How to add alt text on Instagram: steps to steps guide

Have you ever wondered how to add alt text on Instagram? Well, the alt text feature is here to make that experience more inclusive. It allows you to describe your images in simple words, ensuring that everyone can understand and enjoy your content. But wait, there’s more to it than just accessibility! Alt text also plays a role in improving your content’s search engine optimization (SEO).

By adding descriptive text, you enhance the discoverability of your posts. It’s like giving your content an extra boost in being found by a wider audience. Additionally, alt text adds another layer to your storytelling, making your posts more engaging. Now, let’s talk about how easy it is to unleash this superpower. When creating a new post, simply tap on “Advanced Settings” and then on “Write Alt Text.”

Describe your image in clear and concise language, considering what someone unable to see the picture would need to comprehend it. For bonus points, include keywords relevant to your post! It’s essential to note that alt text isn’t just for photos. You can also add it to videos and Reels, capturing key moments or describing the action. A pro tip is to keep it concise, under 125 characters, for optimal screen reader performance. Here are the steps how to add alt text on Instagram.

What is Alt Text?

Alt Text on Instagram, short for “alternative text,” is a simple yet powerful tool. It serves as a written description for your images or videos, offering insight to viewers about the content, even if they can’t see it. The significance of Alt Text revolves around two key aspects: accessibility and search optimization. For those with visual impairments relying on screen readers, Alt Text acts as a virtual guide.

When composing Alt Text, simplicity is key. Strive for straightforward and concise descriptions that capture the essence of your visuals. Avoid excessive keywords and clichés, opting instead for genuine and creative expressions. It’s a subtle yet impactful way to enhance the inclusive and discoverability of your Instagram content, making it accessible to a broader audience and increasing its chances of being found through searches. So, give it a go and witness the positive transformation of your Instagram presence!

How to add alt text on Instagram

For new posts

1. Start by opening the Instagram app.
2. Select a photo and make edits, then tap “Next.”
3. Scroll down and choose “Advanced Settings.”
4. Click on “Write Alt Text” under the “Accessibility” section.
5. Provide a clear and concise description of your photo.
6. Tap “Done” to save the alt text.
7. Proceed with your post, including a caption and other details as usual.

For existing posts

1. Go to the post you want to edit.
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the post.
3. Select “Edit” from the menu that appears.
4. Tap the “AA” icon in the bottom right corner of the photo.
5. Type in your alt text or edit the existing text.
6. Tap “Done” in the top right corner to save your changes. Then, tap “Done” again to finish editing the post.

Benefits of Using Alt Text for SEO on Instagram

1. Improved Accessibility: Alt text makes your content more accessible to individuals with visual impairments who use screen readers. It provides a descriptive text alternative for images, ensuring that everyone, regardless of abilities, can engage with your content.
2. Enhanced SEO Ranking: Search engines use various signals to understand and rank content. By providing alt text, you give search engines additional information about your images, which can contribute to better SEO rankings.
3. Increased Discoverability: Alt text helps search engines index your content more effectively. When users search for relevant keywords, having descriptive alt text can make your content more likely to appear in search results, increasing its discoverability.
4. Wider Audience Reach: By optimizing your images with alt text, you make your content accessible to a broader audience. This inclusivity not only benefits users with disabilities but also extends your reach to a diverse audience.
5. Content Relevance: Alt text provides an opportunity to reinforce the relevance of your content. Use keywords that accurately describe the image and align with your overall content strategy to enhance the context and relevance of your posts.

Conclusion

In short, getting the hang of putting alt text on Instagram is more than just a technical detail; it’s about being inclusive and considerate. When you describe your pictures with alt text, you’re making sure a broader group of people can enjoy what you share, no matter their abilities. Instagram’s focus on accessibility is part of a bigger trend to make the online world more welcoming.

Whether you’re a big-shot influencer, a business owner, or just a casual user, adding alt text takes a tiny bit of effort but makes a big difference in creating a more inclusive online space. Let your pictures tell a story not only with pixels but also with words that paint a clear picture for everyone. In our quest for a more connected and open digital world, using alt text isn’t just an option.

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