In an increasingly digital sports media world, social media content creators should not overlook the importance of accessibility. The power of social media is undeniable, but consuming it can be frustrating for users who rely on accessibility aids, including those with disabilities and special needs.
By making your content more accessible, you ensure the user experience is enjoyable for everyone. Not only does social media accessibility create inclusivity, but it also broadens your reach and can increase engagement on your channels.
Here are some actionable tactics you should consider implementing to make your social media content more accessible.
6 Ways to Increase Your Social Media Content’s Accessibility
1) Add Alt Text to Your Images
Alternative text, or “alt text,” is a short description of the image on the screen. Adding it to your photo allows people using screen readers to understand the content. Be informative but concise. Don’t forget to include keywords in your alt text, as they can be effective for SEO purposes.
2) Add Captions and Transcripts to Videos
Including captions and transcripts should become an essential component of your video strategy. Captions make video content accessible for users who are hearing impaired.
They also allow viewers who don’t want the sound on to enjoy the video. Having captions and transcripts to accompany your video also boosts the search-ability of the post.
3) Use Accessible Language in Your Text
Before hitting send on a post, consider how accessible the text in the caption is. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes, and focus on clarity in your writing.
Opt for short sentences instead of run-on sentences. Make sure your hashtags are in Camel Case, capitalizing the first letter in each word (Ex. #SportsMedia, not #sportsmedia). Avoid typing in all caps as well, as the text can be hard for screen readers to decipher.
4) Don’t Overdo it With Emojis
Excessive emoji use can be damaging to a social media post. Similar to images and GIFs, emojis also have alt text assigned to them.
Putting too many emojis together could disrupt the user experience for those with screen readers. Adding an emoji to a post can cause your audience to stop their scroll, but be mindful of how many are necessary to convey your message.
5) Make Visual Assets Accessible
Graphic elements can present similar accessibility challenges as text if not done correctly. Keep the visuals as simple as possible without sacrificing quality.
Don’t pack the graphic with text, as you want the content to be digestible for the user, and consider color schemes that are accessible to the color blind. Also, consider adding warnings if you’re posting GIFs or animations with a lot of movement or flashing.
6) Use Inclusive Language
Avoid using biased and discriminatory language in your content. Respect goes a long way, in general, and social media is no exception. In some cases, your content could even be penalized by a particular platform. Using inclusive language ensures that your entire audience feels seen, heard, and welcome to participate.
Making your social media content accessible is a simple yet powerful way to show that everyone is welcome and valued in your online community. Putting the above tips into motion can help you create an inclusive community and maximize the growth of your social media presence.
