How to Add Alt Text to Photos on Bluesky (and Why It’s Important)

Every time you upload an image, Bluesky reminds you: "Alt text describes images for blind and low-vision users, and helps give context to everyone." In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add alt text to images on Bluesky in just a few clicks.

If you’re posting photos on Bluesky, adding alt text is a simple yet crucial step that improves accessibility and user experience. 

Alt text (short for "alternative text") helps visually impaired users understand the content of images through screen readers. It also provides context when images fail to load. While many social media platforms make alt text an afterthought, Bluesky offers a seamless way to add it. 

See Also: The 9 Best Alternatives or Sites Like Bluesky 

We’ll explore why alt text is essential—not just for accessibility, but also for engagement and clarity. Whether you’re a casual user or a content creator, making your posts more inclusive can have a lasting impact. 

Let’s dive in...

Step-by-Step: How to Add Alt Text on Bluesky

What You’ll Need:

• A Bluesky account
• An image ready to post
• A few seconds to write a clear description

The process is the same on both the web and mobile version.

1. Log into Bluesky

Open Bluesky in your browser or app and sign in.

2. Create a New Post

Click the "New Post" button on the left sidebar. 

3. Upload Your Image

In the post creation window, click the image icon (bottom-left corner).

Select the image you want to share. After it uploads, you’ll see a "+ALT" button in the top-left corner of the image preview.

4. Add Descriptive Alt Text and Save

Click the "+ALT" button. A text box will appear—this is where you type your image description and finally click SAVE.

Best Practices for Writing Alt Text:

• Be clear and concise – Describe the essential details without unnecessary words.
• Mention key objects and actions – What’s happening in the image? Who or what is in it?
• Avoid “image of” or “picture of” – It’s already assumed to be an image.
• Include important text – If your image contains readable text, type it out.

Examples:

• 🚫Vague Alt Text: “A person at a desk”
• ✅ Better Alt Text: “A woman typing on a laptop at a wooden desk, with a coffee mug beside her.”

• 🚫 Too Simple: “A dog”
• ✅ Better: “A golden retriever playing in a grassy park, holding a tennis ball.”

After writing your description, click “Save.”

5. Publish Your Post

Complete your post as usual, then click "Post." Your image now has alt text, making it accessible to more users!

Why You Should Always Add Alt Text

Alt text isn’t just a technical feature—it’s a way to ensure your content is accessible to everyone. Despite its importance, many social media platforms don’t make alt text easy to use. Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have alt text features, but they are often hidden or inconvenient. Bluesky, however, makes adding alt text simple, and many users actively take advantage of it.

• For visually impaired users – Screen readers will read the alt text aloud, helping users understand the image.
• For slow internet connections – If an image doesn’t load, the alt text provides context.
• For SEO benefits – While not as relevant on social media, alt text can improve search visibility for images on websites.

Real-World Example:

Imagine posting an image of a mechanical keyboard. Without alt text, a visually impaired user wouldn’t know what’s in the picture.

• 🚫 No Alt Text: The screen reader says nothing about the image.
• ✅ With Alt Text: "A close-up of an Ultimate Hacking Keyboard with RGB backlighting.”

A small effort on your part can make a huge difference for someone else.

Make Bluesky a More Accessible Space

Adding alt text only takes a few extra seconds, but it makes your posts far more inclusive. By making this a habit, you help create a better experience for everyone on the platform.

So next time you upload an image on Bluesky, remember to click "+ALT"—because accessibility matters.