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.
📝 Looking for the mobile version of the Adding alt text to your images article?
In this article:
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
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.
FAQ
Which networks support alt text on Buffer?
You can add alt text to images scheduled to X/Twitter, Mastodon, Threads, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. Alt text currently isn't supported for GIFs, Google Business Profile posts, or TikTok posts.
Why can't I find the option to add alt text to my image?
If you're scheduling a post to more than one channel, the alt text option won't appear until you click Customize for each network. Some networks don't support alt text, so Buffer only shows channel-specific options like alt text once you're customizing posts individually. If you're posting to a single channel, the alt text option appears as soon as you click on the image.
Will customizing for each network change my caption or other post settings too?
No. Clicking Customize for each network doesn't change your existing caption or settings. It simply opens a per-channel view where you can adjust anything specific to that network, including adding alt text, without affecting the other channels in your post.
Do I need to add alt text separately for each channel?
Yes. Since you're adding alt text within each channel's customized view, you'll need to add it for each network you're posting the image to.