Understanding digital accessibility in social media
Social media is a key tool for communication, but without accessibility considerations, many community members may face barriers. People with disabilities, those in noisy environments, or anyone navigating content on the go benefit from accessible content.
Small adjustments make a big impact. Read on for guidance on creating social media that’s clear, inclusive, and easy to engage with.
Why accessibility matters for everyone
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it enhances usability for all, allowing you to reach a wider audience. Captions on videos help those who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they also assist customers in loud or quiet spaces. Alternative text (alt text) for images supports screen readers while also improving search visibility. Readable fonts and high-contrast visuals aid people with low vision and make scrolling easier on mobile devices.
Applying accessibility best practices makes content more inclusive and engaging for everyone.
Best practices for creating accessible social media posts
Text, links, and emojis
Keep posts clear and concise, using plain language instead of jargon. Avoid all caps, as screen readers may misinterpret them or read them as acronyms. When adding links, use descriptive text such as, “Read more about our program,” rather than saying, “Click here.” Use emojis sparingly and place them at the end of sentences to prevent choppy sentences or misinterpretation.
Images, videos, and audio
All images should include an alt text based equivalent that meaningfully describes the content. If an image contains text, ensure the information is also in the post caption or description. Videos should always include closed captions, and audio content should have transcripts to improve accessibility. Avoid flashing content, which can cause discomfort or trigger seizures. If there is no clear place to put an image description or alt text, then add it to the main body of the post.
Hashtags and formatting
Hashtags work best when used strategically and sparingly. Placing them at the end of a post improves readability, rather than embedding them in sentences. When using longer hashtags with more words, capitalize the first letter of each word: #NortheasternUniversity instead of #northeasternuniversity. Avoid custom font generators, as stylized text may be unreadable for assistive technologies or difficult to read for those who have visual impairments.
Support for digital accessibility
Take advantage of the training, tools, and resources at Northeastern to help you create inclusive digital content. To ensure accessibility, explore the Accessible Social Media Resource for step-by-step guidance.
Digital accessibility isn’t just a requirement—it’s an opportunity to create a more inclusive, engaging, and user-friendly experience. By following these best practices, everyone can help remove barriers and make social media more accessible for everyone.
Enhance your digital content with accessibility best practices. Explore Northeastern’s Digital Accessibility Learning Hub for training designed for web contributors, instructors, developers, and more.
For more information, explore the ITS Digital Accessibility Resources or submit a consult for additional support.