College of Education & Human Development

Social Media Accessibility

Social media accessibility improves the digital experience that users have when engaging with brands. With captions, alt text, readable visuals and more, it lets any user find and understand our content easily. Since many platforms favor accessible posts, it helps the algorithm understand the message and can improve reach. By Spring 2026, Texas A&M University will require all university affiliated social media accounts to meet accessibility expectations. This guide will ensure all accounts meet the requirements.

If you have questions or want to speak to someone, email us at our shared mailbox cehdmarcom@tamu.edu.

Caption

  • Use plain language, concise sentences, and clear calls to action so more people can understand and act.
  • Capitalize the first letter of each word in hashtags so screen readers pronounce them correctly.
    • Example: #AggieResearch
  • Avoid using ampersands (&) when possible, as they can cause hashtags to break or disappear.
    • If “Texas A&M” does not fit within the character limits on your description, use “TAMU” or, when appropriate, #TAMU.
  • Place emojis sparingly and at the ends of sentences so they don’t interrupt screen-reader flow.
  • Use descriptive link text such as “Register” or “Read the story” rather than “click here.”
  • Spell out acronyms on first use.
    • Example: Kinesiology & Sport Management (KNSM)
  • Include full names in first reference.
    • Example: Dr. Dae Seok Chai
  • Find more information at:

Graphics & Images

Alt Text

  • Add alt text to every image, including each slide on a carousel post.
  • Focus alt text on who, what, where, and why it matters to the post.
    • Best practice: Dr. Dae Seok Chai demonstrates a VR headset with two students in a Harrington Tower lab.
  • Skip filler language, such as “Image of…” or “An illustration that shows…”
    • Needs improvement: Image of people with VR.
  • Keep text concise with one or two sentences.
  • Tool recommendation: Use ASC’s Image Accessibility Generator to draft alt text or image descriptions, then review and edit for accuracy and purpose.
  • Find more information at:

Audio & Video

  • Add accurate closed captions or subtitles to every video and review auto-captions before posting.
  • Ensure on-screen text is large enough, high contrast, and visible long enough to read.
  • Include a transcript or description for longer videos when applicable.
  • Avoid flashing content that exceeds three flashes per second.
  • Find more information at:

TAMU Requirements

All Texas A&M social media accounts are required to do the following to be recognized university accounts:

  • All Texas A&M social media accounts representing colleges, schools, divisions, departments, offices, and the like are required to be managed by a staff member of the Division of Marketing. This does not include the social media accounts of labs or faculty members.
  • All social media communicators must follow the account security measures laid out by the Texas A&M University System, the Division of Marketing & Communications, and the Texas A&M social media team.
  • All social media accounts must have a branded avatar/profile photo on every platform consistent with the Texas A&M Brand.
  • Social media posts must be accessible and use alt text on all images and captions (.srt files or open/closed captions) on all videos.

Additional recommendations for Texas A&M social media accounts:

  • Begin account handles with @TAMU to be consistent with other accounts on campus.
  • Make a clear connection to Texas A&M University/@TAMU in your bio or about section to leverage Texas A&M’s brand on your account.
  • Find more information at: