In the world of Instagram, visuals are everything. But did you know that you can make your images more accessible and SEO-friendly by using alt text? If you’re not familiar with alt text or how to use it, this guide will help you learn everything you need to know.
Understanding Alt Text
To start, alt text is short for ‘alternative text.’ It’s a written description of an image that was originally designed for accessibility. Alt text helps visually impaired individuals understand what an image is showing by using screen readers that read the alt text aloud. Beyond accessibility, alt text also plays a role in SEO by providing context to swatch engines about the image content.
Why Alt Text Matters on Instagram
Adding alt text to your Instagram posts is beneficial for several reasons.
Accessibility
Alt text makes your content accessible to a wider audience, including those with visual impairments.
SEO Benefits
It also helps improve your content’s discoverability on search engines.
Enhanced User Experience
Alt text provides context to images that might not be immediately clear to all users.
How to Add Alt Text on Instagram
The good news is that adding alt text to your Instagram post is simple. Here’s how you can do it.
For New Posts
- Create a Post: Begin by uploading a photo or video as you normally would.
- Edit and Tag People: On the screen where you add your caption, click ‘Advanced Settings’ at the bottom.
- Write Alt Text: Under ‘Accessibility,’ click ‘Write Alt Text.’
- Describe Your Image: Enter a descriptive text for your image. Be specific and detailed to provide a clear understanding of the content.
- Save and Share: Once you’re done, go back and complete your post as usual.
For Existing Posts
You can also add or edit alt text for images you’ve already posted.
- Go to Your Profile: Navigate to the post you want to edit.
- Click the Three Dots: They are located at the top right corner of the post.
- Edit Post: Select ‘Edit’ from the menu.
- Edit Alt Text: Click ‘Edit Alt Text’ at the bottom right corner of the image.
- Describe Your Image: Enter or update the alt text with a detailed description.
- Save Changes: Click ‘Done’ to save your updated alt text.
Tips for Writing Good Alt Text
Writing effective alt text can make a big difference. Here are some tips.
Be Descriptive
Clearly describe the main elements of the image. For example, ‘A golden retriever puppy playing with a blue ball in a green park.’
Keep Is Concise
Another thing to keep in mind is that while being descriptive, alt text should also be concise. Aim for a balance between detail and brevity.
Avoid Redundancy
Don’t start with phrases like ‘image of’ or ‘picture of.’ Screen readers already indicate that it’s an image.
Context Matters
Include relevant context that isn’t immediately obvious from the image. For example, ‘a person in a wheelchair crossing the finish line of a marathon.’
Benefits of Using Alt Text
Here’s why alt text can enhance your Instagram presence.
Inclusive Content
Shows that you care about all your followers, including those with disabilities.
Improved Engagement
Accessible posts can lead to better engagement and a more loyal following.
Better Reach
Alt text helps your image appear in relevant search results, increasing your post’s reach.
Final Thoughts
Alt text is a small but powerful tool to make your Instagram posts more inclusive and discoverable. By taking the time to add descriptive alt text to your images, you’re not only enhancing accessibility but also improving your content’s SEO.
