How To Add Alt Text To Instagram Posts For Accessibility?

Published on May 12th, 2025

Instagram continues to be a leading platform for visual storytelling. However, it’s essential to ensure that your content is accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments.

One effective way to achieve this is by adding alternative (alt) text to your posts. Alt text provides a textual description of images, allowing screen readers to convey the content to users who cannot see the images.

What Is Alt Text and Why Does It Matter?

Alt text, short for alternative text, is a written description of an image that conveys its content and function.

For visually impaired users, screen readers read this text aloud, enabling them to understand the image’s context. Beyond accessibility, alt text also enhances SEO, making your content more discoverable .

How to Add Alt Text to Instagram Posts

On Mobile (iOS & Android)

Create a New Post: Open the Instagram app and tap the “+” icon to create a new post.
Select Your Media: Choose the photo or video you wish to upload and proceed to the next screen.
Access Advanced Settings: Tap on “Advanced Settings” at the bottom of the screen.
Write Alt Text: Under the “Accessibility” section, tap on “Write Alt Text.”
Enter Description: Type a concise and descriptive text of the image content.
Save and Share: Tap “Done” to save, then share your post as usual .

On Desktop

Upload Your Media: Go to Instagram.com and upload your photo or video.
Access Accessibility Settings: On the final screen before sharing, click on “Accessibility.”
Enter Alt Text: In the “Write alt text” field, provide a description of the image.
Share Your Post: Click “Share” to publish your post .

Editing Alt Text for Existing Posts

If you forgot to add alt text when posting, you can edit it later:

Navigate to the Post: Go to the post you want to edit.
Open Options: Tap the three dots (•••) at the top right of the post.
Edit Post: Select “Edit.”
Edit Alt Text: Tap on “Edit Alt Text” at the bottom right.
Update Description: Modify the alt text as needed and tap “Done” .

Best Practices for Writing Effective Alt Text

Be Descriptive: Clearly describe the image content and context.
Keep It Concise: Aim for 1-2 short sentences.
Avoid Redundancy: Don’t repeat information already in the caption.
Use Proper Grammar: Write in complete sentences with correct punctuation.
Include Text in Images: If the image contains text, include it in the alt description.

Conclusion

Adding alt text to your Instagram posts is a simple yet powerful way to make your content more inclusive and accessible.

By following the steps outlined above and adhering to best practices, you can ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can engage with your content.

Remember, accessibility is not just a feature—it’s a responsibility.

For a visual guide on adding alt text to your Instagram posts, watch the following tutorial: