Social Media Accessibility Tips

Use alt text and image descriptions

Every time you post an image — whether it’s from a gig, a rehearsal, your latest album cover, or a union campaign — add alt text and/or an image description. This allows screen readers to describe your image to people who are visually impaired, and makes your content accessible to a wider range of people.

Good alt text and image descriptions should:

• Clearly describe what’s in the image
• Include any text shown in the image (like tour dates or event names)
• Be simple and informative.

Alt text and image descriptions should be simply written and include any text that is in the graphics. 

Don’t include credits, jokes, or unrelated commentary.

Typically, alt text is added when you add your images and image descriptions are added at the end of your social post copy. 

Each social platform (like Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook) has its own place to add alt text. You usually add it when uploading an image — check your platform's settings for accessibility or advanced options.

The RNIB provides guidance on how to add alt text and image descriptions on each platform.

Add video descriptions

Posting music videos, live clips, or behind-the-scenes footage? Include a short video description in your caption or comments to make your content more accessible.

Your description should include:

• Who’s in the video
• What’s happening visually
• Any on-screen text or transitions

Skip performer credits, camera angles, or extra commentary unless it's essential.

Example:
Video description: A solo acoustic performance in a sunlit room. The artist plays guitar and sings into a mic. The video ends with a text overlay showing upcoming tour dates.

The RNIB provides guidance on how to write video descriptions and image descriptions for all the main social media platforms.

Capitalise hashtags

Capitalise the first letter of every word in a single hashtag so screen readers can pronounce them correctly and users can read them more easily.

Examples:

• #WeAreTheMU
• #MusiciansUnion
• #ProtectWNO
• #KeepNorthernBalletLive

Why this matters

Accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have — it makes your music and message available to more people. It also shows professionalism and care for your full audience, including disabled fans and collaborators.

For more detailed platform-specific advice, check out resources from the RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind People.