Twitter has been keen on making new improvements to its app, and this next feature is proof of that. Today, the company is being tested a new accessibility feature that will help blind or visually impaired users better understand tweets.
Therefore, the app is sending reminders in the form of alerts to users so that they can start incorporating alt (alternative) text with their images to make the launch successful. In case you’re wondering why simply adding alt text to image posts makes tweets much more accessible for people with low vision to understand.
Alt text is the name given to a simple description that explains what is present in the photo and has a reason why it is so important. Therefore, those individuals who have reading problems can now depend on this new feature to better connect with what is mentioned in the tweets that bring a particular image.
This content can be in the form of memes, headlines, magazine flyers, or even a special footage among many others.
Twitter says that for now, everyone is being given the option to write and include alt text for images as well as GIFs that they place with their tweets on the platform. However, Twitter says that it is not mandatory, but if it is done, it will only require a few clicks.
That’s why a lot of people are getting little notifications like pop-up alerts that say, “Don’t forget to make your photo more accessible to everyone!”
A company spokesperson confirmed that the new feature is rolling out today, with a small group initially able to get their hands on the functionality. These include those using iOS, the web and Android. Meanwhile, a larger distribution for the masses is expected soon.
Remember, the feature is optional and that means users will be given the option to enable or disable it using their settings tab.
Whenever a user chooses to post an image, the alert will appear on the screen, ensuring that users receive a constant reminder. It’s actually quite similar to the notifications that avid Twitter users get to check and read their tweets before they end up being shared on the app.
This feature has been a long time coming for many blind users and those activists who protect their rights. They’ve wanted this launch for a long time now, along with a few others that they feel can go the extra mile to make a difference to these users’ in-app experience.
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