: A Complete Guide
Instagram is more than just a photo-sharing platform — it’s a powerful tool for growing your brand and improving your online visibility. One often overlooked feature that can substantially boost your Instagram SEO is alt text. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain exactly what Instagram alt text is, why it matters for SEO, and how you can effectively use it too maximize your reach and engagement.
Materials and Tools Needed
| Material/Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Instagram Account | To create and upload posts where alt text can be added |
| Mobile Device or Desktop | To access Instagram app or web |
| Instagram App (latest version) | For adding alt text during or after posting |
| Keyword Research Tool (optional) | To find relevant keywords for the alt text |
| Notepad or Text Editor (optional) | To draft and refine alt text descriptions |
What is Instagram Alt Text and Why It Matters for SEO
Alt text (alternative text) describes the content of an image for visually impaired users and for platforms that can’t display images. On Instagram, it improves accessibility, ensuring your posts can be understood by screen readers.
From an SEO outlook, alt text plays a crucial role. It:
- Helps Instagram’s algorithm understand your image content better.
- Improves discoverability in Instagram search and related hashtags.
- Increases engagement by reaching audiences who rely on screen readers.
- Contributes to overall social media SEO when images are indexed by search engines.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Instagram Alt Text for Better SEO
1. Preparing Your Content and Keywords
- Identify the main theme or subject of your image.
- Use keyword research tools (like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest) to find relevant, descriptive keywords related to your image and niche.
- Write a concise, clear description incorporating thes keywords naturally.
2.Adding Alt Text While Uploading a new Instagram Post
- Open the Instagram app and tap the “+” icon to create a new post.
- Select the photo or video you want to upload and tap Next.
- Apply any filters or edits,then tap Next again.
- Scroll down and tap Advanced Settings at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Write Alt Text under the Accessibility section.
- Enter your descriptive alt text containing your chosen keywords (up to 1000 characters, but keep it concise).
- Tap Save and then share your post as usual.
3. Adding or Editing Alt Text on Existing Posts
- Navigate to the Instagram post where you want to add or update alt text.
- Tap the three dots (…) in the top-right corner of the post.
- Select Edit.
- tap Tap to add alt text or Edit alt text in the bottom right corner of the image.
- Type your new alt text,then tap Done to save changes.
Tips for Writng Effective Instagram Alt Text
- Be concise but descriptive: Explain what the image shows clearly without needless detail.
- Use relevant keywords naturally: Avoid keyword stuffing, which can hurt SEO.
- Describe the vital elements: Include people, objects, actions, colors, and setting if relevant.
- Maintain accessibility: Write with visually impaired users in mind for better engagement and compliance.
- Keep sentences simple and straightforward.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When using Instagram Alt Text
- Leaving alt text blank — this is a missed opportunity for SEO and accessibility.
- Using generic phrases like “image” or “photo” without meaningful description.
- Keyword stuffing or overusing hashtags in alt text.
- Ignoring alt text on videos; Instagram supports alt text on videos as well.
- Writing alt text that doesn’t match the actual image content.
Sample Instagram Alt Text Examples for SEO
| Image Description | SEO-Optimized Alt Text Example |
|---|---|
| Photo of a golden retriever playing with a ball in a park | Golden retriever dog playing fetch with red ball on green grass park in sunny whether |
| Fashion influencer wearing a summer floral dress | Woman wearing blue floral summer dress and sunglasses posing on city street |
| Delicious avocado toast with poached egg and cherry tomatoes | Close-up of avocado toast topped with poached egg and fresh cherry tomatoes |
How Instagram Alt Text Supports Your Overall Digital Marketing Strategy
Integrating alt text into your instagram posts enhances both your brand’s accessibility and SEO. Alt text makes your content available to a wider audience, including those with visual impairments, while signaling to search engines and Instagram’s algorithm what your post is about. This can lead to better ranking in search results, higher discoverability, and increased engagement — all crucial metrics for successful digital marketing.
Conclusion
Using Instagram alt text is a simple yet powerful way to improve your account’s SEO and accessibility. By thoughtfully crafting descriptive, keyword-rich alt text, you help Instagram’s algorithm understand your content better while also making your posts inclusive. Follow the steps outlined above and watch your Instagram reach and engagement grow over time.
Start adding alt text to your Instagram images today to unlock new SEO benefits and create a more accessible social media presence.