Accessible Social Media

Facebook supports alternative text, image descriptions, and multiple video captioning options:

Alt-Text: When composing a photo post, select or edit the photo, then choose the Alternative Text or Edit Alt Text option. Facebook can automatically generate image descriptions, but they should be treated as a starting point. Replace Facebook’s automatically generated description with your own, then save.

Video Captions: For uploaded videos, use the video editing options to choose Add Captions. Facebook supports .SRT caption files; some video workflows also offer automatically generated captions.

Livestreaming: For live or recorded video, provide captions whenever possible. If live captioning is unavailable, publish an accurate captioned version or transcript afterward. Critical spoken information should not be available only through audio.

Screen-reader and keyboard support: Users can use operating-system screen readers and Facebook’s web accessibility support. Use the platform with the latest browser or app and keep device accessibility features enabled.

Accessible GIFs and graphics: Do not rely on a GIF alone to communicate meaning. Put the essential message in the post text and describe the relevant visual information. Some Facebook interfaces have historically lacked custom alt-text support for certain GIF/event-images.

Practical posting workflow for posting Images or Video on Facebook:

1. Write the post in plain text first, including any essential information from a graphic.
2. Upload the image or video.
3. For images, open the image-editing options and review Alternative Text. Replace the auto-generated text with a meaningful description.
4. For videos, add or upload captions. Currently, Facebook only supports .srt (SubRip) files for captions. If Facebook auto-generates captions, review them before uploading and correct any errors.
5. Preview the post and make sure the message still makes sense if the image is not visible, or the audio cannot be heard.

For full and current accessibility details, visit the Facebook accessibility page.

Instagram supports custom alt text for feed images and built-in captioning for video content, including Reels. Image accessibility is good, and video tools are increasingly capable, but accessibility varies sharply across Feed posts, Reels, and Stories.

Alt text for feed images: Create a photo post. Before publishing, open Advanced Settings, choose Write Alt Text, enter your own description, and save. Existing feed posts can generally be edited via Edit/Accessibility or Edit Alt Text.

Reels/video captions: When creating a Reel or video, use Instagram’s caption tools or the Captions sticker when available. Review the generated captions and correct any errors before publishing.

Stories: Use the Captions sticker or other readable on-screen text for spoken content. Put essential information in ordinary Story text when possible. Manual alt text is not supported for Instagram Stories under current cross-platform accessibility guidance, so do not place essential information solely in an image.

Screen-reader support: Keep the operating system’s screen reader enabled and use Instagram’s current app. Instagram’s accessibility work includes screen-reader support and AI-generated image descriptions.

Readable text and effects: Use high-contrast, sufficiently large text, and avoid rapidly flashing effects. Keep essential information out of decorative stickers or visual effects alone.

Practical Posting Workflow:

1. For every feed image, open Advanced Settings and write alt text before posting.
2. For feed videos/Reels, add captions and edit the automatically generated text for names, jargon, punctuation, and important sounds.
3. For Stories, make sure every essential detail is also available as readable text or at an accessible linked destination. To add captions to a Story, tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen, then select the “Captions” sticker. Instagram will automatically transcribe your audio. Choose your preferred font style, size, and color, reposition as needed, review everything before posting, then select “Done.”
4. Avoid putting event details, instructions, or announcements only inside a graphic.
5. If an image needs a detailed explanation, add an image description in the caption as well as concise alt text.

For full and current accessibility details, visit the Instagram accessibility page.

Threads uses accessibility features developed for Instagram, including screen-reader support and AI-generated image descriptions, and allows creators to edit those descriptions before posting. Threads provides solid basic accessibility for images and screen readers, but its video captioning is less mature than on platforms such as Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

Image alt text / descriptions: When adding an image or video, review the automatically generated description and, when available, use the option to edit the alt-text before publishing.

Video captions: Threads does not provide a native closed-caption upload option; therefore, you must add accurate open captions directly to the video when spoken content is important. Currently, no auto-generated captions or native closed captions exist for Threads.

Screen-reader support: Use the latest Threads app with your device’s screen reader. Meta states that the core accessibility features available on Instagram, including screen-reader support and AI-generated image descriptions, are also available on Threads.

Longer text: Use ordinary text or Threads’ text-attachment feature for information that would otherwise be included in a screenshot. Threads’ text-attachments feature allows up to 10,000 characters, which can be a useful accessibility alternative to posting screenshots of long text.

