What Is Alt Text — and Why You Should Be Using It on Instagram and Facebook
- Mallory Gagliardi
- Jan 12
- 2 min read
What Is Alt Text — and Why You Should Be Using It on Instagram and Facebook
Alt text (short for alternative text) is a written description of an image that helps explain what’s happening in a photo. While it was originally designed to support accessibility for people using screen readers, it also plays an important role in how your content is understood and surfaced online.
Why Alt Text Matters
Alt text helps:
Improve accessibility for visually impaired users
Provide clarity about what’s in your image
Give platforms more context about your content
When used correctly, alt text ensures your posts are inclusive while also supporting better overall performance.
Alt Text on Instagram
Instagram allows you to manually add alt text to photos when posting.
How to add it:
Create a post as usual
On the final screen, tap Advanced Settings
Select Accessibility
Add a clear description of the image
Instagram will also auto-generate alt text, but manually writing it is always more accurate and effective.
Best practices:
Describe what’s visually happening in the photo
Mention people, objects, or actions that matter
Keep it natural and straightforward
Example:“A golden retriever sitting calmly in a daycare play area while a staff member kneels beside him smiling.”
Alt Text on Facebook
Facebook also supports alt text and often auto-generates it, but you can edit or add your own.
How to add or edit it:
Upload your image
Click on the photo after posting
Select Edit Alt Text
Write a clear image description
What Makes Good Alt Text?
Good alt text is:
Descriptive but concise
Objective (avoid unnecessary opinions)
Focused on what someone would need to know if they couldn’t see the image
Avoid keyword stuffing or writing captions inside your alt text — think clarity first.
Final Takeaway
Alt text is a small step that makes a big difference. It improves accessibility, enhances user experience, and ensures your content is more inclusive and effective across platforms.
If you’re posting images regularly and not using alt text yet, January is the perfect time to start.
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