Accessible Social Media

Accessible Social Media

Accessible Social Media Overview 

Social media is one of the most visible ways our institution communicates with current and future students, employees, and the broader community. Ensuring posts are accessible supports our institutional values and complies with federal accessibility requirements. Accessible social media benefits everyone! 

Best Practice Guide 

Accessible social media means creating and sharing content that can be perceived, understood, and engaged with by the widest possible audience through clear writing, accessible visuals, accurate captions, and thoughtful platform use. Doing so is relatively easy by following these best practice guidelines. 

  1. Writing for Accessibility 

    1. Use plain, concise language and avoid jargon when possible. 

    1. Use CamelCase hashtags (#StudentSuccess, not #studentsuccess). 

    1. Limit emoji use; if used, place at the end of posts and don’t break up sentences. 

  1. Images and Graphics 

    1. Always add alt text that describes the essential information in an image. 

    1. Keep alt text concise (ideally under 125 characters) but meaningful. 

    1. Avoid posting images with embedded text. If text is essential, provide it in the post content. 

    1. Provide accurate and useful expanded image descriptions.  

    1. Use consistent visual branding and avoid low-contrast color combinations. 

  1. Video and Audio Content 

    1. Provide captions for all videos (not auto-generated only; edit for accuracy). 

    1. Share transcripts for audio content or podcasts. 

    1. Avoid flashing or strobing visuals that can trigger seizures. 

  1. Platform-Specific Practices 

    1. Facebook/Instagram: Write descriptive captions and add alt text when uploading images. 

    1. Twitter/X: Use built-in alt text features. Keep threads accessible with numbering or context. 

    1. TikTok/Reels: Add open captions within the video and check contrast of text overlays. 

    1. LinkedIn: Use alt text and plain language for professional communication. 

  1. Engagement and Equity 

    1. Ensure links are descriptive (“Learn more about fall enrollment deadlines” instead of “Click here”). 

    1. Don’t rely on memes, GIFs, or emojis as the only way to convey information. 

    1. Monitor comments: inaccessible or problematic contributions may need moderation. 

Additional Resources 

  • Emojipedia: Resource for Emoji definitions and image generator