Screen readers do not “see” images the way sighted users do. They rely on text alternatives and HTML meaning to decide what should be announced to the user.
For the broader workflow, see WordPress Image Accessibility: Fix Missing Alt Text at Scale.
That is why image alt text matters. It is not just an SEO field. It is also a user-facing accessibility field.
What Happens When Alt Text Exists
When an informative image has useful alt text, the screen reader can announce that description so the user understands what the image contributes to the page.
Example:
- Image alt text:
WordPress media library showing empty alt text fields
This gives the user practical meaning instead of silence or confusion.
What Happens When Alt Text Is Empty
If the image uses alt="", the image is often skipped. This is usually correct for decorative images that add no information.
This reduces noise for users instead of forcing them to hear useless descriptions.
What Happens When Alt Text Is Missing
Missing alt text is less clear. Depending on the image and context, the experience may be inconsistent or unhelpful. That is why leaving the field undefined is not the same as intentionally using empty alt text.
Why This Matters in WordPress
Many WordPress sites use:
- screenshots
- product images
- icons
- decorative assets
These do not all need the same treatment. Product and tutorial images often need clear descriptions. Decorative assets often need to be skipped.
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- filling every image with generic text
- leaving important images undefined
- repeating the same product title across different image details
- using the title field as if it replaces alt text
Practical Rule
Use descriptive alt text when the image adds meaning. Use empty alt text when the image is decorative. Review large image libraries by image type rather than using one rule for everything.
For the broader accessibility workflow, use the WordPress image accessibility guide. For the technical field difference, use the alt attribute vs title attribute page.
FAQ
Do screen readers read the title attribute instead of alt text?
Not as a reliable replacement. Alt text is the key field for image meaning.
Should decorative images be announced?
Usually no. Decorative images often work best with empty alt text.
Do product images need alt text for screen readers?
Usually yes, because product images are informative.
