COH Social Media Accessibility Process

Use this guide when creating and publishing content on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Each section provides step-by-step instructions for making your content accessible to all audiences.

Core Rules - Apply to Every Platform

Add alt text or a written description to every image.
Caption all video content. Always review auto-generated captions before publishing.
Write hashtags in CamelCase: #OregonStateUniversity #CollegeOfHealth
Place emojis at the end of sentences. Do not use them as bullet points or word substitutes.
Ensure text in graphics has sufficient contrast against its background.

Instagram

How to Add Alt Text

Create your post and upload your image.
Before sharing, tap Advanced Settings at the bottom of the screen.
Select Accessibility, then tap Write Alt Text.
Type a clear description. Example: Students in graduation gowns smiling and gathered in front of the Women’s building.
Tap Save, then share your post.

Write what matters in the image. Include any text visible in the graphic. Keep descriptions under 125 characters.

Alt text can be added after posting.

How to Caption Reels

Record or upload your Reel.
On the editing screen, tap the Stickers icon.
Select Captions. Instagram will auto-generate captions.
Tap the caption text to review and correct errors, especially names and academic terms.
Adjust position so captions do not overlap the Instagram interface buttons.
Under More Options switch “Enable closed captions” and “Translate closed captions” to on

How to Write Accessible Post Captions

Put the main message in the first 1–2 lines before hashtags or mentions.
Describe key visual information from the image in the caption text.
Use CamelCase hashtags and place them at the end of the post.
Limit emojis to 1–3 per post.
Avoid using emojis as word substitutes — screen readers read the full emoji description aloud.

Instagram Pre-Publish Checklist

Alt text written and added via Advanced Settings > Accessibility
Caption describes key visual content
Reels captions (on-screen and closed) enabled and reviewed for errors
Hashtags use CamelCase format
Text in graphics is large and high contrast

YouTube

How to Add and Edit Captions

Upload your video in YouTube Studio.
In the left menu, click Subtitles.
Select your video, then click Add Language and choose English.
Click Add under Subtitles. Choose Auto Sync to paste a transcript, or use the manual editor.(TXT and SRT files can also be uploaded)
Review every line. Correct errors in names, course titles, and terminology.
Click Publish when done.

YouTube auto-captions are not publication-ready. Academic terms, proper nouns, and course names are frequently wrong. Always review before publishing.

How to Upload a SRT Caption File

Create your caption file in .SRT format using a transcription tool or service.
In YouTube Studio, go to Subtitles and select your video.
Click Upload File and select With Timing.
Upload your .SRT file and confirm it syncs correctly with the video.
Publish the captions.

How to Add a Transcript

Write or export a full transcript of the video's spoken content.
In the video description, paste the transcript or link to an accessible document.
Label it clearly: Full Transcript: at the start of that section.

How to Add Video Chapters

In the video description, start with 0:00 followed by the chapter title.
Add subsequent timestamps on new lines. Example: 0:00 Introduction / 2:30 Campus Tour / 5:15 Q&A
YouTube will automatically create clickable chapter markers in the player.

YouTube Pre-Publish Checklist

Captions reviewed and corrected — not just auto-generated
Speaker names identified in captions when multiple speakers are present
Transcript included in video description or linked
Video title clearly describes the content
Chapters added for videos over 5 minutes
Thumbnail has readable text and sufficient contrast

TikTok

How to Enable and Edit Auto-Captions

Record or upload your video in TikTok.
On the Post screen, tap Captions.
TikTok will generate captions automatically.
Tap the pencil icon to edit errors, especially institutional names and program titles.
Tap Save and proceed to post.

TikTok does not have a closed caption option when publishing videos. However, individuals can select to have their TikTok display closed captions automatically on all videos via their account.

TikTok does not have a native alt text field for videos. Write a detailed post caption that explains what is happening in the video to compensate.

How to Add Accessible Text Overlays

In the TikTok editor, tap Text.
Choose a simple, bold font. Avoid thin or decorative fonts.
Set the text size large enough to read on a phone screen.
Tap the background button to add a solid fill behind the text for contrast.
Keep text in the center of the frame. Avoid the bottom and right frame of the video which overlaps text captions and TikTok interface buttons.
Set display duration so text stays on screen long enough to read comfortably.

How to Write an Accessible Post Caption

Summarize what happens in the video in the first 1–2 lines.
Do not rely on the video alone to communicate your message.
Use CamelCase hashtags at the end: #CollegeOfHealth #DamHealthy #OregonState
Avoid using emojis as word substitutes — screen readers read the full emoji description aloud.

TikTok Pre-Publish Checklist

Auto-captions enabled and reviewed for accuracy
Text overlays are large, high-contrast, and on screen long enough to read
Post caption describes the video content
Key information communicated both verbally and visually
Hashtags use CamelCase format

LinkedIn

How to Add Alt Text to Images

Start creating a post and upload your image.
Hover over the image and click the Edit (pencil) icon.
Click the Alt Text field and type a description.
Example: Professor [Name] presenting at the College of Health research seminar in Hallie Ford Center Room 115.
Click Save, then publish your post.

Alt text can be added/edited after posts have been published.

How to Add Captions to LinkedIn Videos

Prepare your caption file in .SRT format.
On the post creation screen, click the Video icon and upload your video.
After uploading, click the CC/Captions button that appears.
Upload your .SRT file.
Preview captions to confirm sync, then post.

LinkedIn Accessibility Checklist

Alt text added to all uploaded images
.SRT caption file uploaded to all native video posts
Post caption summarizes key content from images or documents
First 2 lines of post contain the key message
Hashtags use CamelCase and are placed at the end

Resources/Links

Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Social Media