Social media is a powerful tool to connect with your audience, tell your story, and share important information. But if your posts aren’t accessible, a significant portion of your audience—people with disabilities—might miss out. Posting accessibly isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s about inclusion, reach, and truly connecting with every follower. Here’s how to do it, practically and thoughtfully.
1. Write Clear, Concise, and Understandable Text
Clarity is the cornerstone of accessible social media. Keep your language simple, sentences short, and ideas easy to follow. Avoid excessive jargon, abbreviations, or emojis that may confuse assistive technologies. When linking to other content, make your link text descriptive—don’t just say “click here.”
Example:
- Instead of: “Click here for info.”
- Use: “Learn more about our accessible website guidelines.”
2. Use Alt Text for Images
Alt text (alternative text) allows screen reader users to understand what’s in your images. Every image you post—whether it’s a photo, infographic, or meme—should have a concise description of the content.
Tips for writing good alt text:
- Be specific: “A group of students coding in a lab” is better than “students.”
- Focus on meaning, not every visual detail.
- Skip phrases like “image of” or “picture of”; screen readers already announce it as an image.
Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow alt text. Take the extra minute—it matters.
3. Caption Videos and Use Transcripts
Videos are increasingly popular on social media, but they can exclude people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Always provide captions, either embedded in the video or through the platform’s accessibility tools. If the video is long, include a transcript so users can read or search the content.
Pro Tip: Many video platforms now auto-generate captions. While convenient, always review them—they often need editing for accuracy.
4. Mind Your Color and Contrast
Text overlaying images or videos should have enough contrast to be readable for people with visual impairments. Avoid using color alone to convey meaning. For example, don’t rely on red text to indicate an error—pair it with a symbol or descriptive text.
Quick check: Use high-contrast colors, readable fonts, and avoid overly busy backgrounds.
5. Think About Post Structure and Formatting
Break up long posts into digestible paragraphs, use bullet points or numbered lists, and use emojis sparingly for emphasis—not as the sole way to communicate an idea. For platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, proper spacing and structure can make a post much easier to read for screen reader users.
6. Use Hashtags Wisely
Hashtags can increase reach, but they’re tricky for accessibility. Use CamelCase (capitalizing the first letter of each word) so screen readers can interpret them correctly.
Example:
- ✅ #WebAccessibilityTips
- ❌ #webaccessibilitytips
7. Engage Thoughtfully
Accessible social media isn’t just about posting content—it’s about engagement. Respond to comments, be mindful of tone, and provide information in multiple formats when possible. Think inclusively: could someone with a visual or hearing impairment fully engage with this post?
Why This Matters
When you post accessibly, you’re not only reaching more people—you’re showing that your organization values inclusivity. Accessible posts can help build trust, grow engagement, and create a more equitable online space. Social media is about connection. Accessibility ensures no one is left out.
Bottom Line: Don’t just post – post like you mean it. Every post is an opportunity to be inclusive, clear, and thoughtful.
InHouse Inclusive 