Your guide to image descriptions
I’ve been asked a few times why I put image descriptions in my social media posts like this:
So if you've seen more of these during your scrolling sessions and wondered the same thing, read on...
Including an image description in your posts on all social media platforms means your content is more accessible for people who have visual impairments. That's over half a million people in Australia.
If you are blind or have a visual impairment, you may use a screen reader. These are programs that read aloud the content on your screen. This is why including an image description in your post and in the alt-text section (if there is one) is so important. And it only takes an extra minute or two of your time.
Without an image description, the person listening via a screen reader can only guess what your accompanying image or video might be. Which is not only frustrating but also means your post has half the impact.
You can learn more about screen readers from Vision Australia's website.
By including an image description in your post you are:
Creating more accessible content.
Showing you are aware of and care about accessibility.
Encouraging others to include image descriptions in their posts.
Contributing to making it the STANDARD on all platforms.
Helping to create a more equitable society.
Tips for writing image descriptions
Firstly, please don't agonise over your image description. I found this formula from Alex Chen on the UX Collective site. It helps me write clear and concise descriptions. Link to full article here: https://uxdesign.cc/how-to-write-an-image-description-2f30d3bf5546
The formula is: Object, Action, Context
Object: Ron Swanson from Parcs and Recreation
Action: eating a banana
Context: in his office.
Next add some concise detail
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION:] Ron Swanson from Parcs and Recreation wearing a navy jumper and pulling a disgusted face as he eats a banana in his office.
Not the prettiest piece of prose ever written, but it describes the image clearly.
If you have a carousel post with multiple images, you can add descriptions for each one as a comment instead. Just pop a line in the post that says 'Image Descriptions in comments'.
Adding alt-text
Aside from including the image description within the body of your post, you can also copy and paste it into the alt-text section.
Here's how to add alt-text to:
Facebook
LinkedIn
So there you have it. All the tools you need to start adding image descriptions to your social media posts.
I still have lots to learn about making my content more accessible but I've found fantastic resources from these IG accounts/hashtags. If you want to find out more give them a follow:
https://www.instagram.com/amypettingill/
Photo by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash