Accessible social media checklist: Images

If an image contains text, include it in the text of the post

This helps ensure everyone can access your content through assistive technologies. Text in a post is compatible with settings users enable to improve content visibility and readability, such as increased text settings. These settings will not change the presentation of text within an image; however, they will change the presentation of text within a post.

Text in a post can also be used to provide an extended text description that is too long for the image alt text attribute.

If an image contains text, include it in the text of the post. Use the platform’s alternative text tool

Alt text attributes are used by assistive technologies to describe an image to users. If alt text is not provided, assistive technologies will not be able to convey images to users. 

Always provide an alt text description if your image contains meaningful information. When editing the alt text of an image:

• Aim for the image alt text to be approximately 150 characters. 
• Text alternatives should be meaningful while being as concise as possible. Within the alt text, include the most important information first.
• If the description needs to be longer, include it within the text of the post. 

For example, Freya is making a post on LinkedIn to advertise an upcoming public event.

Image for the post:

Alt text: Book exchange, register now. See post for event details.

Text in post: On the 1st of January 2025, we’re hosting a book exchange! This event will run between 4:30 – 6:00pm at 120 Spencer Street Melbourne. Complementary food and drinks will be provided. Spaces are limited, so register now to secure your attendance. Registration link: www.registrationlink.com.au

Most platforms will have a tool to apply alt text for images in posts. For example, within LinkedIn, when you select an image to upload, you will have the option to provide an alt description through the button labelled ‘ALT’.

If your platform does not have a tool to apply alt text for images, include the alt text description within the text of your post.

Format hashtags in camel case

Camel case is a naming convention that involves writing phrases with capitalized words instead of spaces or punctuation.

Hashtags in social media posts must be written in a camel case style. This supports the readability and screen reader announcement of hashtags, as it helps differentiate words within a phrase.

For example, the hashtag #globalaccessibilityawareness day should be implemented as #globalAccessibilityAwarenessDay. 

Check colour contrast

Before posting, make sure any colour used in your image meets WCAG contrast requirements. The WCAG Level AA 1.4.11 Non-text contrast success criterion requires graphical objects to have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent colours. If you’re unsure if your image meets contrast requirements, test it by using either of the following online tools:

• Webaim Contrast Checker, (https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/).
• Accessible Web Contrast Checker, (https://accessibleweb.com/color-contrast-checker/).
• Colour contrast checker, (https://colourcontrast.cc/).

Provide text alternatives for carousel posts

Carousels are a helpful approach to presenting a lot of information in a condensed format, but they do involve complexities for assistive technologies, such as screen readers. To ensure everyone can access content within a carousel, make sure you include a numbered list with a text description of each slide within the text of your post. 

For example,

Carousel images:

Text description:

Ever considered joining a book club? Now is your chance! We’re recruiting new members to join us at our next meeting on the 1st of January. Register now at www.registrationlink.com.au

Post contents:

Slide 1: Why you should join a book club

Slide 2: Try something new! The book club will expose you to a range of different genres, such as play writing, fantasy, non-fiction and more.

Slide 3: Explore different ideas. Everyone is encouraged to share their ideas from the week’s book. What did the author do well? What was challenging?

Slide 4: Will you be joining? Register now.

Conclusion

By using this checklist, you can avoid publishing barriers that prevent audiences from accessing your content. We recommend including this checklist within your workflow to support your team having a consistent approach to posting inclusive information and images to audiences. 

Keep in mind, additional accessibility requirements will be needed to make audio and media accessible. 

Refer to the Web Accessibility Initiative for guidance (https://www.w3.org/WAI/media/av).