TikTok announced the expansion of its accessibility tools on May 14, 2025, at 12:00 AM PDT. The short video platform is rolling out a range of new accessibility features that aim to enhance the experience specifically for users with disabilities. TikTok is rolling out some really cool new features! They’re rolling out AI-generated ALT text for photos, a high-contrast mode, and support for device-level bold text preferences.
AI-generated ALT text enables visually impaired users to understand the works of art that artists post on DA. This new feature deepens their knowledge and experience. This new feature automatically creates alt text to describe images. Now users can more easily find out important details about content that they couldn’t easily comprehend before.
Finally, the new high-contrast mode, a feature to help users with visual impairments, improves contrast between app elements. This new mode will make it easier for users to navigate the app, making sure that those critical features and content really stand out. TikTok already gives users control with device-level bold text preferences. This visual flexibility allows them to customize the text presentation to meet their individual requirements, fostering a truly personalized experience.
In the blog post announcing these changes, TikTok reiterated its pledge to be a more inclusive platform. The company stated, “We know that when people feel seen, heard, and supported, they’re empowered to share their stories, create and connect with others in meaningful ways.”
This announcement is true to TikTok’s continued commitment to cultivate a platform that works for everyone. The company further expressed its vision by stating, “That’s why we’re focused on continuously building products that serve everyone. We see accessibility not just as a responsibility, but as an opportunity to innovate and foster a more inclusive platform for our global community.”
Aisha Malik, a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch, continued that pressure coming from her roots in local journalism. Malik has an honours bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree from Western University. She came to TechCrunch in 2021 after a stint as a telecom reporter at MobileSyrup.
Featured image of TikTok logo attributable to Artur Widak /NurPhoto / Getty Images. It can be accessed at this link.