Creating Accessible Content: Social Media
Accessible social media content ensures that everyone can engage with content shared through official Saginaw Valley State University accounts, regardless of disability or access method. This includes posts, images, videos, stories, advertisements and shared content.
Use the guidance on this page to help create accessible social media content across platforms.
Who Is Responsible?
- Anyone who manages or edits official SVSU social media accounts, including account owners, content editors and communicators
- Vendors and partners who create content on behalf of the university
- University offices that establish communication standards and provide guidance
What Standards Must Be Met?
All social media content should align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and support the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What to Do
Use the following best practices to help ensure your social media posts are accessible to all users.
General Guidelines
- Alt text: Provide concise descriptions of images that explain their purpose. Do not repeat the full post text.
- Captions: Provide captions for all video content. Review and edit auto-generated captions for accuracy before publishing.
- Color contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background. Do not rely on color alone to communicate meaning.
- Emojis: Use emojis sparingly. Avoid long strings, as screen readers read each one individually.
- Animated content: Avoid flashing or rapidly looping GIFs. Ensure any text within graphics is readable and has sufficient contrast.
- Hashtags: Use CamelCase for multi-word hashtags (for example, #SVSUCardinals).
- Plain language: Use short sentences, active voice and familiar words.
- Special characters: Limit decorative symbols that may be misread by assistive technologies.
- Images: Edit automatic alt text to ensure it accurately describes the image.
- Videos: Use auto-generated captions and edit them for accuracy, or upload caption files when available.
- Live events: Provide captions when possible and update recordings with accurate captions after the event.
- Text: Use descriptive links and clear language.
- Images: Add custom alt text for all images.
- Videos: Enable captions and review for accuracy.
- Stories: Use caption stickers and edit for accuracy before posting.
- Graphics: Repeat key text from images in the caption.
- Images: Add or edit alt text for all images.
- Videos: Upload captions where supported.
TikTok
- Images: Add alt text to photo posts.
- Videos: Use auto-captions and edit for accuracy.
- Settings: Use platform accessibility settings to improve readability.
X (formerly Twitter)
- Images: Add alt text to all images, charts and GIFs.
- Videos: Enable captions and review for accuracy.
- Text: Use plain language, descriptive links and CamelCase hashtags.
YouTube
- Video: Provide accurate captions and review auto-generated captions.
- Audio: Ensure clear audio and avoid background noise that interferes with speech.
- Text: Keep on-screen text short and readable.
- Navigation: Use timestamps or chapters when appropriate.
Support
Support is available to help ensure social media content meets accessibility expectations:
- Academic departments: Contact the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) for guidance on instructional or course-related social media content
- Administrative departments: Contact Web Operations for guidance on official university communications and public-facing content
- Technical support: Contact IT Support for assistance with platforms, tools or technical issues
Training and Resources
Platform-Specific Resources
- Facebook Accessibility
- Instagram Accessibility
- LinkedIn Accessibility
- TikTok Accessibility
- X Accessibility
- YouTube Accessibility
General Resources
CONTACT US.
Accessibility Resources & Accommodations
Wickes 260
access@svsu.edu
(989) 964-7000