Practical Posting Workflow:

1. Do not post a screenshot of important text. Post the text directly.
2. When uploading an image or video, review the generated alt-text description and edit it before publishing.
3. For videos with dialogue, add accurate open captions directly to the video because Threads does not currently offer the same caption-file workflow as X or LinkedIn.
4. Make each individual post understandable on its own when possible; do not require readers to decode information that exists only in an image or previous post.

X provides many accessibility capabilities for authors and readers, including image descriptions, description reminders, video caption files, automatic captions for selected audio features, and display and motion settings.

Image descriptions / alt text: Upload an image, select the “+ALT” or “Add description” option, write a concise description, then save. On desktop, choose “Add description” in the image preview. You can describe each image in a multi-image post. X allows up to 1,000 characters in alt text. Image descriptions are supported for still images and GIFs, but not for videos.

Image description reminder: This reminder prompts you before posting an image without a description. To turn it on, go to Settings and Privacy > Accessibility, Display, and Languages > Accessibility, then enable the image description reminder.

Video captions: Using X’s desktop website, upload an SRT caption file with the video using the caption/subtitle controls. X also provides automatic captions for Spaces and voice posts.

Screen readers and braille: VoiceOver, TalkBack, JAWS, NVDA, and other compatible assistive technologies are compatible with X. There is documentation on X regarding screen-reader and refreshable-braille support.

Display and motion settings: These settings help with low vision, motion sensitivity, and cognitive accessibility. Use Accessibility, Display, and Languages to adjust font size, contrast, color/display themes, reduced motion, and video autoplay.

Accessible writing practices: Capitalize the first letter in each word of your hashtags, make use of line breaks, limit emoji repetition, and avoid specialized/non-standard characters when writing text.

Practical posting workflow:

1. Upload every image and select +ALT/Add description before posting it.
2. Describe the visual information that matters to the post, including important text shown inside the image.
3. For videos, prepare a human-reviewed SRT file when possible; do not rely on captions that you have not checked.
4. Turn on the image-description reminder so accessibility becomes part of the normal posting workflow.
5. Capitalize the first letter of each word in hashtags and avoid decorative characters.

For full and current accessibility details, visit the X accessibility page.

BlueSky supports alt text for images and videos, lets users require alt text before posting, and supports caption files for video.

Alt text for images: Only manual alt text is supported. After adding an image to a post, select the +ALT/alt-text control on the image and enter a description.

Require alt text before posting: Open Settings, go to Accessibility, then enable the setting that requires alt text before posting to set the reminder.

Video alt text: A descriptive alt text for all videos using the video’s alt-text control. Note that Alt text is not a substitute for captions – describe visual content in alt text and provide captions for spoken audio.

Video captions: There are currently no automatic captioning capabilities in BlueSky. Upload a VTT caption file when posting a video.

Screen-reader and interface accessibility: BlueSky works with VoiceOver, TalkBack, NVDA, and other device/browser assistive technology.

Practical posting workflow:

1. Turn on Settings, go to Accessibility, and then select Require alt text before posting.
2. Add alt text to every image and video.
3. For videos with speech, provide a VTT caption track.
4. For complex graphics, include the key information in the post text as well as in the alt text.
5. Check the current composer after major app updates because BlueSky is an actively developing platform.

TikTok provides alt text for photo posts, automatic/creator captions, text-to-speech, and viewer accessibility settings including photosensitivity controls.

Alt text for photo posts: When creating a photo post, use the Add alternative text/alt-text option in the photo-post workflow to describe the important visual content.

Automatic/creator captions: After recording or uploading a video, use the Captions tool in the editing flow. TikTok automatically transcribes speech. Review and edit the captions before posting.

Text-to-speech: Add text to the video, select the text layer, then choose Text-to-speech to have TikTok read the text aloud.

Photosensitivity controls: Go to Profile, navigate to Settings and Privacy, then to Accessibility to review photosensitivity and other accessibility settings.

Viewer captions: While watching a video, use the caption controls when available. TikTok also documents accessibility features for watching videos.

Readable on-screen text: Use high-contrast, readable font sizes, sufficient spacing, and place text where TikTok’s interface will not cover it. Do not place essential information in tiny text or in areas likely to be obscured by interface controls.

Practical posting workflow:

1. For photo posts, add alt text to each image.
2. For videos, enable creator/auto captions and then edit the generated text before publishing.
3. If the video contains important on-screen text, consider using Text-to-speech and also keep the text visually readable.
4. Use clear spoken narration to describe important visual actions or information when people need to understand what is happening on screen.
5. Review TikTok’s Accessibility settings, especially photosensitivity-related controls, if your content uses animation or effects.

