Accessible Social Media Checklist

This Accessible Social Media Checklist is a practical resource designed to help you craft social media content that is inclusive and accessible to all users. This checklist highlights best practices and key accessibility considerations for text, images, video, and other media, so you can confidently review your posts before publishing them.

Text Accessibility

Make Text Easy to Read

• Keep on-screen text visible long enough for slower readers. (Level A – G4)
• Avoid flashing text or transitions that cut content off. (Level A – G19)
• Break long text into short paragraphs or bullet points. (Level AAA – G153)
• Use plain, concise language. (Level AAA – G153)
• Avoid ALL CAPS. (Level AAA – G153)
• Avoid decorative text or ASCII art. (Level AAA – G153)

Format Clearly

• Use consistent structure in multi-slide posts. (Level A – G57)
• Use built-in formatting tools (bold, headings, lists). (Level A – G115)
• Avoid excessive blank lines. (Level A – G115)

Use Color Thoughtfully

• Do not rely on color alone to convey meaning. (Level A – G182 / G111)
• Use sufficient contrast (4.5:1 or 3:1 for large text, UI controls, essential graphics). (Level AA – G18)
• Use high contrast (7:1 or 4.5:1 for large text, UI controls, essential graphics). (Level AAA – G17)

Links

• Identify the purpose of a link within the surrounding text. (Level A – G91)
• Don’t rely on “link in bio” without context. (Level A – G91)
• Use descriptive link text (not “click here”). (Level AAA – G91)
• Note when a link goes to a PDF. (Level AAA – G91)

Hashtags and Emojis

• Use camelCase for hashtags. (Level AAA – G153)
• Limit hashtags to three to five per post. (Level AAA – G153)
• Do not rely on hashtags to convey essential meaning. (Level AAA – G95)
• Place emojis at the end of sentences. (Level AAA – G153)

Image Accessibility

• Add brief but meaningful alt text to every image. (Level A – G95)
• Add a short description of a meme or GIF. (Level A – G95)
• Provide a longer description for complex graphics. (Level A – G92)
• Do not rely on color alone to convey meaning. (Level A – G111)
• Label polls, stickers, and interactive elements clearly. (Level A – G131)
• Repeat essential text from images in the caption. (Level AA – G95)
• Use sufficient color contrast. (Level AA – G18)
• Use high color contrast. (Level AAA – G17)
• Avoid images of text. (Level AAA – SC 1.4.9)

Video Accessibility

Captions

• Include captions for all videos. (Level A – G87)
• Edit auto captions for accuracy. (Level A – G87)
• Repeat essential on-screen text in the caption. (Level A – G95)
• Include live captions for all live synchronized media. (Level AA – G87)

Transcripts

• Provide transcripts for audio-only content. (Level A – G158)
• Link to transcripts in the post or comments. (Level A – G158)
• Include all visual information in a transcript (when no audio description is provided). (Level A – SC 1.2.3)

Audio Description

• Add audio description when visuals convey meaning. (Level AA – G78)
• Include a complete media alternative for videos (helpful for people who are deafblind). (Level AAA – SC 1.2.8)

Audio Clarity

• Minimize background noise and competing music. (Level A – G60)
• Avoid overlapping audio tracks. (Level A – G60)

Visual Safety

• Do not post videos or GIFs with flashing lights. (Level A – G19)
• Avoid rapid transitions or strobe effects. (Level A – G19)

Sign Language (when appropriate)

• Add sign language interpretation when appropriate. (Level AAA – G54)
• Ensure signers are well lit and unobstructed. (Level AAA – G78)
• Keep pacing steady and predictable. (Level AAA – G5)