Using alt text on Instagram posts

Have you noticed people adding a few lines to their captions on Instagram that starts with the words, “Image Description” or “Alt Text” and then describes what the post visual looks like?

That’s called alt text. Alt text is a term that came to familiarity on websites and in SEO. The main purpose of alt text is to increase accessibility for the visually impaired by using words to describe what is happening in an image.

Why are people using alt text on Insta?

Here’s why people are adding alt text to their Instagram posts

Alt text on Instagram posts is the act of describing a post image or video so that the visually impaired can get more accurate information about the content of their social media feed. On Instagram, you can add alt text in the advanced settings section. Or, you can add it to your actual caption, which we’re seeing many people do. See below for step by step instructions on how to do it.

Is there a benefit to adding alt text to Instagram posts?

Well, yes. Beyond the benefit of promoting equity for the visually impaired, when you add your own alt text to posts, you can add more detail than Instagram’s automatic screen reader technology might. And now that Instagram has improved their search technology, your alt text can help increase your visibility to new followers.

Action item: Here’s how to add alt text

Here are two ways to add alt text to your Instagram content.

Option 1: Use Instagram’s alt text feature

1. After you’ve uploaded a photo or video, tap on Advanced Settings in the bottom left side of the screen in the app.

2. Click on Write Alt Text (under Accessibility)

3. Add your description of what is in the image (use keywords, of course)

4. Hit Done and write your caption

Option 2: Add alt text to your Instagram caption

This is the much easier and quicker way to add alt text. It’s also the way to go if you use scheduling software, like Cloud Campaign. Just write your caption as normal, start a new line, and add the alt text right in the caption box, using a parentheses and the words, “Alt Text” or “Image Description” before you describe the image or video.

Here’ a good example from my friends at @creativeslearnlaw :

The use of alt text is still a pretty new concept in the Instagram world.

Got questions? Reach out to us today.