Guide to Accessibility in Social Networks

What is accessibility on social networks and why is it important?

Accessibility on social networks involves designing and writing content that can be understood and enjoyed by all people, including those who use assistive technologies such as screen readers or automatic subtitles.

In other words: if a blind person cannot understand the image you shared, or if a deaf person cannot follow the content of your video, that post is not accessible.

Complying with principles derived from the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and with current regulations (RD 112/2018), not only improves the user experience, but also reinforces your digital reputation and increase your reach.

Instagram

Add alt text on images

1. Create your normal post.
2. Before publishing, tap “Advanced settings.”
3. Select “Write alternative text.”
4. Describe the image clearly, specifically and concisely.

Example:

INCORRECT: Nice photo of my breakfast.
CORRECT: A white plate with toast, avocado and a poached egg on top, along with a cup of black coffee.

Alt text on Reels

Although Instagram does not allow direct alt text in Reels, you can:

• Describe the content of the video in the caption.
• Add visible subtitles to the video itself.
• Avoid embedded text without reading it aloud.

Be careful with emojis

Emojis are read literally by screen readers. For example:

🌮🌮🌮 = “taco, taco, taco”

Use them sparingly and never as a replacement for keywords in the message.

LinkedIn

How to add alt text

1. When uploading an image to a post, click the “Edit” icon.
2. Look for the “Alt text” option and add a clear description.

Alternative text in articles

When you create an article on LinkedIn, you can add descriptions to images directly from the editor. Be descriptive, but direct.

Inclusion Tips

• Use clear and direct language. Avoid jargon.
• Use emojis and hashtags sparingly.
• Add subtitles if you share videos.

X

How to activate alt text

1. Go to “Settings and support” > “Settings and privacy”.
2. Enter “Accessibility” and activate “Write image descriptions”.

How to add descriptions

1. When uploading an image, select the “+ALT” option.
2. Describe what is seen, who appears, and if there is text in the image.

Example:

Two laughing women sitting on a park bench. One carries a sign that says “Everyone is welcome” in large letters.

Pro tip: use your ALTs to narrate the story

Make your descriptions useful, not generic. Imagine that you are telling the image to someone on the phone.

Universal Tip: #HashtagsEnCamelCase

Did you know that screen readers do not correctly interpret lowercase hashtags?

Use: #DigitalAccessibility
Avoid: #digitalaccessibility

This style, called CamelCase, separates words with initial capital letters, improving readability for both humans and screen readers.

Accessible subtitles

What are burnt subtitles?

They are subtitles that are embedded directly in the video, visible without having to activate any function. They are ideal for:

• Reels
• Stories
• Shorts

Best practices for subtitles

• Includes accurate subtitles (not just automatic).
• Avoid small or low-contrast text.
• If there is music or effects, indicate it: [Upbeat background music]

General good practices for accessibility on social networks

• Use strong color contrasts between text and background.
• Describe complex images in the caption if the alt text is limited.
• Use inclusive and non-discriminatory language.
• Test your posts with tools like WAVE or [Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker].
• Test with screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver.

Conclusion: Creating more accessible networks is creating more human networks

Making your publications accessible not only meets ethical and legal standards. It also builds a more inclusive, participatory and connected digital community. Accessibility is a win-win: improve the user experience, boost the reach of your messages, and demonstrate your commitment to a more equitable society.