Social Media and Accessibility

Social media platforms can present challenges to users with disabilities. Unlabeled images, long strings of text, confusing links, cryptic abbreviations, and uncaptioned videos are just some ways that your content can obscure your message for people with disabilities and users of assistive technologies.

You can build more inclusive, wide-reaching, trouble-free social channels by employing a few simple accessibility tips. Depending on the platforms you use, consider these recommendations:

Images and Themes

• Do not use images only to present information
• Label your images with descriptive ALT text
• Avoid using images to present large amounts of text
• Make sure your foreground and background colors have sufficient contrast 
• Avoid excessive use of emojis

Text

• Include all important information in the text of your message
• Provide meanings for unfamiliar acronyms and abbreviations
• Place #hashtags, @usertags, and other mentions at the end of your main post
• Use camelCase or PascalCase for #HashTags to improve readability
• Avoid social media font translators

Media

• Caption videos in your social media messages or link to captioned versions
• For podcasts and audio-only content, include complete transcripts
• If a video demonstrates a process or contains important visual information, provide an Audio Described version

For all social media messages:

• Share your message across multiple channels, leveraging the best features of each
• Be concise: keep your message clear and to the point
• Maintain an accessible version of your message on your website
• Always provide an accessible contact link for users to request further information