- Success Criterion 1.1.1
- Conformance level A
Alt Text That Describes a Completely Different Image
1.1.1 — Non-text Content
Scenario
Setting
A subscription box service's account settings
What’s wrong
alt text that is technically present but wrong: describes a different image (stale after CMS swap), or keyword-stuffed for SEO.
Example
Picture a subscription box service's account settings: alt text that is technically present but wrong: describes a different image (stale after CMS swap), or keyword-stuffed for SEO.
Why it matters
Blind and low-vision people using screen readers, and anyone who browses with images disabled, when icons or photos carry meaning. On a subscription box service's account settings, this barrier means they miss information that's only conveyed visually.
How to test
Compare the alt text word-for-word to the current image content: if it describes something else, it's wrong and fails regardless of length or effort.
How to fix
Rewrite the alt to accurately describe the current image's purpose — no stale or SEO-stuffed text.
Outcome
Corrected, a subscription box service's account settings now lets a visitor understand the image, video, or audio content.
Who is affected
Blind and low-vision people using screen readers, and anyone who browses with images disabled, when icons or photos carry meaning.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
Related scenarios
- Product Photo Added as a CSS Background With No Alt Text
- Chart Alt Text That Never Explains What Each Color Means
- Outdated Alt Text That No Longer Matches the Image
- Alt Text Left as a Filename Instead of a Real Description
- Decorative Image Not Hidden From Screen Reader Users
- Decorative Image Given Alt Text Instead of Being Marked Silent