What does “Alt Text” mean?

Alt text, short for "alternative text," is a description provided for images, videos, and other non-text content on social media platforms. It is primarily used to improve accessibility for individuals who use screen readers, but it also helps search engines understand the content of visual media, improving SEO.

Alt text is important because it ensures that visually impaired users can access the same content as sighted users. It also provides context for search engines, helping them index and rank your content more effectively.

Example:
"This image has alt text that reads, 'A close-up of a latte with a heart-shaped foam design,' to help both screen readers and search engines understand the content."

What are ways to use "Alt Text" on social media?

Alt text should be added to every image and video shared on social media platforms to ensure accessibility. When creating alt text, it’s important to describe the image as clearly and concisely as possible, focusing on the most important elements of the visual content.

For example, instead of writing “image of a car,” you could write “red sports car on a city street,” providing more context for users and search engines alike.

Adding relevant keywords in the alt text can also help boost your content’s discoverability, but be sure to keep it natural and relevant to the image.

Pro Tip

Keep your alt text under 125 characters to ensure it’s fully readable by screen readers and platforms that use it for SEO purposes.

Related Terms

Accessibility, Screen Reader, SEO Optimization