Have you noticed this 'alt' label on images?
It means the image has 'alt text' or an image description. This means that blind people can access a description of the photo.
It's really easy to add alt text to your images on twitter. This thread explains how! ⬇️👩🦯📲
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It's easy to add alt text when you post an image on twitter.
In browser use the clickable 'add description link' or find 'alt' in the edit tab.
Or on mobile you can find it in the 'edit' button options.
Here are the instructions for each device
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My alt text top tips:
1. If there is text, include it.
2. What stands out to you in the image? A red coat? A skyscraper? A dog? Describe it!
3. Think about context. If it’s a fashion picture tell me about the clothes. If it’s a group photo I don’t need every outfit described.
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This awesome new
@TwitterA11y
feature means that you can click or tap the 'alt' label for a pop up image description.
This helps you check your alt text has worked.
But it's also is an accessibility feature for low vision or other users who cannot always access a screen reader.
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Practice your alt text & treat it as a fun way to add more to your content.
If you struggle to remember, I recommend
@AltTxtReminder
who will message you when you forget!
Remember you can always put alt text in a reply or add more detail after. You can't edit alt text yet.
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Some of my favourite alt text is when people put their personalities into it.
Like
@SarahMillican75
's alt text is hilarious.
For example, check the alt text on this tweet by tapping that alt button or tagging
@get_altText
Rhubarb meringue pudding that was utterly delicious from
@no1shipstreet
in Oxford. Well done them.
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Here is a nice short blog post highlighting 5 key ways you can make your social media more accessible.
Including adding alt text or image descriptions.
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Also, if you're not inspired to add alt text simply so blind & other screen reader users can enjoy your images...
Did you know it boosts your SEO?
So alt text really means you get put in front of more audiences.
And now those audiences can see if you aren't doing it...
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A 2019 Carnegie Mellon study of 1.09 million tweets with images found that only 0.1 percent of those tweets included alt text.
Yes, I'm asking individuals to take steps to make the platform more accessible. But until we wait for better AI descriptions this is the best solution!
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The fantastic
#ShittyAltText
project by
@alexhaagaard
highlights how poor the descriptions generated by AI are.
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I also want to link to the important information from
@HabenGirma
Haben is an incredible advocate for accessible tech & digital inclusion. I urge you to read Haben's book!
As Haben explains, please don't skip race in your image descriptions.
I’m so used to blind people saying they thought I was white, it doesn’t surprise me now. When you do image descriptions, don’t skip race. Don’t leave room for harmful assumptions. This is
#intersectionality
. I made a video on inclusive descriptions
#a11y
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And for those of you who want some more examples & a bit more technical information on the function of alt text...
This is a great blog from
@lifeofablindgrl
on best practice when writing alt text, especially the mistakes to avoid!
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Everyone should be able to access & enjoy twitter!
I provide accessible social media training to businesses. Contact me here
If you have found this information useful please consider supporting me as a disabled content creator.
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And of course, if you want to practice your alt text you can tag me!
I'm always happy to give a bit of feedback!
Alternatively I'll just enjoy hearing about how cute your cat is or how tasty your lunch looks, because blind folks want to know about that stuff too!
#AccessIsLove
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Also I totally understand that impairments & other access needs can conflict with adding alt text.
I don't always have the spoons or y'know I can't see the image.
I recommend this lovely image description crowd sourcing Facebook Group
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If you need inspiration or want to enjoy some excellent alt text, check out this thread!
Just highlighting some more of my favourite Alt Text accounts.
Adorable puppers, plus more dog jokes in the alt text from
@dog_rates
(click the alt symbol or tag
@get_altText
below the photo to check it out)
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@BlondeHistorian
The alt badge is great. I hope it raises awareness and gets more people adding descriptions.
I released
@UKGovAltBot
yesterday, which is following all government deparments and cabinet ministers (and councils soon) and highlights when they're posting without alt text
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@matteason
@UKGovAltBot
Matt I would like to send you a large gift for creating this. Truly brilliant.
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@BlondeHistorian
Thank you. I'm a bit unsure about describing colours though, like a red dress or a bright pink tie. I thought it appeals to those with low vision but not people who have never seen colour. What's most helpful?
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@SpeakUpAtWork
Well why exclude low vision folks? Yes I like to know about colours & some people who have never experienced colour might still want to know the colour of the dress someone wore at an Oscars ceremeony.
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@510bythebay
Great question I have a couple of links for you.
First
"What are examples of accessible, effective chart descriptions?"
I get asked this question a LOT, so I am going to make a thread here to easily link to later.
(This thread covers both simple and complex use-cases for human-authored descriptions.)
Feel free to share/bookmark!
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