Instagram is a giant platform with over one billion active monthly users. This makes the platform a place that is loaded with diversity. Making your Instagram account accessible makes your page an inclusive space for all. As an influencer or business, you want to make your account as accessible and welcoming to as many people as possible. Additionally, it’s not only the right thing to do, but it can also allow you to get more engagement and help you developed a large, devoted following. Here’s a guide on how to make your Instagram account more accessible.
1. Add subtitles
Subtitles are a great way of making your Instagram videos accessible and easy to watch for all! They’re beneficial for those with hearing impairments and the general public alike.
Across various platforms, the deaf community often feels excluded as content is not made available to them. Adding subtitles allows those with hearing problems to enjoy your content, therefore allowing you to have more followers.
Instagram has made it an option for you to add automatic subtitles on IGTV in 16 different languages. Adding subtitles to your Instagram stories is also been easy, as you can add them in by simply downloading the Threads app.
Adding in subtitles also makes your videos more watchable for all, as many people watch videos on their phones with no sound.
2. Have alt text
Another great way to make your posts more accessible is to create an alt text. This give provides context to those who are visually impaired.
Alt text is a description that is invisible to users but can be narrated by a screen reader device. This means that adding alt text will not alter how your posts appear online, so there’s really no reason not to do it!
It’s also really easy to do, as there is a button to press on your Instagram. Under where you type in your caption when posting on Instagram there is an “Advanced Settings” selection. Press this and select “Alt Text” under the “Accessibility” header. Then write a brief description of your post and press “done”, it’s that simple.
3. Capitalize hashtags
Hashtags are a fun way of increasing your post’s visibility. However, they can be difficult to understand for those with visual impairments.
Capitalizing each word in a hashtag can make it easier for screen readers to correctly read aloud your hashtags, instead of sounding them out as one word.
For example, don’t write your hashtags as “#ladybossblogger”, but instead as “#LadyBossBlogger”. This trick might also make your hashtags jump out more to other users. By simply changing a few letters you make your post more inclusive and accessible to all.
4. Communicate visuals
Instagram stories can often be difficult for those with visual impairments, as there is no description or captions. Therefore verbally communicating visual details to your audience, you can allow everyone to understand what’s going on in your story.
Pair your post with accompanying audio that communicated important details aloud. If you’re answering a question asked by your audience, don’t just have the question on the screen but read it aloud. These simple switches can mean including a whole group of people that are often ignored, as there are over 285 million people with visual impairments worldwide.
5. Write detailed captions
Alt text can be great at allowing those with visual impairments to experience your posts, but incorporating detailed Instagram captions can allow them to be included further.
By providing extra information and details in your post, screen readers can give users a comprehensive view of your post. Being inclusive in your caption allows visually impaired people to feel thought of, as you are thinking of them in multiple regards. Similarly, writing detailed comments can help other users on Instagram, as your captions are more clear.
6. Limit emoji use
Emojis are a super fun way to be expressive in your captions. They’re understandable to people across the world, despite differences in language.
While emojis are a great tool, limit yourself to only using a few in your captions. This is because for visually impaired users their screen readers will read the full name of each emoji aloud. While some may have short names, the vast majority are long and wordy. If you use tons of emojis in this name, this can make your comment into a long nonsensical mess.
Get inclusive
Instagram can be a great place to establish your platform as an influencer or brand. As one of these, you want to make your profile available to as many people as possible. By incorporating these tips, you would be able to make your Instagram an accessible place. This can help to encourage a strong sense of community on your page, while also increasing your engagement and following.
Additional articles you might be interested in:
- How To Get More IGTV Viewers On Instagram
- How To Use Every Function On Instagram Stories
- 4 Critical Instagram Marketing Strategies For Your Small Business
- How To Add Text to Your TikTok Videos And The Benefits
- How To Boost Your Business With Instagram Reels
- 10 Marketing Strategies For Small Businesses
- How To Write Successful Instagram Captions
- How To Raise The Engagement Level On Your Instagram Business Account
- 5 Reasons To Make A Website For Your Small Business
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- How To Use Social Media Marketing To Promote Your Business
- 10 Ways To Promote Your Business For Little Or No Cost
- How To Effectively Use Hashtags On Instagram
- How To Get Better Results From Your Email Marketing Strategy
- 5 Ways Your Business Can Benefit From Twitter
- How To Make Money Fast With Facebook Ads: Create The Right Ads
- How To Get Your Account Verified On TikTok
Alaine Meier is a blogging intern at LadyBossBlogger. She currently attends the College of the Holy Cross and is studying economics and environmental studies.
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