Imagine you’re scrolling through Instagram but can’t clearly see what’s on each post.
Would you rather not use the app at all?
Let’s jump right in.
What Is Alt Text?
People with a visual impairment can’t clearly see what’s in an Instagram or social media post.
That’s where alt text comes in.
That’s why it’s important to accurately describe, using alt text, what’s on an image.
If an image doesn’t load for whatever reason, alt text will be displayed in its place.
Alt text is also indexed by search engines like Google.
Why Add Alt Text to Your Instagram Posts?
Examples of visual impairments include blindness and low vision.
The point of alt text is to not alienate people with any form of visual impairment.
However, this is known to be inaccurate and confusing to the visually impaired.
That’s why it’s best toadd your own alt textif you care about catering to them.
Let’s start with adding alt text to a new Instagram post.
Once that’s done, you’ve got the option to finish uploading your image.
After all, it’s not like adding a caption.
The text you add shouldn’t be long-winded and confusing.
Keep it short, simple, andmost importantlyaccurate.
It shouldn’t leave them feeling frustrated.
To that end, describe what’s in the picture as it appears.
Don’t focus on unimportant details like the color of the sky or the nosy neighbor in the background.
Make Your Instagram Account Inclusive
Few creators consider making their Instagram accounts inclusive.
Make yours appealing to a larger audience by adding alt text to your images.
It could be the difference between them staying on the app and exiting it out of frustration.
