[Explained]: What is Alt Text on Pinterest?

  John /   08 Sep 2023

When creating or editing pins on Pinterest, among the details you are required to add alongside the image is the "alt text".

If you are new to Pinterest or haven't managed a website before, you may find this term (alt text) a bit confusing.

In this article, we will look into what alt text is on Pinterest, why it's important, and how to use it effectively.

What is Alt Text?

Alt text stands for "alternative text." It is a brief, descriptive text that is added to an image on a website or social media platform.

It serves a critical purpose of providing information about the content of the image for those who may not be able to see it. This includes individuals with visual impairments who use screen readers and search engines.

Why Alt Text Matters on Pinterest

Below are some of the benefits of adding alt text to your pins on Pinterest:

• Accessibility: Alt text makes your pins accessible to people with visual impairments. Screen readers can read the alt text aloud, allowing visually impaired users to understand and engage with your content.
• SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google use alt text to understand the content of images. By including relevant keywords in your alt text, you can improve the discoverability of your pins in search results.
• Increased Engagement: Pins with well-written alt text are more likely to attract engagement from a broader audience, as they can be understood by a wider range of users.
• Pinterest's Algorithm: Pinterest's algorithm takes into account the quality and relevance of your pins, including alt text. Pins with descriptive alt text are more likely to be recommended to users interested in similar content.

Best Practices for Writing Alt Text on Pinterest

Below are best practices that you should follow when writing alt text for effectiveness:

• Be Descriptive: Provide a concise but detailed description of the image. When adding one, imagine you're explaining the image to someone who cannot see it.
• Use Keywords: Include relevant keywords that are related to your pin's content. This can help improve its visibility in search results.
• Avoid Keyword Stuffing: While using keywords is important, don't overdo it. Keep your alt text natural and relevant.
• Be Accurate: Ensure that your alt text accurately reflects the content of your pin. Misleading alt text can be frustrating for users.

Examples of Good Alt Texts

Recipe Pin

If you're sharing a recipe for chocolate chip cookies, your alt text could be: "Homemade chocolate chip cookies on a baking sheet."

Travel Pin

If your pin is featuring a beautiful beach sunset, your alt text might be: "Vibrant orange and pink sunset over a tropical beach."

Conclusion

Alt text on Pinterest is valuable in enhancing accessibility, improving search engine visibility, and attracting a broader audience to your pins.

By following best practices and adding descriptive alt text to your pins, you can make your content more inclusive and discoverable.