Handy Guide to Making Your Social Media More Accessible

Aug 10

We've been hearing a lot (thankfully!) about diversity and inclusion lately. The evolution towards a more inclusive world has brought us learnings, perspectives, and ideas, but we know it's just the beginning and we still have lots to learn (and adapt) in this regard.

Have you ever thought about how a blind person consumes the content you publish on your blog? Or how does someone with hearing disabilities understand the video you posted on your YouTube channel? If your business has an online presence but you've never thought about it, maybe it's time to think about digital accessibility.

In 2019, 69% of respondents to a national survey said they have abandoned websites due to accessibility barriers encountered. In addition, 86% said they would spend more on an online store if it was accessible.

That’s why most social networks have increasingly sought to be more inclusive, creating stricter conditions for paid content, adopting Alt text descriptions, encouraging the use of pronouns, etc. However, this change does not depend only on the platforms. Your content can - and should - provide a more inclusive and accessible experience for all users.

So, here's a handy guide for you to take another step towards the evolution of your brand - and yours, as a person, making your social media more accessible.

Add Subtitles to Your Videos

From an inclusion standpoint, subtitles are the only way for people with hearing disabilities to understand your content. In addition, subtitles are allies of mothers who watch your stories while breastfeeding their children, or people who are in noisy places and can’t listen properly.

Alt Text

For people with certain types of disability such as visual, assistive technologies are the main method of transmitting your content. They function as a narrator, describing everything showing on the screen.

That's why describing your image is key. You know the importance of your photos and images for your content, right? Now you need to offer the same reading experience to all users who have contact with it. Most platforms offer the native field for you to add your description, seen as alternative text, or Alt Text.

Use Emojis

Yes, assistive technologies understand emojis! So if you are looking for a clear and specific way to talk to users, emojis can be good allies. However, try not to pollute your content with emojis so the description doesn't get confusing.

Don't Play with Different Fonts

You may find it cute to use those coded fonts that look different on Instagram, but the truth is that some people can’t even understand what is written. Besides the different screens and settings on smartphones, screen readers cannot decode different typography. Make sure your content is clear!

Adjust Your Hashtags

Ever wonder if capitalization in hashtags makes a difference? From a technical point of view, the answer is no. But for audio description platforms this can completely change the way a hashtag is read. So, yes, you should definitely CamelCase your hashtags (example: #TeamGoho instead of #teamgoho or #Teamgoho).

Last, but Not Least: Be Curious and Open About Inclusion

We are taking the first steps towards a more inclusive world. So be curious and open to learn more about how you can engage and support this movement, and be willing to change and evolve every day.

Do you want to learn more about accessibility on social media or are you looking for further support in creating inclusive content? Contact us!

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