There’s loads of different ways you can describe images on social media and it can all be a bit confusing.
So what’s the difference between alt text, image descriptions and captions?
Alt text = a brief explanation of an image. The alt text is included within the coding of the digital image/file. Alt text is not permanently visible, but is built into sites like Instagram which produce their own alt texts for images/allows you to create your own which then are read by screen readers.
Image description = a detailed explanation of an image that provides textual access to visual content. Should also be included in the alt text so that all the information is accessible
Caption = a brief explanation that provides further information about an image. They don’t need to focus on the visual components or descriptions. The caption doesn’t have to have anything to do with the image description and isn't required for any accessibility needs - you get free range of if/what your caption is!
Why do we need image descriptions?
They put all of the visual aspects of an image in writing so disabled users can access it in other ways via things like screen readers. IDs can help identify all parts of an image or details a disabled person may have missed from just the image/caption itself.
Step by step guide:
Step One: What's the most important part of the photo?
The first things you notice should be written at the beginning of the description. These are the main ideas of the image
E.g. (for the image above) Four people and the Royal Holloway mascot, Colossus the polar bear.
Step Two: The next most noticeable details
For example facial expressions, colours, placements of objects etc.
E.g. Four people in orange t-shirts are smiling at the camera. Standing in the middle is the Royal Holloway mascot, Colossus the polar bear who is waving and holding a sign which reads “Welcome to Royal Holloway”. They are standing in Founder’s Quad in front of a statue.
Step Three: Final additions
Add the smaller details
E.g. Four people in orange student ambassador t-shirts are smiling at the camera. Standing in the middle is the Royal Holloway mascot, Colossus the polar bear who is waving and holding a sign which reads “Welcome to Royal Holloway”. They are standing in Founder’s Quad in front of a statue on a sunny day with founder’s building behind them.
The whole image description should read like this: Four people in orange student ambassador t-shirts are smiling at the camera. Standing in the middle is the Royal Holloway mascot, Colossus the polar bear who is waving and holding a sign which reads “Welcome to Royal Holloway”. They are standing in Founder’s Quad in front of a statue on a sunny day with founder’s building behind them.
Everyone should be able to access image descriptions!
Don't make it too long - just stick to the main points.
They’re useful for social media posts, posters (digital and physical), PowerPoints etc.
How do you make an image description for a logo?
Every logo needs an image description.
Step by step guide:
Step one: Say that the image is a logo! Screen readers don’t automatically know the difference between a logo and other images. Using the word “logo'' helps users understand the image’s purpose.
Step two: Just like with other image descriptions, any text in the image should be in the description as screen readers can’t access that text in any other way.
Step three: The format for describing/naming the logo should always be “[Student group name] logo”
Example: Royal Holloway University of London logo: To the left on an orange background is the Royal Holloway crest in white. To the right on a black background the text reads ROYAL HOLLOWAY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.
