At Collaborative Haus, we believe that great content should reach and include as many people as possible. When we talk about accessibility, we’re not just talking about websites and AODA compliance. We’re also talking about the everyday content you share on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Social media is often the first place people connect with your brand. If your content isn’t inclusive, you may unintentionally be leaving people out. Accessibility helps people with disabilities navigate and enjoy your content, but it also improves the experience for everyone. Clearer images, easier navigation, and thoughtful video captions all make your content more usable and engaging across the board.

Let’s look at some of the ways you can build accessibility into your social content without sacrificing creativity.

Why should you add alt text to images on social media?

One of the most impactful changes you can make is adding alt text to your images. Alt text gives people using screen readers a written description of what’s in an image. On platforms that allow it, such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, it’s a quick step that makes a big difference. On platforms where you can’t add alt text (such as TikTok), simply describe the image in your caption so everyone has access to that context.

How can Camel Case improve hashtag accessibility?

Hashtags are also a big part of how we communicate online and how users find your content. When you write hashtags using Camel Case, which means capitalizing the first letter of each word, they become easier for everyone to read. For example, #SupportLocal is much easier to interpret than #supportlocal. This is especially important for screen reader users because screen readers don’t recognize the words separately if they’re all in lowercase. Another bonus for using Camel Case is that you avoid misunderstood hashtags. One classic example that returns every year are the people who post about superb owls on Super Bowl Sunday.

What makes videos more accessible for everyone?

When it comes to video, captions are non-negotiable. They help users who are Deaf or hard of hearing and are also appreciated by anyone watching content on mute. Most platforms now offer auto-captioning tools, but reviewing and editing them for accuracy keeps your message clear and professional. Captions also improve comprehension for users who may have cognitive or language-based processing challenges. In addition to subtitles, include video descriptions of the action and imagery shared in video posts. Image or video descriptions are used in the captions in addition to (not instead of) alt-text and give a description of the action in the image or video for users who cannot see the video. Image and video descriptions are more in-depth than alt-text and often include things like the race of the people in the scene, the weather, or other items that are not generally included in alt text but give more context to the visual media, whether it is a static image or a video.

Why does colour contrast matter in accessible design?

Visual clarity plays a big role in accessibility. That means using high-contrast colour combinations, avoiding overly decorative fonts, and making sure your text is easy to read against the background. Consider how your content looks on a mobile device or in bright daylight. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about communication, and if your audience can’t read it, the message is going to be missed.

How do emojis affect accessibility on social media?

Emojis are fun, but using them in moderation is key. Screen readers read each one aloud by name, so long strings of emojis can get annoying or confusing quickly. Keep emojis to the end of a sentence or caption and use them sparingly to emphasize tone, not replace words. Emojis can have different meanings to different people, so when you use them to replace words, you may be sending certain segments of your audience unintended messages.

What is meaningful link text and why is it important for accessibility?

Finally, it’s important to use meaningful link text when you include URLs. Phrases like “click here” under an image (especially those without alt text) without any other information don’t give users enough information, particularly those who are using screen readers. Instead, try phrases like “Read our accessibility tips blog” or “Visit our Services page to learn more.” This is another tip that has multiple advantages, as social media algorithms have historically deprioritized posts that are just links with no additional text. By adding text, you will help more people see your posts.

All of these practices are easy to integrate into your process and straightforward to implement within an existing social strategy. Even though they aren’t necessarily intuitive at the beginning, once you start, they’ll become second nature, and you’ll begin to see how many other businesses are (and aren’t) prioritizing accessibility. Creating social media with accessibility in mind doesn’t mean watering down your creativity. In fact, it often leads to clearer and more effective communication, as well as a deeper connection with your entire audience.

At cHaus, we help brands make their content work harder by making it more inclusive. Want help levelling up your accessibility across platforms? Let’s connect.