Alt text for social media images
On social platforms, the alt text is often the only description of the post's image. It can be a little longer than web alt text and should include any text in the image.
Rules for this kind of image
- Quote graphics and memes: transcribe the text, then briefly describe the image.
- Carousels: write alt for each slide.
- Keep hashtags and emoji out of alt text; screen readers read them literally.
- Mention humour or tone if the image is the joke.
4 examples, weak vs better
Quote graphic · LinkedIn post
Weak
quoteBetter Text on a navy background: "Ship small, ship often." A small rocket icon sits below.84 charspasses checks
The text is the content.
Meme of a dog at a desk · Brand X post about Mondays
Weak
dog memeBetter A beagle in glasses slumped over a laptop. Caption: "Me opening my inbox on Monday."84 charspasses checks
Image plus caption gives the joke.
Event photo carousel, slide 1 · Instagram
Weak
eventBetter Slide 1 of 4: crowd at the open-air stage as the sun sets over the river72 charspasses checks
Numbers the slide and sets the scene.
Product launch teaser · Instagram post
Weak
new product coming soon #launchBetter A sage-green teapot half-hidden under a linen cloth, with "Friday" written in chalk beside it93 charspasses checks
Describes the teaser without hashtags.
Have your own images? Draft alt text with the AI alt text generator, then edit it using these patterns.
Questions people ask
Where do I add alt text on Instagram, LinkedIn or X?
Each platform has an alt text or image description option when you attach a photo; see our step-by-step guide for each one.
Should social alt text include hashtags?
No. Screen readers read hashtags letter by letter or word by word, which is tiring. Put hashtags in the post text.