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Instagram

A guide to accessible Instagram posts

Almost all social media platforms, including Instagram, allow you to write or edit an image's alternative(Alt) text. Instagram used object recognition technology to create auto-generated Alt text over every picture you post. However, the automatically generated text often bears little resemblance to the actual image, meaning not all of your users can experience your photos as you intended.

Edit alternative text on Instagram image posts

To see and edit Alt text for a photo before you post it on Instagram:

  1. After selecting a photo, tap Advanced Settings at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Tap Write Alt Text.
  3. Write your Alt text in the box and tap Done for iPhone users or the checkmark for Android. 

 

To change the Alt text of a photo after posting:

  1. Go to the photo and tap the three dots icon.
  2. Tap Edit.
  3. Tap Edit Alt Text in the bottom right corner.
  4. Write the Alt text in the box and tap Done for iPhone users or the checkmark for Android. ​

Instagram uses speech recognition technology to automatically create captions for your video or reel posts. Viewers can adjust their settings to include captions, but you can also share videos with captions or edit the automatic captions with a few simple steps.

 

Manage captions from a post for Android:

  1. Tap the caption at the bottom of the video or reel.
  2. Tap switch off or switch on next to Captions to turn them on or off.

 

Manage captions from a post for iPhone:

  1. Tap more actions at the bottom of the video or reel.
  2. Tap Manage Captions then tap switch off or switch on next to Captions to turn them on or off.

 

Manage captions for your settings:

  1. Tap profile or your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
  2. Tap more options in the top right corner.
  3. Tap settingsSettings.
  4. Tap account Account, then tap Captions.
  5. Tap switch off or switch on next to Captions to turn them on or off.

Captions will appear even if your device volume is on. 

Visit Instagram's accessibility webpage to learn more.