Instagram's new AI tool to describe photos for users with visual impairment

Instagram is introducing two new features to make the platform accessible to people with visual impairments. These new additions might allow users to get the description of the photos by listening to an AI made description or by hearing custom descriptions if added by users. The first thing Instagram is introducing is an “automatic alternative text”. This tool might help users to hear the descriptions of photos through screen readers — software applications that convey what people with normal eyesight see on a display to its users via non-visual means, like text-to-speech — on your phone while using Feed, Explore and Profile. [caption id=“attachment_5639891” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] Instagram’s new ‘custom alternative text’ tool. Image: Instagram[/caption] The company states that the tool uses object recognition technology which generates a description of photos for screen readers. This will allow users to listen to the list of items that the photos may contain as one surfs through the app. The second option is a “custom alternative text” which will allow users to add tailor-made descriptions while uploading a photo. This will then be heard by users who make use of screen readers. This alternative text can be added through the advanced settings. So When you add a new post, just head to the advanced settings and click on the ‘Write Alt Text’ option.