What Is Alt Text on Instagram and Why It Matters in 2025

Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Himanshu Rawat

Instagram is all about photos and videos. But not everyone can see what’s in those images. That’s where alt text helps.

Alt text (short for alternative text) is a short written description that tells people what’s in your photo or video. It’s mainly used by people who can’t see the image, but it also helps Instagram understand what your post is about.

Using alt text makes your posts more inclusive and easier to find. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference — both for your audience and your reach.

In this guide, you’ll learn what alt text on Instagram means, why it’s important, how to add or view it, and how to write great alt text for your posts in 2025.

What Is Alt Text on Instagram?

Alt text on Instagram is a short line of text that describes what’s in a photo or video. It helps people who use screen readers understand what’s being shown. For example, if you post a photo of a dog playing in the park, your alt text could be “Golden retriever running in the grass.”

Instagram automatically adds alt text to your posts using image recognition, but it’s not always perfect. That’s why it’s better to write your own. When you add your own alt text, you can describe your image more accurately and make sure it sounds the way you want.

Alt text isn’t just helpful for accessibility — it also tells Instagram what your post is about. This can help your content reach the right people and even improve engagement over time.

Why Alt Text Matters on Instagram

Alt text is a small thing, but it makes a big difference. It helps people understand your photos and can even help your posts reach more people.

Here’s why it matters:

• It helps everyone enjoy your posts.
  Some people can’t see pictures clearly. They use tools called screen readers that read the alt text out loud. When you write alt text, you help them know what’s in your photo.
• It helps Instagram understand your photo.
  Alt text tells Instagram what your picture shows. This helps Instagram share your post with people who like the same kind of content.
• It shows you care.
  Writing alt text only takes a few seconds, but it shows that you care about everyone who sees your posts. It makes your account feel friendly and thoughtful.

So, adding alt text is good for your followers and good for your reach too.

Note:
Before adding alt text, check out our guide on Instagram image and video size to learn the best dimensions and quality tips for perfect posts.

How to Add Alt Text on Instagram

Adding alt text on Instagram is really simple. You can do it when you post something new or even after you’ve already shared it.

To add alt text before posting:

• Open Instagram and choose the photo or video you want to share.

• On the caption screen, scroll down and tap Accessibility.

• then write the alt text in the box.
• Type your description — keep it short and clear.
• Click Share to post.

To add or edit alt text after posting:

• Go to your Instagram post.

• Tap the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner.

• Tap Edit.
• Click Accessibility, then write the alt text in the box.
• then tap Done.

That’s it! Just a few simple steps, and your post becomes more accessible and easier for people (and Instagram) to understand.

How to See or View Alt Text on Instagram

You can check the alt text on your own Instagram posts, but you can’t see it on other people’s posts. Instagram keeps that part hidden from public view.

To see the alt text on your own post:

1. Open the Instagram post you want to check.
2. Tap the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner
3. Tap Edit.
4. Tap Edit alt text at the bottom of your photo.
   Now you can see what you wrote or what Instagram added automatically.

To see alt text on other people’s posts:
Instagram doesn’t show alt text for other users’ posts. However, people who use screen readers (like VoiceOver on iPhone or TalkBack on Android) can hear the alt text read aloud.

So, if you want to know what alt text sounds like, you can turn on a screen reader on your phone and try it yourself. It’s a good way to understand how people with visual impairments experience Instagram.

How to Write Great Alt Text on Instagram

Writing good alt text is simple once you know what to focus on. You don’t need to write long sentences — just describe what’s important in the photo.

Here are some easy tips to help you write great alt text:

1. Describe what you see.

Say what’s in the picture in a few clear words.

Example: “A brown dog playing with a red ball in the park.”

2. Keep it short and simple.

Alt text doesn’t need to be long. One short sentence is usually enough.

3. Use natural words.

Write the way you talk. You don’t have to sound formal or use fancy words.

4. Skip phrases like “image of.”

You don’t need to start with “image of” or “picture of.” Instagram already knows it’s a photo.

5. Add details that matter.

If color, action, or emotion are important, include them.

Example: “A smiling woman holding a bouquet of sunflowers.”

6. Use keywords naturally.

If your post is about your business or product, you can include one or two related words — but make sure it still sounds natural.

Writing great alt text is all about helping others understand your image clearly. Think of it as describing your photo to a friend who can’t see it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Alt text is easy to write, but there are a few things people often get wrong. Here’s what to avoid:

• Only using Instagram’s auto text.
  Instagram can make alt text by itself, but it’s not always right. It might miss important parts of your photo. It’s better to write your own so it says exactly what you want.
• Writing too much.
  You don’t need a long paragraph. Just one short sentence that clearly says what’s in the photo is enough.
• Adding too many keywords.
  Don’t fill your alt text with random words or hashtags. It should sound natural, like something you’d say in a normal sentence.
• Being too general.
  Avoid writing things like “a person” or “a picture.” Try to describe what’s really happening, like “a person painting on a canvas in a bright room.”
• Forgetting some posts.
  If you post more than one picture or a reel, make sure each one has its own alt text.

These are small things, but fixing them can make your alt text much better — and your posts easier for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Alt text may look like a small detail, but it can make a big difference. It helps more people enjoy your posts — including those who use screen readers.

When you write alt text, you describe what’s in your photo. This helps Instagram understand your post better and can even boost your reach.

It doesn’t take long to do, but it shows that you care about your followers and want everyone to be part of your content. So, next time you post on Instagram, take a few seconds to add alt text — it’s worth it!