Instagram Introduces Alt Text to Photos

Instagram lets users add alt text to photos in an effort toward creating a more accessible Instagram.

Instagram is introducing automatic alternative text so you can hear descriptions of photos by a screen reader when you use Profile, Feed, and Explore.

Next, they’re introducing custom alternative text so you can add a richer description of your photos when you upload a photo. Users using screen readers will be able to hear this description. This is to help those with visual impairments.

How to add Alt text to photos during the publishing process:

• Start by clicking a photo or uploading a photo to Instagram
• Choose a filter and edit the image, then tap Next
• Tap Advanced Settings at the bottom of the screen
• Tap Alt Text
• Write the Alt text in the box
• Tap Done

How to add Alt text to existing photos:

• Go to the photo
• Tap the three-dot menu icon
• Tap Add Alt Text in the bottom right
• Write the Alt text in the box
• Tap Done