Alt text

Updated October 26, 2025

Alt text

Alt text, short for "alternative text," is used to describe images on websites and social media. Its primary purpose is to provide a text-based alternative to an image for users who cannot see it, whether due to visual impairments or technical issues like slow internet. When an image doesn’t load, alt text will appear in its place, describing what the image is about.

What does alt text do, and why is it important?

Alt text is crucial for accessibility and SEO. For visually impaired users who rely on screen readers, alt text helps them understand the content of an image. It also helps search engines index your content, making your site more discoverable. Essentially, alt text ensures that everyone can access the content of your website, regardless of how they’re viewing it.

Can people see your alt text?

Typically, alt text isn’t visible on a webpage unless the image fails to load, or a user is using a screen reader. However, anyone can check the alt text by looking at the page’s HTML code or using accessibility tools.

Is alt text worth it?

Yes , alt text is absolutely worth it! Not only does it improve accessibility for people with disabilities, but it also boosts your SEO by helping search engines understand the context of your images. Adding descriptive alt text makes your content more inclusive and searchable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to create amazing social media content?

Shef.ai helps you generate professional social media posts, Instagram content, and Facebook posts in minutes. Start creating content that engages your audience today.

Try Shef.ai Free

Transform Your Social Media Strategy

Join thousands of businesses using Shef.ai to create engaging content that drives results. Get started for free in just minutes.

No credit card requiredStart in 2 minutesCancel anytime
Browse All Dictionary Entries
Found this helpful? Share it with others!