Accessibility in Social Media: #CamelCase, Alt Text, and Why Inclusion Matters

Social media is a playground for everyone - at least, it should be. Whether you’re scrolling through TikTok, liking posts on Instagram, or reading threads on Twitter (or X, depending on who you ask), everyone deserves an equal seat at the digital table. That’s where accessibility comes in.

Creating accessible content on social media isn’t just about following guidelines or checking boxes; it’s about making sure everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with and enjoy your posts. Two powerful tools in this inclusivity toolkit are #CamelCase and Alt Text. Let’s dive into what they are, why they matter, and how accessibility benefits everyone.

What Is #CamelCase?

First, let’s talk hashtags. You’ve seen them everywhere: #throwbackthursday, #foodie, #blessed. But here’s the thing: when you mash all the words together in lowercase (#thisisahastaglikeexample), it can be hard to read - especially for screen readers and people with cognitive disabilities.

Enter #CamelCase! This practice involves capitalizing the first letter of each word in a hashtag. For example:

• Instead of #accessibilitymatters, write #AccessibilityMatters.

• Instead of #lovewins, write #LoveWins.

Not only does this make hashtags easier for everyone to read, but it also ensures that screen readers can pronounce them correctly.

Why It’s Important:
Screen readers rely on capitalization to differentiate words in hashtags. Without it, they might read a jumbled mess like "accessibilitymatters" as one unintelligible word. Capitalizing each word ensures the hashtag is clear and easy to understand.

What Is Alt Text?

Alt text, short for alternative text, is a written description of an image that provides context for people who can’t see the visual content. This feature is essential for users who rely on screen readers to navigate social media.

How It Works:
When you upload an image, many platforms (like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn) offer an option to add alt text. This description should be concise but descriptive enough to convey the image’s content and purpose.

Example:
If you’re posting a photo of a cat lounging on a sunny windowsill, your alt text might say:
"A fluffy orange cat sleeping on a windowsill, with sunlight streaming through the window."

Why It’s Important:
Alt text ensures that users with visual impairments can fully engage with your content. It’s also a handy feature for situations where images fail to load (because who hasn’t had bad Wi-Fi?).

Why Accessibility Matters for Everyone

Accessibility isn’t just about accommodating disabilities - it’s about creating an inclusive online environment where everyone can participate. And let’s be real: accessibility benefits more people than you might think.

For Users with Disabilities:
Features like alt text and CamelCase provide essential access for individuals with visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities.

For People Without Disabilities:
Think of captions on Instagram stories or subtitles on TikToks - these accessibility features are a lifesaver when you’re in a noisy environment or just forgot your headphones.

For Businesses and Creators:
Accessible content broadens your reach and ensures no one is excluded from engaging with your brand. Inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s also smart marketing.

Making Accessibility Trendy (Without Being Performative)

Now that we know what CamelCase and alt text are, let’s talk about putting accessibility into practice. Here are some tips for incorporating these tools into your social media routine without turning it into a checklist chore:

Commit to Consistency:
Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done thing. Make CamelCase hashtags and alt text a standard part of your workflow. Over time, it’ll become second nature.

Think Beyond the Basics:
Accessibility goes beyond text and images. Consider adding captions to your videos, avoiding flashing GIFs (which can trigger seizures), and using plain language in your captions.

Educate Yourself and Your Team:
The more you understand accessibility, the better you can implement it. Share resources with your team and stay updated on best practices.

Engage Your Audience:
Ask your followers for feedback. Are your posts accessible? What could you do better? Accessibility is a community effort, and your audience will appreciate your commitment to inclusion.

Brands Leading the Way in Accessibility

Some brands and creators are setting a high bar when it comes to accessible content:

• Instagram Creators like @Accessible_Influencers share tips and examples of inclusive social media practices.

• LinkedIn Accessibility Advocates like Microsoft Accessibility actively promote tools and techniques for inclusive online communication.

• Brands like Apple and Adobe emphasize accessibility in their products, creating tools that help everyone succeed online.

These efforts show that accessibility isn’t just a trend - it’s a movement toward a more inclusive digital world.

Final Thoughts: Accessibility Is Always in Fashion

In the fast-paced world of social media, it’s easy to prioritize aesthetics and virality over substance. But accessibility reminds us that creating content isn’t just about looking good - it’s about doing good.

When you use tools like CamelCase and alt text, you’re sending a message that your content is for everyone. And isn’t that what social media is all about? Connecting, engaging, and building communities where no one feels left out.

So, go forth and hashtag responsibly, describe those images like a poet, and make the internet a little more welcoming for everyone. Because inclusivity isn’t just a trend - it’s the future.