Requirements for UIS social media accounts
All UIS social media accounts must meet the following accessibility standards:
- Alternative Text (alt text) must be added to all photos and graphics posted on:
- X
- Closed Captioning must be included on all videos posted on:
- X
- YouTube
Writing Effective Alt Text
Alt text should follow and be no more than 140 characters to ensure compatibility with most screen readers.
Tips for Writing Alt Text
- Photos: Describe what is happening in the image with meaningful context.
- Example: "A student in cap and gown stands on stage next to the Chancellor, who is waving."
- Graphics: Include any text shown in the graphic, along with relevant visual context.
- Example: "Jane Doe, recent UIS graduate, hired by XYZ Corporation."
- Avoid placing large amounts of text in a graphic. When necessary, summarize in the alt text and place full text in the post caption.
How to Add Alt Text by Platform
- Facebook/Instagram: Automatically generates alt text, but manual entry is recommended for accuracy.
- X: Requires manual entry.
- LinkedIn: Requires manual entry.
Video Captioning Requirements
Most platforms now offer automatic captions, but these are typically only 85% accurate. WCAG 2.2 requires 99% accuracy, so editing may be needed.
Captioning by Platform:
- Facebook: Auto-captions; allows .SRT upload and editing.
- Instagram: Auto-captions most videos; editing not available.
- YouTube: Auto-captions; .SRT upload/download available.
- X: No auto-captions; .SRT upload required.
- LinkedIn: Auto-captions; .SRT upload supported.
- TikTok: Auto-captions for some videos; captions can鈥檛 be edited.
What Is an .SRT File?
An .SRT (SubRip Subtitle) file is a plain text file containing caption text and timestamps. It can be created automatically by uploading your video to Facebook or YouTube, then downloading the file for use elsewhere.
Questions?
For assistance with making your UIS social media content accessible, please contact the UIS Office of Media Strategy at mediastrategy@uis.edu.