Alt text vs Image Descriptions ( 3 Key Differences)

I bet you look at your social media posts and sigh.

You’ve just spent forever writing an engaging post.

Every word chosen with care, every sentence fine-tuned to shine. You’ve sprinkled your soul into it, and it shows.

But trying to decide between alt text and image descriptions can be tricky, right?

What’s the difference between alt text and image descriptions?

And, which one should you choose?

Let’s take a look at 3 key differences.

But first, let’s talk about why alt text and image descriptions matter.

Assistive technology (A brief intro)

People with visual disabilities use assistive tools and programs (like screen readers, magnification, enlarging font size, and text-to-voice) to access your digital content.

This means they need clear, concise image summaries, and that’s where alt text and image descriptions come in.

They bring your visuals to life through words.

But that’s not all.

Alt text and image descriptions aren’t just helpful for accessibility, they’re useful for SEO too.

When Google (and other search engines) try to figure out what your images are showing, they read your descriptions, and this can help your page show up higher in search results.

So, taking a little extra time to write clear and detailed descriptions is definitely worth it.

But, what’s the difference between alt text and image descriptions?

And, which one should you use?

Let’s take a look. 

Understanding 3 key differences

People often mix up alt text and image descriptions, but they’re actually not the same thing.

In fact, they serve different purposes.

So here are 3 key differences to help you understand them more. 

1. Location

Alt text is usually attached to image metadata or added in the “alt text” box.

Image descriptions are found in the content of a webpage, next to the image or as a visible caption. On social media platforms, they’re usually in the body of your post. For extended descriptions, you can share them in a text link.

2. Visibility

Alt text is usually only visible to screen readers, which read the alt text out loud or display it on a braille display.

Image descriptions can be read by people with vision disabilities using other assistive tech (like magnification, enlarging font size, and text to voice).

3. Length

Alt text is a short, clear description that captures the image’s content and purpose. It’s added to an image tag in HTML or through a platform’s alt text field.

Image descriptions while there’s no “ideal” length, clarity and completeness usually means, image descriptions are longer, with more visual details that give more information about your picture. 

Here’s an example:

Alt text: Disability Writer, Lia Stoll, is standing next to her guide dog team.

Image description: Lia Stoll stands beside her blind client Yvonne and her guide dog Zorro, a beautiful, grey Giant Poodle. All three are beaming.

That’s it.

Now, you can practice what you learned and create accessible social media content that helps you reach a wider audience.

The secret ingredient to reaching a wider audience

Image descriptions and alt text open the door.

They make visual content accessible for people with visual disabilities.

They turn visuals into something everyone can engage with.

But, it’s not just about compliance and reaching a wider audience.

It’s about making sure everyone has equal access to your message, your story, and your business.