Adding alt text to your images
Currently, it is possible to add alt text to static images scheduled to X/Twitter, Mastodon, Threads, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky through Buffer.
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Generating alt text
To add alt text to your image, click on the image you uploaded within your Buffer composer. This will open the image in a larger view and there will be a text box at the bottom where you can add your alternative text description.
While we recommend using less than 200 characters to align with accessibility best practices, the character counts for alt text in Buffer are as follows:
- Pinterest - 500 characters
- LinkedIn - 300 characters
- X/Twitter, Mastodon, Threads, Facebook, Instagram - 1,000 characters
- Bluesky - 2,000 characters
Once you're done, click Save.
📝 Good to Knows
- It is only possible to view alt text on Instagram with a screen reader.
- Currently within Buffer, it is not possible to add alt text to:
- GIFS
- Google Business Profile posts
- TikTok posts
We are committed to improving in the area of accessibility, and you can find our full Accessibility Statement here.
Generating alt text with AI
The option to generate alt text with AI is currently in Beta. Learn more about how to test our Beta features here.
If you'd like a head start on writing alt text, click Generate with AI below the description box. Buffer will read the image and suggest a short, accessibility-friendly description (up to about 300 characters) you can review and edit before saving. You can click the button again at any time to get a different suggestion.
📝 AI alt text generation is currently rolling out to the post composer only. It's not available in Ideas yet.