Web Accessibility Best Practices: Removing Redundant Phrases from Image Alt Text

Removing redundant phrases like “image of” or “photo of” from image alt text is essential for web accessibility and compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and 2.2. Screen readers automatically announce images as graphics, meaning phrases like “photo of” result in repetitive auditory output that causes cognitive fatigue and reading delays.

Impact of Repetitive Alt Phrases

• Auditory Redundancy: Screen readers announce “Graphic” before reading the alt text, leading to stuttering when the alt text itself starts with “image of”.
• Voice Control: Extra words complicate voice-guided navigation dictionaries.
• SEO: Generic boilerplate text dilutes keyword indexing value for search engines.

How to Clean Repetitive Alt Phrases

Alternative text should immediately describe the context and purpose of the image, adhering to WCAG Success Criterion 1.1.1.

<!-- Non-Compliant -->
<img src="ceo.jpg" alt="Image of the company founder giving a presentation">

<!-- Compliant -->
<img src="ceo.jpg" alt="Company founder giving a presentation">

Automating Remediation with WP ADA Compliance Check

For large sites, tools like the WP ADA Compliance Check Plugin can automate scanning and remediation of redundant phrases in alt text.

• Automated Identification: Runs deep code tests and provides media library filters to isolate faulty alt tags.
• Pre-Publishing Controls: Blocks or warns editors if new uploads contain redundant phrasing.

Get started by downloading the basic version on WordPress.org or explore advanced scanning through the full version.