Social Media Accessibility Checklist

• I used plain language and avoided unnecessary jargon.
• Acronyms are spelled out on first use.
• I did not use decorative Unicode or stylized fonts.
• Hashtags use CamelCase (e.g., #SchoolOfSocialWork).
• Emojis are limited and not repeated excessively.
• Emojis are placed after text, not between words.

• Links are descriptive (not “Click here”).
• The destination of the link is clear from the text.

• Every meaningful image has alt text.
• Alt text describes essential information.
• Alt text does not repeat visible captions unnecessarily.
• Decorative images are marked decorative (if platform allows).

• All on-image text meets 4.5:1 contrast ratio.
• Icons and visual elements meet 3:1 contrast ratio.
• Color is not used alone to convey meaning.
• Complex graphics include a summary or accessible data link.
• URLs displayed on graphics are readable, descriptive, and not shortened (avoid bit.ly, tinyurl, etc.).
• QR codes are not used as the sole method of directing users on social media graphics.

• Video includes accurate, synchronized captions.
• Captions include dialogue and relevant sound cues.
• Auto-generated captions have been reviewed and corrected.
• Caption timing matches speech pacing and does not lag or cut off.
• Captions are segmented into readable line lengths (1 to 2 lines, not full paragraphs).

• Meaningful background music is identified (e.g., [Upbeat instrumental music]).
• If a specific song is important to context, the title and artist are identified on first reference.

• Speakers are identified when not visually obvious.
• Speaker labels are used when multiple speakers appear
• Off-camera speakers are identified.

• Important visual information is spoken in narration.
• If NOT spoken:
  • Audio description is included OR
  • An accessible alternative version is provided.

Accessible alternative version may include:

• A YouTube upload with integrated audio description.
• A version with built-in narrated description.
• A fully descriptive transcript including visual details.
• A webpage version providing equivalent access

The alternative must provide equivalent access to essential visual information.

• All on-screen text is read aloud.
• Charts, graphs, and statistics are summarized verbally.
• Dates, deadlines, and locations are spoken.
• Calls to action shown visually are spoken.
• Silent actions that convey meaning are described.
• Changes in speaker, location, or setting are verbally indicated.

• On-screen text overlays are spoken.
• Building names, event names, and titles are spoken.
• Visual demonstrations are explained verbally.
  • If narration already conveys all essential visuals, separate audio description is not required.
  • Decorative video of locations not relevant to story do not need audio description.

• Live captions were enabled when feasible.

If replay is posted:

• Replay includes edited captions.
• Replay includes audio description if required.

•  No flashing more than three times per second.
• No rapid strobe or seizure-risk animations.
• Auto-play with sound is avoided when possible.

• Alt text added manually OR
• Alt text added via Hootsuite publishing workflow

Video Caption Options (Choose One)

• Option A – For low-dialogue videos:
  • Enable closed captions and manually edit for accuracy.
• Option B – Preferred for quality control:
  • Disable captions and use burned-in open captions created during editing.
  • Do NOT use both burned-in and closed captions simultaneously.
  • If video requires audio description:
    • Upload accessible version to YouTube.
    • Link to accessible version in caption or bio.

• Edited caption file uploaded.
• Labeled speakers in closed captions each time someone new speaks if not identified in audio.
• Audio description included when required.
• Accessible version is discoverable (playlist or link).

• Alt text added.
• Videos are captioned.
  • Open captions for vertical and square video.
  • Upload SRT file for 16x9 video.

• Alt text added.
• Videos are captioned.
  • Upload SRT file for X.
  • Upload VTT file directly for Bluesky or SRT file via Hootsuite.