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Social Media Accessibility Checklist

A colourful illustration of different people engaging with social media. One figure is using a megaphone and speech buibbles with various emojis are coming out of the speaker. One is jumping out from a phone screen. One person is selecting options on a screen.

Summary

Read about how to make your social media posting more accessible.

Table of Contents

Planning

  • Plan and embed accessibility-thinking from the very start before creating content to post online.
  • Post across multiple channels to provide various access points for a broader audience.
  • Develop a strategy to address your audience’s accessibility challenges. How will you support them in accessing your content and removing barriers?

Language

  • Use ‘social model’ appropriate language (e.g., “disabled person” rather than “person with disabilities”). Ensure no ableist language is used.
  • Use plain English. Keep sentences short and sweet. Link to your website for detailed information. For complex content, consider creating:
    • Easy Read versions
    • British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation
  • If linking to a document, run an accessibility check (e.g., Word’s Accessibility Checker). This is crucial before converting to a PDF. Consider alternatives for those without access to Microsoft Word.

Video

  • Add captions and subtitles. Use auto-captions on platforms like Instagram and TikTok but ensure they are edited for accuracy. Longer videos can use YouTube for captioning and transcript creation.
  • Consider audio descriptions if your video has limited dialogue or relies on visuals.
  • Provide a transcript alongside your video content or include a link to it.

Images

  • Add Alt Text for all non-text content. Some platforms allow systematic Alt Text addition; for others, include it in the main body of text.
  • Ensure Alt Text is added to any shared documents containing images.

Text Presented as Images

  • Avoid presenting text as an image (e.g., Canva graphics). If unavoidable:
    • Add Alt Text for assistive technology.
    • Don’t rely solely on colour to convey messages—include relevant text for context.
  • Check contrast using tools like WebAIM.
  • Use accessible fonts (Sans Serif, e.g., Arial, Calibri) and left-align text. Avoid justifying text. Minimise text in graphics.

Hashtags, GIFs, and Emojis

  • GIFs: Provide a description and ensure users can pause or stop GIFs. Don’t rely on GIFs to convey critical information.
  • Emojis:
    • Be mindful of the Alt descriptions.
    • Use emojis sparingly to avoid increasing cognitive load.
    • Test emoji visibility in both light and dark modes.
    • Avoid emoticons like ¯_(ツ)_/¯.
  • CamelCase hashtags: Capitalise the first letter of each word (e.g., #AccessibleSocialMedia). Place hashtags and mentions at the end of your post.

Accessibility is a Journey

New platforms and technologies emerge, and people’s needs change. Achieving 100% accessibility is challenging, but a genuine commitment to improving accessibility ensures you’re a great disability ally.

Stay updated with emerging best practices and accessibility changes across platforms.

We also offer Digital Accessibility Training.

Download this checklist (PDF)

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