Dev.to
6/16/2026

Alt Text Isn't Optional: Accessibility and SEO in One Fix
Short summary
Alt text improves both web accessibility for screen-reader users and SEO performance through image search indexing. WCAG 2.1 Level A requires descriptive text for informative images. WordPress admins can add alt text via Media Library, while developers should programmatically set it using WordPress functions.
- •Alt text serves dual purpose: accessibility for assistive technologies and SEO for image search ranking
- •WCAG 2.1 Level A compliance requires text alternatives for all non-text content
- •WordPress Media Library provides UI for admins; developers use wp_get_attachment_image_alt() for programmatic control
Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.
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