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Adding Alt Text to Instagram Posts

Instagram alt text is a written description of an image that screen readers announce to users who are blind or have low vision.

Swotboysandy2 min read

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Photo: Shixart1985, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In this guide
  1. What alt text is
  2. Where to add it
  3. How to write it
  4. Planning your week

What alt text is

Instagram alt text is a written description of an image that screen readers announce to users who are blind or have low vision. It replaces the visual information with words, allowing everyone to understand the context of your post. While it does not guarantee a spike in reach, it ensures your content is accessible to a wider audience. This is a basic standard of digital hygiene, similar to adding captions to a video.

Where to add it

You can add alt text at two distinct points in your workflow. The first option is when you are composing the post in the Instagram app. After selecting your image or video, tap the three dots or the "Advanced Settings" option before hitting share. There is a field labeled "Write Alt Text" where you can type your description. If you forget to add it during the initial upload, you can still edit it later.

To edit existing posts, open the specific post on your profile, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Edit." Scroll down past the caption and hashtags to find the "Accessibility" section. Tap "Alt Text" to add or update the description. This flexibility means you do not need to delete and repost content if you realise you missed the description initially.

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Photo: pestoverde, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons source

How to write it

Keep your descriptions plain, factual, and concise. One or two sentences are usually sufficient. Focus on what matters most in the image for understanding the message. Avoid subjective language like "beautiful" or "stunning," as these are not perceivable by screen readers. Instead, describe the objects, people, and actions visible.

  • Identify the main subject. For example, "A woman holding a white coffee cup on a wooden table."
  • Mention any important text within the image. If there is a sign or a graphic with words, include them. For instance, "A blue sign that reads 'Open Daily 9am to 5pm'."
  • Describe the setting if it provides context. "A busy street market with stalls selling fresh vegetables."

Do not over-describe. You do not need to list every leaf on a tree or every pixel in a background. The goal is to convey the core message of the image so the user can decide if they want to interact with the post.

Planning your week

Writing alt text for every post individually can become tedious if you are managing a busy schedule. When you are batching your content for the week, it is efficient to draft these descriptions alongside your captions. This ensures you are not scrambling for words when the posting time arrives. If you use a tool to plan and schedule your Instagram posts, you can often add this metadata in advance, saving time on the day of publication.

Instalaz is a tool for planning and scheduling Instagram posts, allowing you to prepare a week of content in one sitting. It is open for sign-up, with a Free plan available for one Instagram account. By organising your visual assets and their accompanying text, including alt text, you maintain a consistent and accessible feed without the daily pressure of last-minute uploads. This approach keeps your workflow steady and your content inclusive.