Alt Text for Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn

Social media platforms added alt text features to make content accessible to visually impaired users. As a bonus, some platforms also use alt text as a signal to better understand image content — potentially affecting reach and discoverability.

Platform-by-Platform Alt Text Guide

Facebook

Facebook automatically generates alt text using AI, but you can and should override it with your own description.

1. Upload your image to a post or album
2. Before posting: hover over the image → click the three dots → Edit alt text
3. For existing photos: go to the photo → click the three dots → Change Alt Text

Instagram

Instagram added alt text in 2018. Most users never set it.

1. When posting: tap Advanced Settings before sharing
2. Tap Write Alt Text
3. Enter description → Done → Share
4. For existing posts: Edit post → three dots on the image → Edit Alt Text

Twitter / X

1. Tap the + button to add an image to a tweet
2. Tap the image → Add description
3. Write alt text (up to 1000 characters) → Done

LinkedIn

1. Create a post → add an image
2. Click the pencil edit icon on the image
3. Add alt text in the field provided

Does Social Media Alt Text Affect Reach?

The primary benefit of social media alt text is accessibility — enabling screen reader users to engage with your content. This broadens your potential audience and is increasingly expected from brands.