Instagram adds "ALT text" 

What is “ALT Text”?

In Internet language, “ALT” means alternative. So “ALT text” mean “ alternative text ”.

ALT text is the alternative to your photo in case your photo doesn’t not load on a website (for example). Instead of seeing the photo, people will read your alternative text. Your alternative text should describe what is on your photo (this way people don’t totally miss out on your content). If you don’t write an alternative text for your photo, people will miss your photo and your alternative description.

But ALT texts have a much bigger purpose than just providing a description.

ALT texts are everywhere . They are on every websites on the Internet. And now on Instagram. You might not “see it”, but it is very important and powerful.

What is the ALT text for?

Here is the most important thing you should know about ALT text:

The ALT text is not a “copy and paste” of your Instagram caption. The ALT text is used to describe exactly what is on your photo.

Why bother adding a ALT text on your posts?

Here is why:

1. It helps people who can’t see “see” your photo. Think about it: Instagram is a visual platform. Plus, we usually don’t describe a photo in the caption. This makes it harder for people who can’t see (like blind people) to relate to your story. If you write an ALT text, people will use it to understand what is on your photo. Their phones (thanks to the awesome “screen reader” feature) will read the ALT text for them. The ALT text is your way of giving people more context to understand not only your caption, but also your account and after all… you. How awesome is that?! You’re basically making your content, your creativity and yourself accessible to even more people in the community.

2. It helps the Instagram algorithm understand what is on your photo . Instagram has been using an image recognition technology to “see” what is on your photo. This technology helps Instagram show your post to more people who like your kind of content. This is awesome to make sure your posts are seen by people who actually care about what you post (and not random people on Instagram). Now with ALT text, the algorithm can become even more powerful and useful to help you grow your account in a natural way.

3. It helps you grow your Instagram account using Google. Instagram SEO is real! It’s here! Are you new to SEO? “SEO” means “Search Engine Optimisation”. It sounds complicated but it’s actually very easy. SEO is a strategy people use to grow their website online – so that you see their website first when you search for something. Now the same is happening for Instagram (let’s call it “Instagram SEO”). As part of your SEO strategy, ALT text are very important and useful. You need to use good keywords in your ALT text. You need to use keywords people would type on Google to find your photo. Does it make sense? For example, if people are searching for “funny dog photo Christmas”, the photo of your dog with a cute Santa hat can appear in the search results on Google. This means that your Instagram post can live a life beyond Instagram. Your photo can go viral on the Internet (not just on Instagram). Isn’t this amazing? Click here to read all our Instagram SEO tips.

I hope you now understand the power of this new ALT text feature on Instagram:

• People who have visual impairments can see your photos thanks to you
• The Instagram algorithm can see what’s on your photo and help you grow your account
• Your Instagram photos can be found on Google (not just on Instagram)