Alt text for Instagram may sound like an optional extra step, but it lets you have a short description so everyone can (including people who use screen readers) understand what’s in your photo. If you’ve ever posted in a rush and forgotten to add it, you’re not alone. Between juggling content calendars, client feedback, and last-minute edits, that tiny field is easy to miss.
The good news? You can build alt text into your free Instagram post scheduler workflow so it never gets overlooked again. In the next minute you’ll learn how Fedica’s built-in safeguard keeps you accountable, and simple writing tips that make your images more searchable and inclusive.
How to Schedule Instagram Posts with Alt Text Using Fedica
In Fedica, just click the “Alt” button on any image added to the Instagram scheduler. Most schedulers treat alt text as an optional extra. If you forget, the post still publishes.
Fedica flips that logic. Its “Avoid missing ALT-text” check stops any post that’s missing a description, so accessibility is built-in, not bolted on.
That extra guardrail means you never hit “Publish” without a description. Accessibility moves from afterthought to habit.
Step-by-Step: Enabling Alt Text Reminders in Fedica
Use the checklist below once and you’ll never forget alt text again:
- Log in to Fedica: Navigate to your account settings by clicking the user icon in the top right corner.
- Enable the Safeguard: In Settings → Preferences → Publishing, toggle on “Avoid missing ALT-text” (off by default).
- Draft with Flexibility: You can still create and save drafts without alt text while you’re working on them.
- Publish with Confidence: When you click to schedule or publish the post, Fedica performs a final check. If alt text is missing, it will block the post and prompt you to add it. This simple but effective check makes consistent accessibility an effortless habit.
What is Alt Text and Why Does It Matter on Instagram?
Alt text, or alternative text, is a short sentence that sits behind every image. It tells screen-reader users what’s happening in the photo and clues search engines into the topic.
When the Instagram algorithm understands your image, it’s more likely to surface the post to people who already care about that topic. Internal tests show custom alt text can boost reach compared with Instagram’s generic, auto-generated captions.
The Challenge: Remembering to Add Alt Text Consistently
You know alt text is important, but consistently remembering to add it is another story. Instagram tucks the field away under Advanced Settings → Write Alt Text, so it’s easy to miss when you’re rushing. Multiply that by a full content calendar and it’s no surprise many teams publish without descriptions, losing both accessibility and SEO benefits.
Writing Effective Alt Text: Best Practices
With the safeguard on, your last task is writing helpful alt text. Keep it descriptive without rambling. Use these tips:
- Be descriptive but concise. Paint a picture with words, setting, people, action, then stop. Keep it under 125 characters so screen readers finish the sentence.
- Highlight what matters. Ask what a blind user would miss without context. Describe that. Example: “A smiling woman types at a wooden desk with a cup of coffee beside her.”
- Work in keywords naturally. Use terms your audience might search, but skip awkward stuffing.
- Avoid “Image of…” fillers. Screen readers already announce it’s an image, so jump straight into the description.
- Include on-image text. If a graphic contains a quote or sale copy, transcribe it so everyone gets the message.
Beyond Instagram: Customizing Alt Text Across Platforms
Accessibility shouldn’t stop at Instagram. Fedica lets you write a different description for every connected network in one view, think story-length on Pinterest and a snappy line on X (Twitter). Other schedulers still make you open separate drafts (or skip alt text altogether) when cross-posting. Next time you crosspost to Threads and Instagram then you’re all set on alt text!
For example, you might write a rich, descriptive paragraph for Instagram or Pinterest, then craft a snappier, keyword-driven line for X (Twitter) or Bluesky. Fedica’s composer surfaces a separate text field for each network so you can edit all variants side-by-side without copy-pasting between tabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add alt text to Instagram after posting?
You can’t edit alt text on a published Instagram image, you’ll need to delete and re-upload the post with a description. Fedica solves that headache by letting you save an unpublished draft, add or edit alt text later, and schedule when everything’s ready.
Does alt text on Instagram help SEO?
Yes. Instagram indexes alt text to understand the topic of an image, which can influence Explore and hashtag visibility. Fedica’s composer lets you make hashtag groups for topics, or just use Instagram analytics to see top posts and use those angles in your alt text so you can weave relevant terms into your description before you schedule.
What’s the character limit for Instagram alt text?
Instagram allows about 100 characters before some screen readers cut off. Fedica shows a live counter and warns you if you’re getting long, so your description stays within the sweet spot.
Can you schedule alt text on Instagram?
Not directly inside Instagram. You must add descriptions manually at publish time. Fedica lets you write the alt text alongside your caption, then schedules the whole package to post automatically.
How can I make sure I never forget alt text when posting?
Instagram doesn’t remind you. Fedica’s Alt Text Reminders safeguard blocks any scheduled post that lacks a description, so forgetting isn’t an option.
Will people see my alt text on Instagram?
Alt text is hidden unless someone uses a screen reader, so it won’t clutter your caption. Fedica keeps it tucked in the proper metadata field for every network you post to.