Social media apps often lack advanced features like text to speech. Instagram, however, has features that simplify the creation of accessible content. Let’s break them down.
Text to speech for Instagram
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become integral to the modern world. Most people access their social media accounts daily, uploading content for other users. However, not all apps offer sufficient support for those with special needs.
People with conditions like ADHD and dyslexia often struggle to enjoy content with a lot of text. The task is even more challenging for the visually impaired, those who usually have to rely on third-party software or friends to use social media.
Fortunately, meta and text to speech (TTS) technology make the Instagram app more accessible. Here’s how to implement TTS for Instagram.
Accessibility for Instagram
Accessibility in the digital world provides all social media users with growth opportunities. Consequently, platforms like Instagram and Snapchat must equip content creators with the tools to produce accessible posts.
The good news is that Instagram is doing just that. During the last few years, the app has introduced new features that make customizing Instagram Reels and image descriptions a breeze.
Incorporate inclusive language
Add alternative text
Avoid using too many emojis
Always capitalize the first letter of every word in a hashtag
Use text bubbles to make sure your message stands out
Use voice effects
Add captions to Instagram Reels and other short videos
Adjust text size
The simplest way to make an Instagram post more accessible is by adjusting the text size.
Follow the instructions below to modify the text on an Android device:
Head to “Device Settings” in the Instagram app.
Resize the text in “Display Settings.”
Close and relaunch the app to see whether you’re satisfied with the modified text.
You can tweak the text size on Instagram on Apple products too:
Open “Device Settings” in the iOS app.
Press “Accessibility” and select “Display and text size.”
Choose “Larger text.”
Tap the slider to enable the “Larger text for accessibility” feature.
Move the slider to find the optimal size.
Edit alternative text for photo on Instagram
Alternative text or alt-text refers to the written description of a photo. Since many people keep up with the latest news through social media, it’s essential to ensure alternative text accompanies each post.
When an Instagram user with impaired vision finds your image, their assistive technology app will read the alternative text aloud. Even though they may not be able to see the picture, they’ll understand the message behind it.
Follow this tutorial to learn how to edit alternative text for a photo you’ve already uploaded to Instagram on a mobile device (Android or iOS):
Find the appropriate photo and press the three-dot menu.
Select “Edit” and choose “Edit alt text” at the bottom right of the screen.
Type the new text in the appropriate field and press the check mark button (Android) or “Done” (iOS).
Adding alternative text to pictures before you upload them is also straightforward. Here’s what you need to do on an Apple or Android tablet:
Take a new photo or select one from your gallery.
Pick a filter and press “Next” after editing your image.
Click on “Advanced Settings” at the lower end of the screen.
Choose “Edit alt text.”
Enter the text in the indicated field and tap the blue check mark (Android) or “Done” (iOS).
Manage reels and video text for Instagram
Captioning Instagram Reels and other short videos is an excellent way to help people using assistive technology enjoy Instagram.
Content creators who want to add captions to their reels should follow the steps below:
Launch Instagram on your mobile device and navigate to the Instagram Stories or Reels camera.
Record a video or import a file from your camera roll.
Tap the sticker icon at the top of the app.
Choose the “Captions” option.
Wait until Instagram activates the “Transcribing audio” future.
You can edit the automated captions, reposition them, and use the program’s text tools to adjust the format and color.
Use stickers on Instagram
Instagram stickers may be unavailable for some users in Europe and Japan. Uninstalling the app and installing the latest version from the Google Play Store or Apple app store may resolve the issue.
To add a sticker to an Instagram Reels clip or an Instagram Story, all you need to do is select the sticker button at the top of the screen. Using stickers can make Reels and stories more accessible for readers who can’t hear your content but can see it.
Use a screen reader on Instagram
Screen readers are assistive technology that helps people with disabilities use social media. While older devices didn’t have native screen readers, modern smartphones have inbuilt voiceover software.
Apple’s native screen reader is called VoiceOver. To activate it on an iPhone, do the following:
Open “Settings” from the home screen.
Press “General” and choose “Accessibility.”
Select “VoiceOver.”
To activate the feature, tap the space next to the “VoiceOver” option.
Android smartphones have a simple voice effects feature called TalkBalk that functions as a screen reader. Here’s how you can turn it on:
Head to “Settings” from the home screen.
Select “Accessibility” and select “TalkBalk.”
Tap the space next to the “Turnoff” option to activate TalkBalk.
If you want to make your video more accessible
Captioning Instagram Reels is great, but you can go a step further and add a voiceover to your short video.
They let you record your own voice and test the voice effect options on simple web-based editors. Some platforms also have trending sounds and music notes to make the video more engaging.
Content creators who have been on the app for a while may have an audio mixer, too. The device allows them to combine different voices and sounds.
But if you don’t want to use any additional apps or equipment, you can create a voiceover directly on Instagram.
Record a reel and press “Preview” (iOS) or “Next” (Android.)
Tap the music icon to enable the voiceover feature.
Press and hold the red “Record” button.
When you’re done recording, release the “Record” button.
Shy people who don’t want to speak in their videos can use the text to speech feature.
Record a video for Reels and add text to the post.
Double-tap the text bar and select “Text to Speech” from the drop-down menu.
Choose the robotic voice you want to add and tap “Done.”
Use Speechify to make Instagram more accessible
Besides built-in Instagram features, you can use other tools to make this platform more accessible. One of them is a TTS app called Speechify. It has numerous functionalities to ensure a smooth social media experience.
For instance, if you’re having trouble reading a post due to a visual impairment, you can turn on Speechify to narrate the text. You’ll listen to immersive HD voices to help you understand the content. Plus, you can decrease the rate to easily keep up with the narration. Additionally, you can use Speechify to create more realistic-sounding voiceover narrations for your Instagram reels to make them accessible to everyone.
Try Speechify for free today and turn your Instagram content into crisp audio.
FAQ
Does Instagram have text to speech?
Last year, the app introduced a text to speech feature for Instagram Reels.
How do you get text to speech on Instagram stories?
The app’s text to speech feature is currently only available with Reels.
What is the text to speech voice on Instagram?
There are two text to speech voices on Instagram. Both are slightly robotic and remind users of Siri.
