Google Says: Don't Use AI for Alt Image Text

Unveiling the Hidden Power of Alt Text: How Simple Words Make Websites Better

Imagine you're visiting a website, but the images just won't load. All you see are empty boxes where pictures should be. That's when alt text steps in—the unsung hero of the internet. Alt text, short for "alternative text," tells you what's in those images even when they don't show up.

It helps people who can't see pictures and makes websites easier to find on search engines like Google. But here's the catch: Google's own John Mueller says we shouldn't rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to write this alt text for us. Let's explore why alt text is so important and why humans still do it best.

Why Alt Text Matters So Much

Alt text does three big jobs:

1. Helping Everyone Enjoy the Web

   Not everyone can see images on a screen. Some people are blind or have low vision and use tools called screen readers. Alt text tells these tools what's in the images, so everyone gets the full story.
   

2. Making Friends with Search Engines

   Search engines can't actually "see" pictures. They read text to figure out what a website is about. Alt text gives them clues about the images, which helps your site show up in search results.
   

3. Saving the Day When the Internet Is Slow

   Sometimes, the internet is slow, and images take forever to load. Alt text fills in the blanks, telling visitors what's supposed to be there. It's like a sneak peek of what's coming.

How to Write Alt Text Like a Pro

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the folks who set the rules for the internet, have some tips for writing good alt text:

• Be Descriptive but Brief: Imagine you're telling a friend about the picture over the phone. Keep it short but clear.
  

• Skip the Decorations: If an image is just for looks, like a fancy border or background, you don't need alt text.
  

• Explain Complex Images: For charts or graphs, write a short alt text and link to a page that explains more.
  
  

Understanding Context Is Key

John Mueller from Google points out that knowing how an image fits into the rest of the page is super important. AI might see a picture of a beach but won't know if it's about a fun vacation, a luxury hotel, or an environmental problem. Humans can connect the dots and write alt text that fits.

The Trouble with AI-Generated Alt Text

Using AI to write your alt text might sound easy, but it has downsides. AI tools can describe what's in the image but often miss why it's there. They might say "photo of a beach," but not "secluded Hawaiian beach resort featured in our tropical getaway packages." They don't get the bigger picture—literally and figuratively.

Google's Take on AI Content

Google knows that AI can help create content. In recent statements, they've said that AI-generated content isn't against their rules as long as it is useful and high-quality. However, they stress that human oversight is important. Content should show real expertise and understanding—things AI might not fully capture on its own. So, when it comes to alt text, adding the human touch makes a big difference.

The Bigger Picture: Website Accessibility

Website accessibility means making sure everyone can use the internet, no matter what. This includes people with disabilities, like those who are blind or have trouble seeing. Alt text is a big part of this because it lets screen readers describe images to users.

Around the world, laws and guidelines are pushing for better accessibility. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. requires websites to be accessible to people with disabilities. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer a set of standards that many websites aim to follow. Using good alt text helps meet these standards and makes your site welcoming to all.

Google's Past Statements on AI in Content Creation

Over the years, Google has kept an eye on how people use AI to create content. They've said that while AI can be a useful tool, it's not a replacement for human creativity and understanding. For instance, AI might produce a lot of content quickly, but it might not always be accurate or helpful.

In the world of SEO, quality matters more than quantity. Google's algorithms are designed to promote content that is helpful and relevant to users. So, if AI-generated content is thin or misses the mark, it might not rank well. This is why human-written alt text, which captures context and nuance, is still so valuable.

The SEO Boost from Alt Text

Alt text isn't just about helping people—it's also a secret weapon for SEO. By using the right keywords in your alt text, you help search engines understand your content better. But watch out: stuffing keywords unnaturally can do more harm than good. Always write alt text that makes sense and sounds natural.

Keeping It Simple and Clear

When writing alt text, use words that an 8th grader would understand. This makes your content accessible to a wider audience. Clear and simple language helps everyone, from young readers to people learning English as a second language. It also makes your site more user-friendly overall.

Why the Human Touch Matters

While AI tools are getting smarter every day, they still lack the human ability to understand context and emotion. AI might describe an image as a "dog sitting next to a boy," but a human might write "a happy boy sits beside his loyal dog on a sunny day." See the difference? The human description adds warmth and context that AI might miss.

Making the Web a Better Place

By writing thoughtful alt text, you're not just helping your website—you’re contributing to a more inclusive internet. You're ensuring that everyone can access the same information regardless of their abilities. Plus, you're helping search engines do a better job of matching your site with people who are looking for what you offer.

Wrapping It All Up

Alt text might seem small, but it's mighty. It helps people who can't see images, makes your site appear in search results, and keeps visitors interested even when images don't load. While AI tools can assist, they can't replace the human touch when writing meaningful alt text.

So next time you're adding images to your website, take a moment to write alt text that tells the story. Think of it as painting a picture with words. Your visitors will appreciate it, and so will the search engines.

(This article builds upon original insights from SEJ staff and Google's John Mueller[1])

---

Citation:

[1] "Google Shows How to Use Alt Text for SEO," Search Engine Journal, https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-shows-how-to-use-alt-text-for-seo/527871/