Summary
Best practices for making Bowdoin social media posts accessible: add alternative text to images, caption videos, place hashtags and mentions at the end of a post and write multi-word hashtags in CamelCase (#BowdoinCollege), use meaningful link text, use emojis sparingly because screen readers read each one aloud, and keep good color contrast. For Bowdoin staff and departments managing social media accounts.
Body
Questions
- How do I make my social media posts accessible?
- Should I add alternative text to images I post on social media?
- Do social media videos need captions?
- How do I make hashtags accessible, and where should hashtags and mentions go?
- Are emojis a problem for screen readers?
- What should I keep in mind about color and links in social posts?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin staff and departments managing social media accounts on behalf of the College. These practices apply across platforms; see the related article on Instagram for platform-specific steps.
Resolution
Add alternative text to images
Most platforms let you add alternative text to images. Write a short, meaningful description so people using screen readers understand what the image shows. Describe what is meaningful in context rather than every detail.
Caption your videos
Add captions to any video with speech or important audio. Many platforms only support open ("burned-in") captions, so plan to add captions when you edit the video.
Format hashtags and mentions
- Place hashtags and mentions at the end of a post so screen readers reach your main message first.
- Use CamelCase for multi-word hashtags — for example #BowdoinCollege rather than #bowdoincollege. Capitalizing each word helps screen readers pronounce the hashtag correctly and improves readability for everyone.
Use meaningful link text
Where a platform allows descriptive link text, describe the destination instead of pasting a long raw URL.
Use emojis sparingly
Note: Screen readers read the name of every emoji aloud, and a string of emojis can be tedious or confusing. Use emojis intentionally, and avoid placing them in the middle of words or sentences.
Mind color and contrast
In graphics and images with text, keep enough contrast between text and background, and don't rely on color alone to convey meaning.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources