Alt text (alternative text) is a written description added to images that serves two purposes: making content accessible to visually impaired users via screen readers, and providing context to search engines for better discoverability..
Definition
Alt text (alternative text) is a written description added to images that serves two purposes: making content accessible to visually impaired users via screen readers, and providing context to search engines for better discoverability.
Alt text makes your content accessible to everyone — an estimated 2.2 billion people globally have some form of visual impairment. It also improves SEO on platforms like Pinterest and in Google image search. Instagram and LinkedIn let you add custom alt text to posts.
Instead of 'image1.jpg' or auto-generated 'photo of food,' a restaurant writes: 'Close-up of our signature truffle mushroom risotto topped with parmesan shavings and microgreens, served in a white bowl on a dark wooden table.' This helps both screen readers and Pinterest SEO.
Key Takeaway: Adding alt text is a two-minute task that makes your content accessible to 2.2 billion people and improves your search discoverability.
Describe what's in the image, not just 'photo of product.' Be specific and natural.
Include relevant keywords naturally — alt text contributes to search discoverability on Pinterest and Google.
Keep alt text under 125 characters when possible — some screen readers cut off longer descriptions.
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Category
13 terms in this category
Caption
A caption is the text that accompanies a social media post.
Hashtag
A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the # symbol used to categorize content and make it discoverable.
Evergreen Content
Evergreen content stays relevant and valuable long after it's published.
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