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How to Add Alt Text to Product Media on Shopify

Last updated: November 20 2024

Written and researched by experts at Avada Learn more about our methodology

Alt text plays a crucial role in both accessibility and SEO for your Shopify store. By adding descriptive alt text to your product images and videos, you help search engines understand your media better, improving your visibility in image search results. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple process of adding alt text to your product media on Shopify, ensuring a more inclusive and SEO-friendly online store.

Adding Alt Text via Shopify Admin Panel

Follow these steps to add alt text to your product images and videos:

Step 1: Navigate to Products 

Step 2: Click on the product you want to edit.

Click on the product you want to edit.

Step 3: In the Media section, click on the image you want to add alt text.

In the Media section, click on the image

Step 4: In the field Alt text, type in your text

Step 5: Click Save to apply the changes.

Click Save to apply the changes.

Bulk Updating Alt Text Using CSV File

For stores with many products, using a CSV file can be more efficient:

Step 1: Open your CSV file in a spreadsheet application

Open your CSV file in a spreadsheet application

Step 2: In your CSV file, locate the columns for Image Alt Text. Enter descriptive alt text for each image. 

In your CSV file, locate the columns for Image Alt Text. Enter descriptive alt text for each image.

Step 3: Save your CSV file

Step 4: From your Shopify admin, go to Products

From your Shopify admin, go to Products

Step 5: Click Import at the top right of the page.

Click Import at the top right of the page.

Step 6: Select Add file and upload your edited CSV file.

Select Add file and upload your edited CSV file.

Step 7: Check on boxes as you desire and click on Update and preview

Check on boxes as you desire and click on Update and preview

Step 8: Check up the preview and if it is correct, click on Import products. The process will automatically start. 

Check up the preview and if it is correct, click on Import products. The process will automatically start.

Bottom Line

By following this guide to add alt text to product media on Shopify, you can create a more inclusive and optimized Shopify store that benefits both your customers and your business.

FAQs

Why is adding alt text important for SEO?

Alt text helps search engines understand the content of your images, which can improve your store's visibility in image search results. It also provides context for visually impaired users who use screen readers, enhancing your store's accessibility.

What are the character limits for alt text?

While there's no strict limit, it's generally recommended to keep alt text under 125 characters for optimal SEO and accessibility. Aim for concise, descriptive text that accurately represents the image or video content.

Can I add alt text for videos?

Yes, you can add alt text to videos in Shopify just like you would for images. This text will be used by screen readers and search engines to understand the content of your video.

How often should I update my product media alt text?

It's a good practice to review and update your alt text whenever you make significant changes to your products or if you're optimizing for new keywords. Regular audits, perhaps quarterly, can help ensure your alt text remains relevant and effective.

Will adding alt text affect my store's loading speed?

No, adding alt text to your product media won't significantly impact your store's loading speed. Alt text is a small amount of text data that loads quickly and provides valuable information for SEO and accessibility.

By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively add alt text to your product media on Shopify, improving both your store's search engine optimization and accessibility for all users.

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.