Can Blind People Use Social Media? How Accessibility Features Make Social Media Inclusive
- operations7108
- May 26
- 3 min read
In a world where social media drives connection, culture, and even careers, a common question arises: Can blind people use social media? The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s thanks to a growing arsenal of accessibility tools and inclusive design features that empower blind and visually impaired users to engage fully in the digital conversation.
Understanding the Challenge
For sighted users, scrolling through Instagram, tweeting thoughts, or reacting to Facebook posts feels intuitive. But for blind users, these visual platforms require a completely different approach—one based on sound, touch, and adaptive technology. Without proper design, these platforms can be full of barriers. Fortunately, many of these challenges are now being addressed through a combination of innovation and advocacy.
How Blind People Access Social Media
Here are some of the key tools and features that make it possible:
1. Screen Readers
Screen readers like VoiceOver (Apple), TalkBack (Android), and JAWS (Windows) convert on-screen content into speech or Braille. They allow users to navigate apps, read posts, compose messages, and even scroll through timelines—without needing to see the screen.
2. Alternative Text (Alt Text)
Alt text is a crucial accessibility feature that allows blind users to understand the content of images through descriptive captions read aloud by screen readers. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn now encourage or even automate alt text creation.
3. Voice Commands
Virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa can open apps, compose posts, read messages, and more—entirely hands-free. Many apps also feature built-in voice navigation or support for dictation.
4. Keyboard Shortcuts and Gestures
Many social media platforms support keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation. Mobile users rely on gesture-based commands, especially when using VoiceOver or TalkBack, to scroll through feeds, like posts, or compose messages.
5. Audio and Video Accessibility
Audio descriptions and captions make multimedia content more inclusive. Apps like YouTube offer automatic captioning, while creators are increasingly adding descriptions of visual scenes in their videos or using hashtags like #ImageDescription and #AltText.
How Major Platforms Are Supporting Accessibility
Facebook and Instagram (Meta)
Offers customizable alt text.
Screen reader-friendly interfaces.
Voice and video posting options.
AI-generated image descriptions.
X (formerly Twitter)
Allows manual alt text input.
Promotes accessibility awareness with built-in reminders to add alt text.
Compatible with all major screen readers.
TikTok
Introduced auto captions, text-to-speech, and content filters for flashing images.
Encourages creators to use high-contrast text and audio-friendly formats.
Supports alt text and keyboard navigation.
Accessible job search features.
Compatible with screen readers for posts, messages, and applications.
Real Voices: Blind Influencers and Creators
Blind individuals are not just users—they’re creators, advocates, and influencers on social media. People like:
Molly Burke – A blind YouTuber and motivational speaker who shares her life experiences, fashion tips, and accessibility advocacy.
Tommy Edison – Known as “The Blind Film Critic,” he reviews movies from a unique, blind perspective and educates audiences on accessibility.
Lucy Edwards – A blind beauty influencer on TikTok who demonstrates accessible makeup techniques and shares personal stories.
These creators challenge stereotypes and show how powerful, engaging, and inclusive social media can be.
Making Social Media Better for All
While much progress has been made, social media platforms still have room to grow in accessibility. Users can contribute by:
Adding alt text to images.
Using clear, descriptive captions.
Avoiding flashing or disorienting visuals.
Supporting and amplifying blind creators.
Conclusion: Inclusion Is Connection
Blind people absolutely can and do use social media—not only to consume content but also to shape culture, influence trends, and build communities. Accessibility features empower blind users to connect and express themselves online. As platforms continue to improve, the digital space becomes not just more inclusive—but more human.