Why Use Alt Text For Instagram

If you have come to this blog searching about Alt texts, you might be on your way to upgrading your Instagram algorithm!

For many people who don't know about alt-text, it simply means naming or describing pictures while uploading them to your online content. It is for Google to read the images and align them with the SEO practices.

It is widely used in websites and blog posting activities with banners & stock images. But what most people do not know is that using alt-text in social media precisely on Instagram can bring them excellent results for gaining publicity in their niche.

The description added with alt text reads aloud with a screen reading program. It helps them clearly identify the thing being talked about.

So today in this blog we will encounter some of the key reasons why you should use Alt text in Instagram. We will also guide you on how to add these to your content to make it more engaging!

Use case for Alt Text-

• It helps Instagram sort your image in content and aids in describing photos to blind or impaired users.
• Though Instagram uses object recognition technology to describe your posts, Instagram users can manually add alt text to their photos.
• When you don’t add an alt text, Instagram automatically does it for you. But it is up to you who needs to add key aspects to your posts.

Do note that you don’t have to delete your post to add an alt-text to it; you can do it even after you have posted it. To do so-

1. Go to the 'edit post' option
2. Choose the picture (it will automatically guide you to the standard text)
3. You shall find the edit alt text button
4. Describe your post in the best way possible.

An important tip - Try to limit your description to under 100 characters including spaces. Try not to use phrases like - “picture of” or “photo of”

Now, an important question asked by many is- "Instagram already has object recognition technology, and does the alt text for us? Why do we need to stress about it or do it manually?"

The answer is quite simple - the automated feature of Instagram is highly inaccurate and misinterprets major elements of a photo. Therefore, it is not reliable. When you personally add an alt-text, you bring clarity to reach a wider audience.

Consult a hospitality marketing agency for your concerns

We hope that we made a point to make you realize how important alt text is in posting on Instagram. To know more critical aspects of digital marketing for your hospitality business, connect with Fielmente today.