Instagram Accessibility — Alt Text and Inclusive Content Guide

Why Accessibility Matters

Over 1 billion people worldwide have some form of disability. Making your Instagram content accessible isn't just ethical — it also increases your potential audience.

Alt Text

What Is Alt Text?

Alt text (alternative text) is a description of an image that screen readers read aloud to visually impaired users. Instagram generates automatic alt text, but custom descriptions are much better.

How to Add Custom Alt Text

• When creating a post, tap "Advanced Settings"
• Select "Write Alt Text"
• Describe the image concisely
• Focus on what's important in the image
• Keep it under 125 characters for best compatibility

Writing Good Alt Text

Do:

• Describe what's in the image
• Mention relevant text in the image
• Include colors and context if relevant
• Be concise but descriptive

Don't:

• Start with "Image of" or "Photo of" (screen readers already say this)
• Include hashtags in alt text
• Leave it blank
• Write overly long descriptions

Video Captions

Auto-Captions

Instagram can generate automatic captions for reels. Always review and edit them for accuracy. For more details, see our guide on caption ideas for engagement.

Manual Captions

For best quality:

• Add text overlays summarizing spoken content
• Use high contrast (white text on dark background)
• Keep text large enough to read on mobile
• Position text in the safe zone (not at edges)

Visual Accessibility

Color Contrast

• Ensure text has sufficient contrast against backgrounds
• Don't rely on color alone to convey meaning
• Test your content in grayscale

Font Size

• Keep text large and readable
• Minimum 24pt for story text
• Avoid decorative fonts for important information
• Use bold for emphasis instead of color alone

Inclusive Language

• Use inclusive, person-first language
• Avoid ableist terms
• Represent diverse groups in your content
• Consider cultural sensitivity
• Use gender-neutral language when appropriate

Benefits of Accessible Content

• Reach a larger audience
• Improve engagement (captions help everyone)
• Better SEO and discoverability
• Demonstrate brand values
• Comply with accessibility guidelines