Here are the five keys ot creating accessible social media content:
- Describe images.
- Captions & Transcripts for multimedia.
- Clear Language & Links.
- Readable Color & Formatting.
- Mindful Use of Hashtags & Emojis.
Describe Images: Alternative Text
- Describe the important information in an image
- Be descriptive but concise (1-2 sentences).
- Don't start with "Image of..." Screen readers already announce there’s an image.
- Never put essential information only in an image.
- Limit flattened text (image of text) in images. Make sure any flattened text is repeated elsewhere.
Photo example: Prioritize what’s important
Depending on the context, the alternative text for this image can be changed to highlight the most important aspects.
For a post about Halloween:
A smiling boy carrying a jack-o-lantern pail and dressed as a construction worker trick or treats with his grandfather on a downtown sidewalk.
For a post about accessibility:
An older man using a mobility scooter takes his grandson trick or treating on a downtown sidewalk. The smiling boy is dressed as a construction worker.
(Photo by Amigo Mobility on Unsplash)
Flattened text example: Event Flyer
The alternative text must include the essential info about the event, like where and when. Otherwise, people who have visual impairments aren't invited!
Inaccessible:
“ITS Student Holiday Party flyer”
Accessible:
“You’re invited to the ITS Student Holiday Party on Thursday 12/5. Nirchi’s pizza and other treats will be served in the Technology Hub 2nd Floor Conference Room, 11:30AM to 2PM.”
(image by Clyde Van Dyke)
AI Tools can generate Alt Text
Always review and edit AI-generated alt text for accuracy and the correct level of detail!
Multimedia
Video and Audio must have text alternatives
- Videos must have accurate, synchronized captions.
- Closed captions or open (burned) captions, but not both!
- Provide audio descriptions or descriptive text for important visual-only video content.
- Audio-only content (like podcasts) needs a full text transcript.
Use Panopto to generate closed captions (and transcripts)
- It’s free to all Binghamton users. Just upload your video and audio files.
- Good quality auto-captions
- Easy review and editing of captions for accuracy
- Download the caption file (SRT) to use across other platforms
- Supports audio description for visual-only content
Additional considerations for multimedia
- If possible, use videos instead of animated GIFs. Videos can be paused and captioned, making them more accessible.
- If you must use a GIF, describe the full action in the alt text.
- Avoid videos or GIFs with flashing. They can cause seizures!
Clear Language and Links
Meaningful Links
- Link text explains where the link goes or what it does
- Avoid generic text like “Click here”
- Avoid URLs as link text
Write in plain language
- Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences
Avoid ASCII art
- Screen readers interpret ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ as a meaningless jumble of characters.
Readable Color and Formatting
Choose readable fonts
- Avoid using stylish but inaccessible fonts (e.g., cursive or gothic fonts from third-party apps). They’re harder for everyone to read.
Color contrast
- Text must have strong contrast against the background to be easily readable.
- Many apps have built-in contrast checkers (Canva, Adobe, MS Office).
- Several free web tools available. Try the Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA).
Hashtags & Emojis
Avoid Confusion: Capitalize each word in multi-word hashtags.
- #superbowl can be read as: #SuperBowl or #SuperbOwl
Use emojis in moderation
- Don’t use 8 smileys when 1 is fine.
Important stuff first
- Put hashtags, mentions and emojis at the end of a post, not the beginning. For an even cleaner post, save them for the first comment.