Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) has unveiled a new feature for the visually impaired that simplifies the process of accessing and interpreting images on the platform. Users will now be able to use up to 420 characters to detail images before posting them on the network. In return, people with assistive technology will be able to make sense of all detailed images on the platform.

Major Drawback

In the past, visually impaired users had to use third-party workarounds like EasyChirop and Alt Text Bot to be able to interpret photos on the network. By integrating the feature into the social network, the company has simplified the process of accessing photo descriptions.

The feature will not only make it easier for people to read photos but search engines will be able to use it to identify specific tweets that the visually impaired can access. The feature is available for both iOS and Android.

The fact that the feature is not an automatic update means people will have to activate it on Twitter’s accessibility settings. It is a major drawback that could turn off people who do not have the time to visit the settings portal to update the feature.

Bolstering Engagement Levels

Twitter has struggled a great deal over the years in its bid to bolster engagement levels on the platform. The inclusion of the new feature should help attract more people most of whom have been unable to interpret shared photos. Research has already shown that photos tend to drive higher engagement levels on social networks.

Twitter continues to roll out a range of improvements as its CEO Jack Dorsey has asked developers to share ideas that have the potential of improving the network. According to #HelloWorld, an initiative launched by the executive, text descriptions for images was one of the most requested features.