Why It’s Time to Add Alt Text to Your Social Media (And Why AI Just Took Away Your Excuses)

When was the last time you paused before uploading an image to add alt text?

If your answer is “never” or “when I remember,” you’re not alone.

But that needs to change, and fast.

Alt text isn’t just a “nice to have” for SEO or accessibility. It’s a fundamental part of inclusive digital communication. And thanks to AI, it’s also easier than ever.

Let’s break down why alt text matters, what you’re missing without it, and how to finally make it part of your workflow (with a little help from our robot friends).

What Is Alt Text (and Who Is It For)?

Alt text, short for “alternative text,” is a written description of an image that appears in place of the image if it doesn’t load,  or for users who rely on screen readers, like blind or visually impaired individuals.

But here’s the truth: alt text is for everyone.

It improves user experience, boosts SEO performance, and supports inclusive brand communication. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.2 billion people live with some form of visual impairment. That’s a massive audience that benefits directly from accessible content.

And yet? Most brands and creators still skip it.

Why Alt Text Should Be a Non-Negotiable in 2025

1. Accessibility is a basic right. Not a bonus feature.
Leaving out alt text sends an unintentional message: “This wasn’t made with you in mind.” Whether you’re a brand, a creator, or just someone trying to make the internet a little more human, that’s not the legacy you want to leave.

2. Alt text boosts your content’s visibility.
Search engines can’t “see” your images, but they can read your alt text. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Pinterest use alt descriptions to inform their algorithms. That means: better indexing, more discoverability, and higher reach.

3. You’re already using AI. Let it help.
AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude can generate accurate image descriptions in seconds. You don’t have to write a novel. Just describe the image clearly and helpfully, and boom, you’ve made your content accessible and searchable in under 30 seconds.

The AI Edge: Alt Text at Scale

If writing alt text sounds like one more thing to add to your plate, good news: AI can do the heavy lifting.

Here’s how to build it into your content flow:

• Use generative tools: Apps like ChatGPT with vision, Canva’s Magic Write, and Microsoft Designer all support image analysis. Upload your image, prompt for alt text, and copy-paste.
• Train your own prompt: Want it to sound more like you? Use a prompt like:
  “Write accessible alt text for this image. Keep it under 150 characters, with a tone that’s warm, inclusive, and clear.”
• Batch your posts: If you’re prepping a week of content, run all the images through your alt-text workflow at once. Easy. Done. Scheduled.

There is truly no reason in 2025 for your content to still be leaving people out.

What to Avoid in Alt Text (Even With AI)

Alt text should be:

• Descriptive, not decorative
• Focused on the function or meaning of the image
• Free from phrases like “image of” or “picture of” because screen readers already announce that

🚫 Bad alt text:
“Headshot of a woman smiling.”

✅ Better alt text:
“Romina Massa smiling confidently in a black blazer and hoop earrings, seated in front of her home office desk.”

The Bigger Picture: Alt Text as Trust-Building

Accessibility builds trust. And trust builds loyalty.

Whether you’re running a brand, leading a community, or growing your platform, adding alt text tells your audience: I see you. I care. You belong here.

And if you’re using AI for captions, hashtags, analytics, or copy… then there’s really no excuse to skip the 15 seconds it takes to generate a description for the visually impaired folks in your audience.

TL;DR:

• Alt text is an essential tool for accessibility, SEO, and brand trust.
• Over 2 billion people benefit from inclusive image descriptions.
• AI tools make writing alt text fast, easy, and scalable.
• Adding alt text to your workflow is one of the lowest-effort, highest-impact things you can do in 2025.

So go ahead. Add the alt text. Not because it’s trendy. Not because it’s an algorithm hack. But because it’s the right thing to do.

If this resonated, maybe I can help you with your brand.  Book a strategy hour with me, and let's figure it out together.