Alt text is a short written description of an image, read by screen readers and search engines.
It lives in the image's alt attribute. It makes pictures accessible to people who cannot see them, and helps Google understand and rank your images.
Put simply: A caption for machines and screen readers, describing what the image shows.
Why it counts
- Accessibility. Screen readers read it aloud to visually impaired users.
- Image SEO. It helps your images rank in Google Images.
- Context. It reinforces what the surrounding page is about.
How to write it
- Describe it plainly. Say what is actually in the image.
- Be specific. Skip "image of" because screen readers already announce it.
- Keyword only if it fits. Never stuff; natural beats forced.
Frequently asked questions
What makes good alt text?
A short, plain description of what the image shows. Skip "image of" since screen readers already announce it, and only add a keyword if it fits naturally.
Is alt text required?
For accessibility, yes, and it is best practice everywhere. Screen readers rely on it, and Google uses it to understand and rank your images.
Does alt text help SEO?
Yes, modestly. It helps your images rank in Google Images and reinforces what the surrounding page is about.