Instagram has enabled its users to add alt text for images since 2018.
The goal was to assist those with a visual impairment by adding rich descriptions to photos. Yet not all companies implement alt text on Instagram and choose to ignore the accessibility option.
This article explains the importance of alt text to help improve your stories and bring in additional business.
Read on to learn the differences between captions and alt tags. Discover how alt text SEO techniques can improve your website’s views. And how to harness the power of social media to better promote your brand.
What Is Alt Text for Images?
Alt text or alternative text helps to describe what an image is.
If a picture fails to load, the alt text content will appear in its place. Visually impaired users with screen readers will hear an image’s alternative text instead.
It’s therefore vital to include this attribute and provide a clear description that summarizes the content.
Captions vs Alt Text Tags
Don’t confuse image descriptions with alt text.
Alternative text gets embedded into the photo but users won’t normally see it. Content should be condensed to within 140 characters or less as a brief summary.
Image descriptions appear as captions below a picture on Instagram and most other social media platforms. Users can easily relate that content to the image and reply with a comment of their own.
Alt Text Accessibility and SEO
Why should you include alt text descriptions in all of your pictures? Because it helps improve search results.
For example, Instagram now allows its users to search via keywords and not just hashtags.
Its artificial intelligence algorithms include related text to position results. The more content you add to your posts the greater the chance of them appearing high on the list.
Google works in a similar way.
The search engine pulls meta or hidden content from media to see if it matches the surrounding text. Well-formed alt text descriptions will improve Google Search listings as part of an SEO strategy.
You can read more about social media accessibility by following this link.
Importance of Alt Text on Instagram
Why use alt text in social media when posting pictures?
A survey of visually impaired users and social media found that 80% of young people used Facebook. The majority implemented assistive technologies to help them access content.
Businesses now realize that accessing this untapped market can boost their sales and brand awareness. Not only that but using alt text on images can:
- Reach a new audience through accessible posts
- Achieve better social media search results
- Better organize pictures with searchable text
All it takes is some effort and the right social media marketing strategy. Tying with a social influencer will further boost the total views. Especially those with a visually impaired following.
More Alt Text SEO Tips
Alt text for images helps to improve the effectiveness of your social media campaigns.
Screen readers and assistive technologies tap into this content to turn a picture into words. By adding an extra description you can access new markets and better promote your posts.
Learn more SEO tips relating to alt text accessibility in our technology section. And don’t forget to share this article on social media.
