Write for more people,
not just more reach.

Written by the Instaustad editorial team · Updated August 2026

Use plain structure

Accessibility begins with organization. Put the main point early, keep paragraphs focused and use line breaks where the idea changes. Long unbroken blocks are difficult to scan on a small screen.

Plain language does not mean removing expertise. Explain specialized terms when a broader audience may encounter them for the first time.

Make emoji support the message

Screen readers may announce emoji names, so long decorative sequences can become disruptive. Use emoji where they add meaning and avoid using repeated symbols as paragraph dividers.

Do not replace essential words with icons. A colored circle alone is also a weak way to distinguish categories for people who cannot perceive the color difference.

Format hashtags thoughtfully

Capitalizing each word in a multi-word hashtag—often called CamelCase—can make it easier to interpret, such as #AccessibleDesign instead of #accessibledesign. Keep the hashtag group relevant and avoid overwhelming the useful text.

Describe visual information

When the image or video contains information not explained elsewhere, provide an image description or use Instagram’s alternative-text features where available. Focus on content and context rather than attempting to catalog every pixel.

• Identify people using the language they prefer.
• Describe charts by stating the important pattern and values.
• Include spoken information from video in captions or a transcript.
• Do not rely on audio alone for warnings or instructions.

Check readability before publishing

Read the caption aloud, enlarge the text on your device and review it in the actual posting interface. Check names, line breaks and the point at which Instagram collapses the text.

Invite feedback from people with different access needs. Accessibility is an ongoing practice shaped by real users, not a final checklist completed once.