Social media is commonly used to share announcements, updates, reminders, and important information with students, families, employees, and the community. Whether you’re creating a Facebook post, Instagram story, reel, video, or graphic, accessibility should be considered from the beginning. Creating accessible social media content goes beyond writing a clear message. It also involves how information is presented, how people interact with the content, and how posts are shared across platforms. Using meaningful alternative text, readable formatting, accurate captions, and clear messaging helps ensure everyone can access, understand, and engage with the information. It’s also important to remember that accessibility may change when social media content is embedded or shared on a website.
Explore the following tips and resources to learn how to create accessible social media content, apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and share social media content on websites while maintaining accessibility across different platforms.
Use Clear and Simple Language
Write short, easy-to-understand messages, put important information first, and clearly explain any actions readers need to take.
Keep Formatting Simple
Use short paragraphs, line breaks, and standard text instead of decorative fonts, special characters, or excessive formatting.
Add Alternative Text to Images
Write meaningful alt text for informative images and graphics, and include essential details from flyers or announcements directly in the post.
Use Accessible Color & Contrast
Choose colors with sufficient contrast, avoid text over busy backgrounds, and never rely on color alone to communicate information.
Create Meaningful Links
Use descriptive link text when supported, keep URLs manageable, and check that links work before posting.
Use Emojis and Symbols Thoughtfully
Limit emojis and decorative symbols, and avoid using them in place of words or as bullet points because screen readers may announce each one.
Make Hashtags Easy to Read
Capitalize the first letter of each word in hashtags, such as #BackToSchoolNight, and avoid using too many hashtags.
Make Videos, Reels, and Stories Accessible
Include accurate captions for spoken content, describe important visuals, and make sure essential information is available beyond the video or story.
Make Attachments and Graphics Accessible
Ensure linked documents and PDFs are accessible, and include important dates, times, locations, and instructions in the post rather than only in an image.
Avoid Flashing and Distracting Content
Limit unnecessary animations, rapid movement, and flashing graphics that may create accessibility barriers.
Lead with the Main Message
Start your post with the most important information so readers quickly understand what it's about and why it matters.
Make Important Details Easy to Find
Clearly identify dates, times, locations, deadlines, and required actions so readers don't have to search for key information.
Keep Posts Short & Focused
Use clear language, short paragraphs, and spacing to make information easy to scan and understand.
Use Visuals with Purpose
Include accessible images, graphics, or videos that reinforce your message rather than distract from it.
Provide Clear Next Steps
Tell readers exactly what they need to do, when to do it, and where to find additional information.
Share Information in Multiple Ways
When appropriate, provide important information through accessible post text, a webpage, or a captioned video to support different preferences and needs.
Reduce Unnecessary Distractions
Limit excessive emojis, hashtags, animations, and decorative graphics to keep attention focused on important information.
Support Understanding
Explain unfamiliar terms, spell out acronyms, and provide examples or context to help readers connect with the message.
Share Important Information on the Webpage
Include essential announcements, dates, times, locations, and instructions directly on the webpage rather than requiring visitors to open a social media post.
Use Meaningful Links
Use descriptive link text that identifies the social media post or destination, and verify that links work before sharing.
Check Embedded Content
Test embedded posts, videos, and social media feeds to ensure visitors can navigate with a keyboard, use assistive technology, and access content without signing in.
Provide Accessible Alternatives
Include important information as accessible webpage text when embedded posts, images, or third-party content create accessibility barriers.
Keep Information Current
Regularly review embedded posts and linked content to update or remove outdated information and broken links.
General Resources
These resources provide practical guidance for creating accessible social media posts, graphics, videos, and other digital content.
- Accessible Social
- W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI): Images Tutorial
- W3C WAI: Making Audio and Video Media Accessible
- WebAIM: Contrast Checker
Resources by Platform
These platform-specific resources provide instructions for adding alternative text, captions, and other accessibility features. Features may vary depending on the device, account type, or method used to publish content.
- X
- YouTube
