5 Free Simple Ways Of Adding Alt Text To Instagram In 2025

Are you looking for a guide to adding alt text to Instagram? We can help you achieve this. Whether you use a phone or a desktop, whether the post has been published or not, this article covers all. Ready to uncover the true power of Instagram alt text? Let’s get started!

What Is Instagram Alt Text?

Alt text, or alternative text, is a textual substitute for images on Instagram. It helps visually impaired people process visual content using a screen reader. It also tells people what your posts are about when images don’t load due to a slow internet connection. 

For example, if you post a photo of your cat playing with a ball, you can add alt text like: A mischievous orange cat playing with a red sisal ball. Now, when a blind friend visits your Instagram, they can hear the description of the image to enjoy what you share.

If you don’t add alt text, the Instagram alt text generator will automatically do it for you. However, object recognition technology may sometimes misinterpret your images. To bring the best description to your photos, you should know how to add Instagram alt text manually.

Adding Alt Text To Instagram: 5 Free Ways (2025)

You can add alt text to Instagram from your mobile device or computer. The process can happen in 3 channels: the Instagram app, the Instagram website, and the Meta Business Suite. 

In this section, we will walk you through each method with detailed instructions and screenshots to ensure you can manage Instagram alt text easily.

How to add alt text to an Instagram post on your phone

To add alt text to Instagram using an iPhone (iOS) or Android, you can follow the steps below.

Note: These screenshots were taken on an Android.

Step 1: On your Instagram app, upload a photo (or multiple photos).

Step 2: Hit Next twice.

Step 3: Scroll to the end and select More options.

Step 4: Scroll down and hit Write alt text at the end of the menu.

Step 5: Enter your alt text, then hit Done.

Voila! You’ve added alt text to the post successfully. Now you can go back to the post and publish it as usual.

How to add alt text to Instagram on a desktop

Computer users can also add Instagram alt text on their web browser. Here’s how:

Note: These screenshots were taken on Windows.

Step 1: On Instagram.com, upload photos as usual.

Step 2: Click Next twice.

Step 3: Click Accessibility and enter the alt text in the box below.

Step 4: Click Share to publish the post.

That’s it! So simple, right? Let us know if you need any help during this process. 

How to add alt text to Instagram on Meta Business Suite

To use the Meta Business Suite, you need to use a professional Instagram account and link it to a Facebook page. If everything is ready, you can do as follows:

Step 1: On Meta Business Suite, click Create Post.

Step 2: Add the photo you want to share in the Media section.

Step 3: Click the Pencil icon to edit the photo.

Step 4: Click Alt text and enter the text description of your photo.

Step 5: Select Apply.

Now you can publish the post as usual. The photo will be shared on Instagram with your manually added alt text. 

How to add alt text to an Instagram post after scheduling

After you schedule an Instagram post on Meta Business Suite, you can edit its alt text there as long as it’s not published yet.

Step 1: On Meta Business Suite, click Content on the left side.

Step 2: Click Scheduled.

Step 3: Click the (…) icon next to the post and select Edit post.

Step 4: Click the Pencil icon.

Step 5: Click Alt text and insert the description.

Step 6: Click Apply, then click Schedule to save the change.

Remember, this only applies to posts that haven’t been published yet. If you need to edit the alt text of posted posts, keep reading the content below!

How to add alt text to Instagram photos after posting

You can add alt text to Instagram photos that have already been published on your phone or computer.

On the phone (iOS & Android)

Step 1: Tap the three-dot icon next to the post.

Step 2: Tap Edit.

Step 3: Tap Edit alt text at the bottom right corner.

Step 4: Enter the alt text in the box beneath.

Step 5: Hit ✔ or Done to save the change.

On the computer

Step 1: Click the three-dot icon next to the post.

Step 2: Click Edit.

Step 3: Click Accessibility and insert the text in the box beneath. 

Step 4: Click Done to save.

By following the simple and clear instructions above, you can add alt text to Instagram without hassles. Make sure you double-check your text to ensure it aligns with your images. 

Does Adding Alt Text Help On Instagram? What Are The Benefits?

Yes, alt text can be really helpful, especially when it comes to Instagram. Here’s why:

Helps people with visual impairments

With the precisely added alt text (and a screen reader), those who are unable or hard to see can still grasp what is in your Instagram post. 

This makes your content accessible to everyone.

Improves your posts’ visibility

Instagram employs alt text to know what your uploaded images are all about. This, in turn, assists the platform in suggesting your posts to other people who may be interested. 

You can think of it as giving Instagram a hint on what to feed its users.

Helps when images don’t load

When the internet connection is slow and the image cannot be displayed, the alt text can give viewers a description of what your picture is about.

Is good for SEO

Adding accurate alt text for your images may also help your Instagram posts to be indexed on Google, increasing the chance of your appearance in search results

Instead of asking whether or not you should add Instagram alt text, why don’t give it a shot and let the results speak for themselves? 

Anyway, it costs nothing to try, and the potential benefits are incredible.

Best Tips To Write Effective Instagram Alt Text

Now that you understand why you should add alt text to your IG posts, let’s figure out how you can make it informative and engaging to your followers. 

Tip #1: Suppose an audience who cannot see your photo

Imagine you are explaining a picture from your recent vacation to a friend with visual impairments. You need to:

• Be specific and detailed: Identify the main subject in the picture. Is this a person or a thing? What are they wearing/doing? What is the background like? Are there any prominent details? 
• Add sensory details: Go beyond what you see. Name the colors, texture, pattern, or even the feeling you get when looking at the picture.

Tip #2: Think about your brand

Make sure your words are consistent with your brand tone.

• Convey your brand identity: When writing the alt text, always use the language that aligns with your brand’s voice. If your brand personality is humorous and lighthearted, your alt text should reflect that. If it is more corporate, you should tilt your language towards that.

Tip #3: Keep it concise and focused

Pay attention to the main content of your images and avoid repetition.

• Stick to the essentials: When describing something or someone, do not overdo it. Focus on the main message you want your target audiences to receive from the image.
• Don’t repeat information: If something is already described in the post’s caption, there’s no need to repeat it in the alt text.

Example:

Instead of: Woman in a dress

Write: A woman with curly brown hair in a flamenco-inspired red dress, running in a field of sunflowers. She is delightful and energetic. 

By following the tips I mentioned above, you can write alt text that is not only informative and meaningful but also interesting for followers.

Learn more: A Guide To Adding An Email To Instagram

Conclusion

With this clear and plain guide, there should be no difficulty in adding alt text to Instagram. To make the most out of alt text, don’t forget to take my advice. Let’s bring a great experience for every Instagram user!

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