Using Alt Text on Instagram: The Hidden SEO Hack You’re Not Using

If you’re looking to level up your Instagram strategy, there’s a hidden gem you might be overlooking: alt text. Originally designed to improve accessibility for visually impaired users, Instagram’s alt text feature is also a powerful tool for SEO. When used effectively, it can enhance your content’s discoverability, helping you reach a broader audience.

Let’s explore what alt text is, why it matters, and how to write descriptions that improve both accessibility and search performance.

What is Alt Text on Instagram?

Alt text, or alternative text, is a written description of an image that explains its content. Instagram’s alt text feature was introduced to make the platform more accessible for users with visual impairments by allowing screen readers to describe photos. But here’s the kicker: alt text also provides metadata that helps Instagram’s algorithm understand your content.

Why Alt Text Matters:

1. Improves Accessibility: Alt text ensures that visually impaired users can engage with your content.

2. Boosts Discoverability: By describing your image using relevant keywords, you make it easier for Instagram’s algorithm to categorize and surface your content.

3. Enhances SEO: Alt text acts as another layer of optimization, helping your posts appear in search results.

💡 Pro Tip: Think of alt text as an opportunity to describe your content to both users and algorithms.

How to Add Alt Text on Instagram

Adding alt text to your posts is simple and can be done in just a few steps:

1. Before Posting:

   • On the “New Post” screen, tap “Advanced Settings” at the bottom.

   • Select “Write Alt Text.”

   • Enter a description of your image and save.

2. For Existing Posts:

   • Open the post and tap the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.

   • Select “Edit.”

   • Tap “Edit Alt Text” in the bottom-right corner of the image and add your description.

💡 Pro Tip: Update the alt text on older posts to give them an SEO boost.

How to Write Effective Alt Text

Crafting alt text is an art and a science. You want to strike a balance between being descriptive and incorporating keywords naturally.

Tips for Writing Alt Text:

1. Be Specific and Descriptive:

   • Bad: “A beach.”

   • Good: “Golden hour at a tropical beach with palm trees and turquoise waves.”

2. Use Keywords Naturally:

   • Include relevant keywords that describe your niche or content.

   • Example: For a food post, write “A close-up of a vegan chocolate cake topped with fresh strawberries.”

3. Keep It Concise:

   • Aim for one to two sentences. Avoid overloading with unnecessary details.

4. Focus on What’s Important:

   • Highlight the main elements of the image and their context.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid keyword stuffing. Prioritize clarity and readability.

Why Alt Text is a Game Changer for SEO

Alt text helps Instagram’s algorithm understand your content, making it easier to recommend your posts to users searching for similar topics. By optimizing alt text with keywords, you’re essentially giving Instagram a map to your content.

Example:

For a travel post:

• Alt Text: “Sunset view of the Eiffel Tower from a Parisian rooftop café.”

• Keywords: “Eiffel Tower,” “Paris,” “rooftop café.”

💡 Pro Tip: Use alt text in conjunction with hashtags and captions to create a cohesive SEO strategy.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: Why It Matters

While the SEO benefits of alt text are significant, its role in improving accessibility is equally important. Adding thoughtful alt text ensures that everyone, including visually impaired users, can fully experience and engage with your content.

How to Make Your Content More Inclusive:

• Use alt text to describe images in a way that conveys their essence and emotion.

• Avoid overly technical language or abbreviations.

• Be mindful of diverse audiences and ensure your descriptions are relatable.

💡 Pro Tip: Inclusive content isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. It shows your audience that you care about all users.

Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Power of Alt Text

Alt text is one of Instagram’s best-kept secrets for boosting SEO and creating inclusive content. By taking a few extra minutes to write thoughtful, keyword-rich descriptions, you can make your posts more accessible, improve your discoverability, and reach a wider audience.

Are you using alt text on Instagram? Share your tips and experiences in the comments, and let’s help each other grow!