A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding “alt text”
Alt text (alternative text) describes the content of images for people who use screen readers or have images disabled. Including alt text makes your content more accessible and improves SEO. Here’s how to add alt text on popular social media platforms.
Start a new post
Tap the “+” icon to create a new post and select your image.
Navigate to Advanced Settings
After selecting your image and applying filters, tap “Next” until you reach the caption screen. Scroll down and tap “Advanced Settings.”
Add Alt Text
Under “Accessibility,” tap “Write Alt Text.” Enter your description, then tap “Done.”
Finish your post
Return to the previous screen, complete your caption, and share your post.
Pro Tip
You can also add alt text to existing posts by going to the post, tapping the three dots (⋯), selecting “Edit,” then “Edit Alt Text.”
Twitter/X
Start composing a tweet
Tap the compose button to create a new tweet.
Add your image
Select the image icon and choose the photo you want to upload.
Access alt text option
Once your image appears in the tweet composer, look for the “+ALT” button that appears on the image.
Add your description
Tap “+ALT” and write your description in the text field. You can use up to 1,000 characters.
Finish and post
Tap “Done” and then post your tweet as usual.
Pro Tip
Twitter/X allows you to view if an image has alt text by looking for the “ALT” badge in the corner of images while browsing.
Create a new post
Click “Create Post” at the top of your News Feed or on your Page.
Add photo(s)
Click the “Photo/Video” button to add images to your post.
Edit individual photos
After adding your image(s), click on the “Edit” button that appears when you hover over each image.
Find the alt text option
In the edit photo menu, look for “Alternative Text” or “Alt Text” option.
Add your description
Enter your alt text in the provided field. Be concise but descriptive.
Save and post
Save your alt text and continue with your post as usual.
Pro Tip
Facebook automatically generates alt text using AI if you don’t provide one, but manually written descriptions are more accurate and helpful.
Start a post
Click “Start a post” at the top of your LinkedIn feed.
Add your image
Click the image icon at the bottom of the post composer and select your photo.
Edit image
After uploading your image, click the “Edit” button that appears on the image.
Add alt text
Look for the “Add alt text” option or “Add description” in the edit menu.
Write your description
Enter a clear, concise description of your image in the field provided.
Save and post
Save your alt text and complete your post.
Pro Tip
Alt text is especially important on LinkedIn, where professional content often includes charts, graphics, and other informational images that need context.
Create a new Pin
Click the “+” icon and select “Create Pin” from the dropdown menu.
Upload your image
Click the upload area to add your image or drag and drop your file.
Fill in Pin details
Add a title and description for your Pin as usual.
Look for accessibility options
Scroll down to find “Accessibility” or expand “More options” to locate this section.
Add alt text
Enter your alt text in the field provided. Be descriptive but concise.
Publish your Pin
Click “Publish” to share your Pin with added alt text.
Pro Tip
On Pinterest, your Pin description may be used as alt text if you don’t provide a specific one, so make sure your description is detailed even if you forget to add separate alt text.