How to add or edit alt text on Instagram photos

When you prepare a photo for Instagram, you can add a description for people who use screen readers. You can also edit it after sharing the photo. Here’s where to find the field on a computer and what to check when you finish.

Before sharing a photo

1. Upload the photo, then choose a filter or edit the image.
2. Select Next.
3. Open Accessibility and enter the alt text in the field.
4. Select Share to publish the photo.

Edit a photo you’ve already shared

1. Open the photo and select Options.
2. Choose Edit, then open Accessibility.
3. Enter or revise the alt text and select Done.

Meta says automatic descriptions use object recognition and that you can replace them. Screen reader users hear the alt text when they access Instagram; it does not appear as the photo caption. For another device, check its steps in Instagram’s official help.

For advice on describing image content, see the guide to social media accessibility.