We tend to forget that differently abled people can also be affected by what is on social media, and we need to keep this in mind when we are creating and uploading content on these platforms. 

Creating content that is accessible to all is not only beneficial to your audience but to building your online community as well.

Read on as media update's Saads Abrahams breaks down how to make your social media content inclusive for all users.

 

Why Accessibility Matters on Social Media

Social media has become the main form of communication among people globally — and what is the point of creating meaningful content if it is not reaching a whole demographic? 

Accessible social media means that your content is enjoyable and digestible to all, and that even those who are differently abled can experience your content fully. Whether you are a personal brand or a corporate one, your social media content needs to try to be accessible for all people, regardless of their abilities or limitations. 

The benefits that come from creating accessible content can:

  • expand your audience reach
  • boost your brand's reputation
  • build a strong online community
  • improve your SEO, and
  • reduce legal risks for businesses.

 

Key Accessibility Features and How to Use Them

Alt Text for Images

Alternative text, also known as alt text, provides your viewers with an informative yet brief description of your visual posts such as:

  • images
  • infographics
  • charts, and
  • graphs.

This allows users who make use of screen readers or other types of assistive technologies to understand what you posted. Additionally, alt text helps those who have a poor internet connection — when an image does not load, the alt text will populate the screen for them. 

There is a specific way to write your alt text so that it actually does what you need  it to do:

  • keep it short
  • include all relevant details
  • start your text with all the most important information
  • keep your writing neutral
  • don't add "image of" or "picture of" as this is a given, however, if necessary provide relevant information about the type of image (photograph, screenshot, or infographic), and
  • be mindful of spelling and grammar.

 

Captions, Descriptions and Subtitles for Videos

Videos are becoming the most popular form of social media content, so you need to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy your video content.

There are multiple reasons why you should add captions, descriptions and subtitles to the videos you post on social media, such as:

  • making your videos easier to engage with, without sound
  • improving your viewers' comprehension of what is happening in the video, especially if your video is not in their native language
  • assisting viewers who are deaf or  hard of hearing
  • adding transcripts will improve your SEO, and
  • assisting you in repurposing your content.

 

Readable Formatting

Social media is already busy and fast-paced — ensure that your posts are easy to read. 

To make your posts readable:

  • make use of clear line spacing
  • keep paragraphs short 
  • place hashtags at the end of your posts
  • avoid emojis as these are not picked up correctly by screen readers, and
  • add a description to your website link.

 

Colour Contrast and Visual Design

As much fun as you may be having playing around with different fonts and colours when you are creating content for your social media pages, there is more to consider for accessibility. 

You need to be mindful of what fonts are going to look like on a phone and to someone with visual impairments. Also, consider whether the colours you are using for the font and the background are going to clash, making your content difficult to read. 

 

Inclusive Language in Social Media Posts

When creating a post — especially for brands and businesses — you want your content to reach the general public, so avoid using jargon and industry slang in your posts. 

Additionally, don't use unnecessary and uncommon words in your captions or posts just to sound "smart." You want anyone to look at your posts and understand what you are saying.

 

What are your thoughts on inclusive social media content? Let us know in the comments section below. 

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For more social media tips take a look at The Seven Cs of a Social Media Strategy [Infographic].

*Image courtesy of Canva