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Social Media Accessibility
In general, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 guidelines also apply to social media when applicable.
Why Accessibility Matters
Accessible social media helps ensure everyone can understand and interact with your content. Many people rely on screen readers, captions, voice controls, or other assistive technology to use social media. When posts are designed with accessibility in mind, they become easier for everyone to read, understand, and enjoy.
Best Practices for Accessible Social Media
Add Alt Text to Images
Alt text is a short description of an image that helps people using screen readers understand what it shows. Focus on the important details and describe the purpose of the image in clear, simple language.
Example:
Instead of:
> "Students photo"
Write:
> "Students celebrating the last day of school on east campus on sunny day."
How to add alt text in social media platforms.
- Desktop - or after (same as posting)
- Mobile - or after (same as posting)
- Official documentation
Twitter/X
- Desktop - cannot fix after post
- Mobile - cannot fix after post
- Official documentation
Be mindful of Images That Contain Important Text
If an image includes important information, include the same information in the post or provide it in the alt text. This helps ensure everyone can access the content. If the image does include text, utilize the alt text options and caption options if the text is too long.
Example:
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Good alt text would be:
> "This week in Durham, Duke Volleyball plays at 6:00 p m. Image features Christina Barrow holding up a volleyball."
Include Captions on Videos
Captions make videos accessible for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing and for anyone watching without sound. Whenever possible, review auto-generated captions for accuracy before publishing.
How to edit captions in YouTube
Write in Plain Language
Use clear, simple language that is easy to understand. Keep sentences short, avoid unnecessary jargon, and explain acronyms the first time you use them.
Use Camel Case Hashtags
Capitalize the first letter of each word in a hashtag, such as #SocialMediaAccessibility. This makes hashtags easier to read and helps screen readers pronounce them correctly.
Use Emojis Thoughtfully
Emojis can make posts more engaging, but too many can be confusing for screen readers. Use them sparingly and place them at the end of a sentence instead of between words.
Check Color Contrast
Make sure text stands out from the background so it is easy to read. Also, avoid using color alone to communicate important information. Include labels, icons, or text whenever possible.
Accessibility Checklist
Before publishing your next post, ask yourself:
- Does every image have meaningful alt text?
- Does every video include accurate captions?
- Is the language clear and easy to understand?
- Are hashtags written in camel case?
- Are emojis used thoughtfully?
- Is there enough color contrast?
- Is important information available outside of images?
How do I test other people's social media?
- Testing can only practically be done on desktop:
- Use screen reader software to listen for it (admittedly screen readers have a bit of a learning curve).
- Manual way using dev tools
- Chrome Extension (reliable when viewing one post at a time, dev tools is most reliable)
Accessibility Benefits Everyone
Making your social media accessible is a simple way to create a better experience for all users. Small changes, like adding alt text, using captions, and writing clearly, can make a big difference. By including accessibility in your content strategy, you help ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to engage with your message.