For full and current accessibility details, visit the TikTok accessibility page.

Snapchat provides captioning for video Snaps, subtitles for some Discover content, and text-size controls, but it does not currently support alt text for Snaps. Creators should compensate by including essential visual information in the accompanying text or narration.

Alt text: There is currently no native alt-text field for Snaps.

Captions/subtitles on video Snaps: From the video preview, open Timeline Editor, choose Caption, add the caption text, style it, and position the caption layer on the timeline.

Discover subtitles: For supported Discover content, open the three-dot menu, select Subtitles, choose a language, then tap Done.

Text size: Use Snapchat’s iOS text-size/accessibility setting when available to make interface text easier to read.

Voiceover: In the video Timeline Editor, choose Sounds, then Voiceover, record narration, and save. Voiceover can provide a useful workaround for visual-only content, but it should be clear and intentionally descriptive.

Practical posting workflow:

1. Assume that viewers who are blind or low-vision may not have access to the visual content of a Snap because native alt text is unavailable.
2. Put essential information in ordinary readable text or describe it verbally in the Snap’s audio.
3. For spoken video, add captions using Timeline Editor; then choose Caption and make sure they are synchronized and readable.
4. Avoid using text-only stickers or tiny decorative text for critical information.
5. When posting public video content, provide subtitles whenever Snapchat offers the option.

Telegram is primarily a messaging platform rather than a feed-based social network. Its accessibility story is therefore different: accessible message text, descriptive media captions, screen-reader support, and voice-message transcription are especially important.

Descriptive text with images: When sending an image that carries important information, add a meaningful caption or message that describes the visual content. Treat the message text as the accessible description because Telegram does not provide a standard social-post alt-text field comparable to those on X or LinkedIn.

Voice-message transcription: Use Telegram’s transcription feature on a voice message to convert speech to text. Premium users have unlimited voice-message transcription; non-Premium users receive a limited trial allowance, with additional availability in some cases.

Screen-reader accessibility: Telegram is compatible with VoiceOver on iOS or TalkBack on Android.

Text messages and formatting: Use ordinary text, descriptive links, clear punctuation, and a meaningful message structure. Put important instructions in the text rather than only in media. This is especially important in group chats and channels where content may be consumed asynchronously.

Captions / media descriptions: For videos or visual posts, provide captions or a transcript in the message when spoken information is important. Telegram’s messaging model makes a separate text message or transcript a practical accessibility fallback when native caption tracks are unavailable.

Practical posting workflow:

1. If an image contains important information, describe the image in the accompanying message text.
2. If a video contains speech, provide captions or a transcript when possible.
3. For voice messages, consider also sending a text summary or transcript, especially for important information.
4. Use clear text and avoid making an image, sticker, GIF, or voice note the only way to receive critical information.
5. Keep Telegram updated and use your operating system’s screen reader and text-size features.

LinkedIn supports custom alt text for images, automatically generated image alt text, auto-generated video captions, and uploaded SRT caption files.

Alt text for images: After uploading an image, select Alt text/Alt.text, enter a description, then save. On mobile, tap ALT below the image, then tap Done. Note that LinkedIn may generate automatic alt text to images. Review and replace the automatic text where and when necessary.

Auto-generated video captions: After selecting a video, turn on Add auto captions. You can also turn on Review captions before viewers see them, then edit and approve the captions. LinkedIn supports auto captions in multiple languages; availability can vary by language and rollout.

SRT closed captions: On desktop, upload the video, open Edit in the video preview, select Caption, attach an SRT file, then post.

Viewer caption controls: Use the Captions icon on LinkedIn videos to toggle captions on or off.

High contrast for video: On mobile, open the video menu, then choose Turn on high contrast when available. This is currently a mobile-only feature.

Screen-reader support: LinkedIn can be used with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack.

Practical posting workflow:

1. Add custom alt text to every image that conveys information.
2. For video, use a human-reviewed SRT file when you have one; otherwise enable auto captions and review them before publication.
3. Check that charts, screenshots, event graphics, and PDFs are understandable without relying solely on visual presentation.
4. Repeat essential information from an image or document in the post text when everyone needs it.
5. Use LinkedIn’s viewer caption and high-contrast options when consuming video content.

For full and current accessibility details, visit the LinkedIn accessibility page.

YouTube has an extensive video accessibility toolset, including creator-uploaded captions, automatic captions, transcripts, viewer caption controls, and audio-description tracks for creators with access to the relevant features.

Subtitles/captions: In YouTube’s Creator Studio, users can select a video and language, then add captions by uploading a caption file or typing captions manually.

Auto-generated video captions: YouTube automatically generates captions using speech recognition. The auto-caption process runs automatically when you upload a video with dialogue in it. Depending on the video’s length, it may take up to 24 hours for the auto-caption process to finish.

Video transcripts: Viewers can use YouTube’s transcript feature when a transcript is available. Creating a transcript in YouTube is tied to the captioning process. To access transcripts, expand the Description box, scroll down, and click the “Show transcript” button. Selecting transcript text can jump the viewer to the corresponding point in the video.

Audio description: To add Audio Descriptions, sign in to YouTube Studio on desktop, select Languages from the left-hand menu, select your video, select the Details icon next to the target language, scroll to the bottom to find Descriptive audio, then select Add. Select your audio file, then select Publish. Viewers can enable descriptions by selecting the labeled audio track (e.g., “English with Audio Description”) in the YouTube player’s settings menu.

Viewer caption settings: Viewers can turn captions on and customize their appearance, including font, color, opacity, size, background, and character-edge settings, in each video’s Settings menu. This can make captions substantially easier to read for users with visual or cognitive accessibility needs.

Screen-reader support: YouTube can be used with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. YouTube also supports screen readers and keyboard navigation across its web and mobile experiences, with platform-specific guidance and keyboard shortcuts.

Practical posting workflow:

1. Prepare an accurate transcript or caption script before publishing.
2. Upload a caption file or create captions in YouTube Studio.
3. Review automatic captions rather than treating them as final.
4. Add descriptive audio when important visual information is not adequately conveyed by the spoken audio and the account has access to the feature.
5. Use a clear, informative title and description.
6. Add chapters when they help with navigation and finding specific sections of a video.

For full and current accessibility details, visit the YouTube accessibility page.

Discord has a dedicated Accessibility settings area with controls for contrast, saturation, motion, text-to-speech, animated stickers/GIFs, role colors, and related display behavior. Discord also supports alt text for image uploads.

Alt text for images: On desktop, after you choose the image you want to upload, select the pencil icon to Modify Attachment at the corner of the upload preview. In the in-app pop-up, type a brief description of your image in the Description (Alt Text) field. Press Save, then upload your image. On mobile, the process is similar: after you choose the image you want to upload, tap the image preview. Select Image Description, then enter a short description in the Description (Alt Text) text box. Press Save, then upload your image.

Accessibility settings: On desktop, users can access User Settings,  navigate App Settings, and then Accessibility. This section centralizes controls for saturation, animation, text-to-speech, high contrast, role colors, and related display settings. On mobile, accessibility settings are found under User Settings, then navigate to App Settings, then to Accessibility.

Voice/video accessibility: Discord does not provide YouTube-style creator caption-file capabilities for videos with dialogue. For important information delivered by voice or video, users should provide written summaries, transcripts, or text equivalents.

Practical posting workflow:

1. Add alt text to informational images and screenshots.
2. If an image contains important text, also include that text in the message when practical.
3. For important voice or video discussions, provide a written summary or transcript so the information is not available only through audio.
4. Use Reduced Motion and animation controls when needed.
5. Check role-color and contrast settings when readability is a concern.

For full and current accessibility details, visit the Discord accessibility page.

Reddit’s reader-side accessibility features include screen-reader compatibility, customizable VoiceOver/TalkBack post readouts, reduced motion, autoplay controls, large-font support on Android, and automatically generated video subtitles.

Alt text for images: Reddit’s current official accessibility documentation does not describe a consistently available, universal creator-side alt-text field for ordinary image posts comparable to dedicated workflows on some other platforms. A practical workaround is to provide a concise, meaningful image description in the post body or accompanying text.

Automatic video captions: Reddit supports automatically generated subtitles for uploaded videos.

Screen-reader customization: Reddit provides mobile customization options for VoiceOver and TalkBack. On iOS, users can customize which post information is announced, customize available actions, and control the order of relevant content. Android provides TalkBack customization for selecting which content is announced.

Practical posting workflow:

1. Include a concise image description in the post text when an image conveys information users need to understand.
2. Reproduce important screenshot text as regular text rather than making the image the only place the information appears.
3. Use captions for video when posting or controlling the source video, and review automatically generated captions when the workflow allows it.
4. Write informative post titles and body text instead of placing essential context entirely within an image.
5. Moderators and community managers can encourage image descriptions and captioned media as part of community accessibility guidance.

For full and current accessibility details, visit the Reddit accessibility page.