Deaf Twins Criticise Instagram for Removing Caption Backgrounds

Deaf twins Hermon and Heroda Berhane have criticized Instagram for removing the grey background behind its automatic captioning feature, a design change that accessibility advocates argue makes text overlays significantly harder to read on busy video feeds. According to technology journalist Liam O’Dell, the platform updated its interface to strip away the solid contrast layer previously placed behind subtitles. The modification has sparked ongoing backlash from users who rely on visual text to consume video content, yet the social media platform has failed to address public criticism over the adjustment.

The removal of the grey bounding box directly impacts readability for deaf and hard-of-hearing users navigating dynamic visual backgrounds. Without solid contrast behind white text, captions frequently blend into light-colored video footage, rendering them difficult or impossible to decode quickly. Hermon and Heroda Berhane, prominent content creators and disability advocates, voiced frustration over the silent interface alteration, pointing out that core accessibility functions should not be degraded without user consultation.

Social media accessibility standards heavily emphasize the necessity of high-contrast visual elements for text-based media. When platforms like Instagram alter caption rendering by removing solid backgrounds, they create friction for users depending on assistive UI components. Despite public inquiries and widespread user complaints highlighted by O’Dell’s reporting, parent company Meta has not issued a formal response or outlined plans to restore the contrast feature.