Instagram launches new accessibility features for users with visual impairments

The major social media platform, Instagram, has recently launched two new accessibility features for individuals with visual impairments.  The first feature is automatic alternative text; the second is the ability to manually add alternative text to photos.

Check out the excerpt from Instagram’s blog:


The first accessibility feature is automatic alternative text.  This allows users to hear descriptions of photos through their screen reader while using Feed, Explore, and Profile.  This feature utilizes object recognition technology to generate a description of photos for screen readers so users can hear a list of items that photos may contain as they browse the app.

The second accessibility feature is custom alternative text.  This allows users to add a richer description of their photos when they upload a photo.  People using screen readers will then be able to hear this description.

How to use Instagram accessibility features:

Look for Advanced Settings at the bottom of the screen before posting to use the custom alternative text option.  These images better explain how to use these features:

instagram visual impairmentsinstagram advanced settings page