Accessibility Options in Instagram

Summary

How to make Bowdoin Instagram content accessible: add your own alternative text on new posts (Advanced Settings > Accessibility > Write Alt Text) and on existing posts (the three-dot menu > Add Alt Text), since Instagram's automatic alt-text is not always accurate; and caption videos, remembering that Instagram supports only open (burned-in) captions. Lists captioning software by platform and links the DCMP Captioning Key. For Bowdoin staff managing Instagram accounts.

Body

Questions

  • How do I add alternative text to an Instagram post?
  • Does Instagram add alt-text automatically, and is it accurate?
  • How do I add or edit alt-text on an Instagram post I already published?
  • Do Instagram videos, stories, and reels need captions?
  • What kind of captions does Instagram support?
  • What software can I use to add captions to a video?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin staff and departments managing Instagram accounts for the College. Steps describe the Instagram mobile app; the app's menus change from time to time, so exact labels may differ slightly.

Resolution

Automatic alt-text

Instagram uses automatic object-recognition software to make a best guess at alt-text for posts. It is helpful but not always accurate, so add your own alt-text whenever you can.

Example of Instagram posts with images blocked and only the alternative text displaying.

Add alt-text to a new post

  1. Start uploading a new photo, edit the image and add filters, then tap Next.
  2. On the caption screen, tap Advanced Settings.
  3. Under Accessibility, tap Write Alt Text.
  4. Enter your description and finish posting.

Add alt-text to an existing post

  1. Go to the photo and tap the three-dot (...) menu in the top-right.
  2. Tap Add Alt Text.
  3. Write the alt-text and tap Done.

Caption your videos

Any video posted to a story, reel, or feed post should have captions if it includes speech or music.

Open captions only. Instagram supports only open captions — text added directly to ("burned in") the video that cannot be turned on or off — so add captions when you edit the video. Captions should be synchronized and matched to the spoken words. Follow the DCMP Captioning Key (see Additional Resources) for caption style.

Captioning software by platform

  • Mac: iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Headliner.app
  • Windows: Microsoft Clipchamp / Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere
  • iPhone / iPad: iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, Apple Clips, Clipomatic

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

Details

Details

Article ID: 99761
Created
Tue 3/3/20 10:11 AM
Modified
Tue 8/11/26 2:39 PM

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