The content on this page is subject to change as a result of new information, platform updates, and evolving technology. Each section below includes images that show the step-by-step process for adding and editing alt text on Facebook. Pertinent buttons and fields are outlined in red. Click the images to enlarge them. All images were captured via Google Chrome on Apple devices, so they may vary in appearance between different browsers and devices.
The alt text field on the desktop version of Facebook can be found by clicking Edit in the upper left corner of an uploaded image before posting it to your Facebook page, profile, or group and then typing your image description in the designated field on the next screen that appears. Once you've written your custom image description, click Save and then continue creating your post.
You may notice that Facebook tried to write its own alt text for the below example image, as shown above the custom alt text field, but auto-generated image descriptions normally miss important details and don’t have the same contextual knowledge about an image or post that the content author would.
It’s okay to use an auto-generated image description to help you start writing your alt text, but you should never let it be the final description.
To change an image's alt text on desktop after publishing a post, you need to select the image you'd like to update. Once the expanded view of the image appears, click the three dots in the upper right area near your profile picture and then select Change Alt Text from the menu of options that appears. A window will then pop up where the image's custom alt text can be edited.
If you’re in the Facebook mobile app, you’ll find the alt text field under the three dots in the upper right corner of your uploaded image. You'll then click Edit Alt Text and write your image description in the provided field on the next screen.
If your image description is a little long, Facebook may warn you that alt text is normally less than 100 characters. You can ignore this warning. Your image description should be as long as you need it to be in order to make your image accessible. The warning is just Facebook trying to convince you to use their auto-generated alt text, which we know isn’t usually very good.
To change an image's alt text in the Facebook mobile app after you've published a post, select the image you'd like to update and then click the three dots in the upper right area of your screen. You will then select Edit Alt Text from the menu of options that appears. A new view will appear where the image's custom alt text can be edited.
Want to learn a little more about creating accessible images and visuals? Check out the links below!
