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Instagram

Alt text

Alt text is a written description of an image, used by screen readers and by search engines.

Definition

Instagram lets you set custom alt text on every feed image and carousel card. It powers accessibility for blind users and gives the platform additional signal about what the image contains.

How to use it

Write one plain-English sentence describing what's in the image, plus one keyword if it fits naturally.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving Instagram's auto-generated alt text ('Image may contain…')
  • Stuffing keywords
  • Skipping alt text on carousel cards past the first