create accessible
HASHTAGS
Spreading the word more accessibly
Goal
Why it Matters
Accessible hashtags make your social media posts easier to read for everyone, including people using screen readers, people with cognitive disabilities, and anyone who scans quickly.
This tutorial shows you how to format your hashtags in simple, beginner-friendly steps that improve accessibility across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X (Twitter).
Quick Wins (Start Here)
If you only do a few things, start with
Use CamelCase (capitalize the first letter of each word)
Keep hashtags short and easy to understand
Avoid placing emojis inside your hashtags
Limit the number of hashtags you use
These steps make your posts instantly more readable.
What To Do
How to create Accessible Hashtags
Step 1. Use CamelCase for Multi-Word Hashtags
CamelCase helps screen readers read hashtags correctly and makes them easier for everyone to read quicker.
Examples
#SmallBusinessOwner (accessible)
#smallbusinessowner (not accessible)
#DigitalAccessibilityTips (accessible)
#digitalaccessibilitytips (not accessible)
This prevents screen readers from jumbling all the words together.
Step 2. Keep Hashtags Short and Clear
Avoid long or confusing hashtags. Too many words is only annoying, not productive.
Step 3. Don’t Use Emojis Inside Hashtags
Screen readers will read the emoji name inside the hashtag, which becomes confusing.
❌ Not accessible
#HolidaySale❄️
#Accessibility❤️
✔ Accessible
#HolidaySale ❄️
#Accessibility ❤️
Place emojis after the hashtag, not inside it.
Step 4. Use Hashtags with Clear Meaning
Avoid hashtags that rely on slang or abbreviations only certain groups understand.
More accessible
#WebsiteTips
#ShopLocal
#BeginnerFriendly
Less accessible
#SLAY
#FYP
#SBSquad247lol
Clear hashtags improve reach AND accessibility.
Step 5. Don’t Overuse Hashtags
Too many hashtags can be overwhelming to read and navigate, especially with screen readers.
Consider quality over quantity.
Step 6. Put Hashtags at the End of Your Post
Adding hashtags in the middle of a sentence is disruptive and sloppy. Keep them at the end of your post to reduce reading fatigue and keeps your main message clear.
Example
A local bakery is posting about their new seasonal cupcakes.
Accessible version
Our fall cupcakes are here. Choose from pumpkin spice, maple pecan, or apple cinnamon.
#FallCupcakes #LocalBakery #SweetTreats
Not accessible
Our fall cupcakes are here. Choose from #pumpkinspice, #maplepecan, or #applecinnamon.
Fall cupcakes are ready to order now. #localbakery❤️ #sweettreats🍁
The accessible version uses CamelCase, keeps hashtags short, avoids emojis inside the hashtag, and makes the post easier to read for everyone — including people using screen readers.
Tips & Common Mistakes
What To Do
Use CamelCase
Keep hashtags short
Place hashtags at the end
Use clear, descriptive words
What To Avoid
Using too many hashtags
Adding emojis inside hashtags
Relying on abbreviations or slang
Creating overly long tags
WCAG Guidelines
There are no specific WCAG guidelines that address hashtags, but it is a good idea to follow their general readability and color contrast rules.
Next Steps
Once your hashtags are accessible, explore
Want Help With accessibility?
If you’d like professional support, we can help:
We offer a full suite of digital accessibility services.
Web Accessibility Initiative
To geek out and go deep on the history and technical criteria for WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) W3C is the resource for you.
Recommended Digital Accessibility Resources
Monthly Content Accessibility Checklist
Easy first steps to track and integrate accessibility into the digital content you create on a regular basis for your business.
The accuracy of information on this website is subject to change. Implementing these accessibility tips by no means ensures your website is fully compliant with current guidelines or laws. You should consult with a professional to audit and/or remediate your site and obtain an accessibility statement.
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