Alt Text 101: Usage on Instagram

Instagram users can now search utilizing keywords. So if you are looking for “Instagram tips” you can place the word in the search for posts. Prior to keyword search, accounts with Instagram tips in their bio or tagging #instagramtips  would only show up when looking up the words. Now with the keyword search, posts with Instagram tips should show. According to the Instagram, the “use object recognition technology” can see what is on the your photo.  ALT text allows you to write what your photo is about so it can be described.

Why use  “Alt Text”?

Firstly, you know I am all about inclusion. ALT text always those who may not see be able to hear what the photo is about.

Secondly, Alt texts are everywhere. I use Yoast SEO for my website and it is constantly asking me to describe my images. On every single website on the internet including Instagram, it is powerful for the content you are creating to get seen!

What do Alt Text do?

Helps your content be seen: Instagram is a visual platform, which usually doesn’t have a place to describe your photo, but now those who are blind can relate to your story. Writing an ALT text, people will understand what is going on in your photo. You are expanding your content by allowing it be accessible to more people in the community.

Why Should I use Alt text?

1. Inclusion: People with visual impairments can hear what your photo is about
2. The ALGORITHM: just a moment for all of us to sigh. Remember when I said that Instagram has been using image recognition technology to “see” what is on your photo. Am I the only one who posts photos of content I have saved & then the caption says it all? Utilizing the ALT text, the algorithm can become even more helpful to help you grow your account naturally.
3. KEYWORDS: yes, we are circling back. The keywords on Instagram are based on this super fancy recognition, & the SEO on my YOAST. Instagram SEO is Search Engine Optimization and it is vital to use KEYWORDS. But why not the caption? Instagram uses its technology because Instagram is a visual app, the photo is their main focus. Utilizing Keywords will help you optimize your Instagram page.
4. You can be found on Google. If Instagram is using keywords correctly, this means your Instagram photo has a longer live span than 24 hours!

How do I write an Alt text?

Here are some quick tips:

1. Keep it short: The Alt text should be 125 characters or less. You should use 1-2 sentences to describe  
2. Be Specific: Here’s an example from Perkins School for the Blind (For example, alt text tells someone that there’s a puddle on the floor, and image description tells someone that the puddle on the floor is in the middle of the floor and it’s orange juice.)
3. Utilize your keywords: Don’t just drop them in like a bomb but use them in context. I.E: if your post is about “how to style black jeans,” you don’t need to include the “how to” & your text would state “Jenna styling black jeans.”
4. Write who is in the picture.
5. Colors: Perkins School says, “Don’t be afraid to share what colors are in a photo, if color is important. However, don’t get caught up trying to explain what color is to someone who can’t see it. A photo can be described as being in black-and-white, having warm or cool colors, or being tinted a certain color. Someone wearing clothes that are the main focus of the photo can write that they are wearing a black and white lace dress with yellow earrings.
6. Don’t start with “this is a picture of” or “This image has”

If you are looking for more specific good examples check outPerkins School for the Blind, Hubspot, Googles Imaging Guidelines

Adding Alt Text on Instagram Post

To add alt text to an existing post:

1. Tap the “alt text” option that is directly on top of the photo, next to the “tag people” option.
2. Add your own alt text and it will be saved to the photo.
3. Click done & post your photo with your Alt text

At the end of the day,

I hope this helps you with your Instagram goals!