Profiles and Posts
Avoid text in banner art images
Text in banner art won’t be readable with assistive technology. If there is text in banner art (such as in a logo) ensure that the text is repeated in a text field elsewhere on the profile.
Use high resolution images
Images must be understandable at a minimum of 200% magnification. It is recommended that they be understandable up to 400% magnification. Also, ensure that images use the correct pixel ratios, as required by the platform, to avoid warping or distortion.
Use colors that meet minimum color contrast ratios
Large-scale text (18-point normal or 14-point bold or larger) must have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1. Otherwise, text must have a contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Meaningful images must have a contrast ratio between adjacent colors of 3:1. Use a reliable tool, such as the Paciello Group Color Contrast Analyzer, or the WebAim Color Contrast Checker to verify your contrast ratios.
Add alt text to images
Alt text should be accurate and concise – 150 characters or less is a good rule of thumb. The exception is when using images of complex data visualizations. When posting a data visualization, such as a pie chart or line graph, the most accessible alternative format for many assistive tech users will probably be a data table. Post a data table in a text field if possible. If the platform does not allow for this, you will need to describe the data visualization in detail in the image’s alt text; that is, the granularity of data that is available to a sighted user must also be available to non-sighted users. Note: the phrase “Alt text to come” (or similar) can be used in short form, sequential posting platforms, such as X, when there is not space for the image and alt text in the same post.
Use a heading structure where possible
When permitted by the platform, use correct heading structures (e.g. Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.)
Follow best practices for links
Place hyperlinks toward the end of a post to make them easy to find. Add information about the format of a link [PDF], [AUDIO], [VIDEO], etc. to give assistive tech users an idea of where the link will take them.
If using more than one or two hashtags, place the additional hashtags at the end of the post, after the links
An abundance of hashtags can be complicated for assistive tech users. One or two in the body is ok; after that, place additional hashtags at the very end of the post.
Use CamelCase for hashtags
CamelCase can make it easier for users with learning and cognitive disabilities to parse hashtags.
Multimedia needs captions and a transcript
Multimedia, such as videos, always needs captions. Captions should be accurate and clear. A transcript, which also describes key visual content (if applicable) should also be provided.
Use plain language
Follow plain language guidance in writing content that will be accessible to the broadest possible audience. Avoid figurative language and slang whenever possible – this can cause confusion for readers with cognitive disabilities.
Include contact information
Include contact information where a user can get more information or report a problem accessing information
Be thoughtful with use of emojis
Emojis can typically be read by screen readers and other assistive tech, but overuse of emojis can be distracting for these users (and all users)