image.
2. Write Clear, Descriptive Tweets
- Avoid using all caps, special fonts, or emoji-only messages.
- Use CamelCase for hashtags (e.g., #AccessibilityMatters) so screen readers can pronounce them correctly.
3. Add Captions or Subtitles to Videos
- X allows closed captions when uploading from desktop or via professional tools.
- If auto captions aren’t available, include a short summary of the audio in the tweet.
1. Add Alt Text to Images
- When uploading an image, click “Add alt text.”
- Write a brief, descriptive caption of what is in the image.
2. Write Clear, Descriptive Captions and Posts
- Keep your language clear and structured.
- Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make long posts easier to read.
- Include visual descriptions when relevant (e.g., for infographics).
3. Add Captions or Subtitles to Videos
- Upload videos with closed captions (LinkedIn supports SRT files).
- Avoid auto-generated captions without reviewing accuracy.
1. Write Clear, Descriptive Captions
- Upload a caption file (like .srt or .vtt) or use YouTube’s auto-captions.
- Always review and edit auto-captions — they often miss words or punctuation.
- Include speaker labels or sound cues (e.g., [music playing], [laughter]).
2. Provide a Transcript
- Add a full transcript in the video description or as a pinned comment.
- Transcripts help users who can’t access audio or video.
3. Add Descriptive Titles and Thumbnails
- Use clear, meaningful titles — avoid clickbait.
- Make sure thumbnails have high contrast and no essential text-only content.
- Describe visual elements in the video title or description if needed.