TikTok is stepping up its accessibility game, and honestly? It’s about time. As social media managers and content creators, we’ve been waiting for platforms to make meaningful changes that actually help everyone participate in the conversation. These new features aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re essentials that make the platform more welcoming for all users.
Our Social Media Strategist, Abby Roche, breaks down everything you need to know in the video below.
What’s New on TikTok’s Accessibility Front
Alt Text for Photo Posts
You can now add alt text descriptions to your photo posts, either during upload or after you’ve already hit publish.
But here’s where it gets interesting: TikTok is testing AI-generated alt text options. While we’re always cautious about letting robots do our creative work, this could be a game-changer for busy social media managers who want to make their content accessible but struggle with time constraints.
Pro tip from our team: Don’t rely solely on AI-generated descriptions. Take a moment to review and personalize them. Your audience deserves thoughtful, accurate descriptions that capture the essence of your content.
Better Contrast Options
For users who need higher contrast to comfortably view content, TikTok now offers improved contrast settings. Getting there is simple: Settings > Accessibility > Increase Color Contrast. That’s it.
This might seem like a small change, but for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties, it can make the difference between scrolling past your content and actually engaging with it.
Bold Text Support
If you’re someone who uses bold text in your phone’s settings, TikTok now honors that preference within the app. No more switching between your comfortable text settings and TikTok’s default formatting.
Why This Matters for Your Brand
At Online Optimism, we’ve always believed in making marketing personal, and that includes making it accessible to everyone. These TikTok updates aren’t just about compliance or checking boxes. They’re about recognizing that your audience includes people with disabilities who deserve to experience your content fully.
When you make your content accessible, you’re not just being inclusive, you’re being smart. The disability community represents a significant portion of social media users, and they’re looking for brands that see them and value their participation.
How to Make the Most of These Features
- Start with alt text: Make it descriptive but concise. Instead of “image of person,” try “woman laughing while holding a coffee cup in a bright kitchen.”
- Test the contrast settings yourself: Experience your content the way users with visual needs might see it. Does your text still pop? Are important elements still visible?
- Don’t forget about captions: While TikTok’s auto-captions have gotten better, reviewing and editing them shows you care about accuracy.
Our Take
These accessibility improvements are exactly what we want to see from social platforms. TikTok has recognized that accessibility isn’t an add-on feature. It’s a fundamental part of creating an inclusive online experience.
As marketers, we have a responsibility to use these tools. Making your content accessible isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s good business. You’re expanding your reach, showing your values, and creating content that works for everyone.
What accessibility feature are you most excited to try? Drop us a line at 504-324-0073, or better yet, show us how you’re using these new features in your TikTok content. We’re always Optimistic about seeing brands make their marketing more inclusive. And if you’re looking to make your social media strategy more accessible and inclusive, get in touch with an Optimist. We’re here to help you create campaigns that reach everyone in your audience.
