Instagram is introducing two new updates on its media platform for people with visual impairments.
“With more than 285 million people in the world who have visual impairments, we know there are many people who could benefit from a more accessible Instagram,” Instagram stated.
The first update introduced is the “Automatic Alternative Text” feature, which allows user to hear description of photos through the screen reader while users scroll through the News Feed, Explore, and Profile. The feature uses object recognition technology to generate a description of photos for screen readers so the user can hear a list of items that photo may contain as they browse through the app.
The second update is the “Custom Alternative Text” feature, where users are able to add description on their photos when they upload a photo. People using screen readers will be able to hear this description.
These new updates are just the first few steps of Instagram’s initiative to make their platform more accessible for everyone.
