University Communications
This guidance describes how to create accessible social media content on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.
Tags Guideline

Social Media Accessibility

Community Resources

This guidance describes how to create accessible social media content on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.

Overview

  • 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.

Instagram

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).

Facebook

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.

X (Twitter)

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.

LinkedIn

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.

YouTube

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.