The Alt attribute, also known as alt text, is an essential HTML code element that provides a textual description of an image or video on a web page. This attribute is crucial for web accessibility, enabling users who rely on screen readers to understand the content of visual media. It also plays a significant role in search engine optimization (SEO) by offering context to search engines, which cannot interpret images or videos directly. Alt attributes help improve the user experience when images cannot be displayed, whether due to slow internet connections, technical issues, or the use of text-only browsers.
For effective SEO and accessibility, the alt attribute should be a concise and accurate description of the image or video’s content and function. This not only aids users who are visually impaired but also contributes to the overall comprehension of the web page by search engines, enhancing the likelihood of a better ranking in search results.