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Instagram improving accessibility for users with visual impairments

New features include "alternative text" to provide descriptions for pics.

Gordon Gottsegen CNET contributor
Gordon Gottsegen is a tech writer who has experience working at publications like Wired. He loves testing out new gadgets and complaining about them. He is the ghost of all failed Kickstarters.
Gordon Gottsegen
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Instagram's new features are geared towards the visually impaired.

NurPhoto

On Wednesday, Instagram announced new features intended to provide a better experience for people with vision impairments.

Instagram is introducing automatic alternative text, which lets you hear descriptions of pictures when using Instagram with a screen reader. The automatic alternative text uses object recognition tech to generate a list of things that may appear in the photo, helping people know what they're looking at.

Instagram also lets you create your own alternative text. When posting a photo, you'll be able to go into the Advanced Settings and add your own alt text, which can be heard when using a screen reader.

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How to add your own alternative text.

Instagram

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