Social Media That’s Accessible
Accessible Social Media Content
Great content shouldn’t just be eye-catching, it should be inclusive too. When you make your content more accessible, you’re making sure more people feel seen and included. Here are a few easy ways to make your posts more accessible:
1. Always add Alt Text
Alt text describes what’s happening in an image for people using screen readers. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes photo, a product shot, or an event flyer, take a moment to write a short, clear description. Think: “A barista pouring latte art at a local coffee shop” or “Graphic showing five tips for maintaining a saltwater aquarium.”
Pro Tip: Avoid writing “image of” or “photo of” – screen readers already cue that up.
2. Use Title Case hashtags
Hashtags written in #TitleCase (capitalizing the first letter of each word) are easier for everyone to read and crucial for screen readers to interpret them correctly.
Skip: #accessibilitymatters
Use: #AccessibilityMatters
3. Write clear, concise captions
Get creative, but keep clarity top of mind. Break up long paragraphs, use bullet points or emojis (sparingly) to organize info and avoid overly complex wording.
4. Be thoughtful with emojis
We love a good use of emojis, but use them with care. Don’t place a string of emojis mid-sentence 🪸🖊️🎉 because screen readers will try to read every single one and it’s not as fun as it sounds. Place a single emoji at the beginning or end of a sentence if it adds emphasis or tone.
🧠 Think of emojis as a garnish, not the whole dish.
5. Check your color contrast
Designing a graphic? Make sure your text stands out clearly from the background. Low contrast might look stylish but can be hard or impossible to read for users with low vision or color blindness. For standard accessibility (WCAG AA), the minimum contrast ratio is 4.5:1. For enhanced accessibility (WCAG AAA), aim for 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text.
Accessibility helps you communicate more effectively, reach more people and show that your brand values everyone in your audience. Small tweaks. BIG impact. That’s the kind of creativity that connects with everyone.
Let’s build better together!
Want help making your social presence more inclusive and intentional? That’s where we come in. Let’s build better together. Email hello@deramocreative.com today!