# What Is Alt Text on X?

Source: https://trygrowx.app/glossary/alt-text (updated 2026-11-04)

Alt text is a short written description you add to an image on X so people who cannot see it still get its meaning. Screen readers read it aloud, and anyone can tap the ALT badge on the image to read it.

X allows up to 1,000 characters per image description, according to its [guide to writing image descriptions](https://help.x.com/en/using-x/write-image-descriptions). To add one, upload your image, select +ALT or "Add description", type it and save, as shown on the [how to add image descriptions page](https://help.x.com/en/using-x/add-image-descriptions).

## Example

You post a screenshot of a revenue chart. Weak alt text: "chart". Useful alt text: "Line chart of monthly revenue from January to June, rising from $2,000 to $11,500, with the biggest jump in April after the pricing change."

## How to write good alt text

- **Lead with the point.** Say what the image shows and why it is in the post.
- **Include any text in the image.** Screenshots of posts, quotes and slides should have their words typed out, as X's guide advises.
- **Keep it tight.** X notes some older screen readers stopped at 200 to 250 characters. Short and specific is safest.
- **Skip "image of".** Screen readers already announce that it is an image.

## Why it matters for growth

- **More people can read your post.** Blind and low-vision readers, people using assistive tech and people on slow connections all benefit.
- **It shows care.** Accessible posts build goodwill with readers who notice.
- **Your text gets used.** Words in alt text describe the image to readers who cannot load it.

## Related terms

- [Thread](https://trygrowx.app/glossary/thread)
- [Hook](https://trygrowx.app/glossary/hook)
- [Pinned post](https://trygrowx.app/glossary/pinned-post)
- [Engagement rate](https://trygrowx.app/glossary/engagement-rate)
- [Bio](https://trygrowx.app/glossary/bio)

## Frequently asked questions

### Does alt text count towards my post's character limit?

No. Each image description has its own 1,000-character allowance, separate from the post text. See [character limit](https://trygrowx.app/x-specs/character-limit) for the post itself.

### Should every image have alt text?

Yes, wherever the image carries meaning. A chart, screenshot or meme without a description is a blank space for anyone using a screen reader.

Last checked November 2026.

Check image dimensions alongside your alt text on our [image sizes page](https://trygrowx.app/x-specs/image-sizes), and preview the whole post with the [mockup tool](https://trygrowx.app/tools/mockup).