GuideApr 12, 20264 min read

Google Play screenshot alt text: small accessibility win, big polish signal

Google recommends concise alt text for preview assets. Here is how to describe screenshots in 140 characters or less.

Google Play preview assets can include alt text. It is easy to skip, but it helps screen-reader users understand screenshots and graphics on the listing.

The limit

Google recommends using context to identify the important part of an image in 140 characters or less. It also says not to start with phrases like "photo of" or "image of" because screen readers already provide that context.

Good alt text

  • "Budget dashboard showing weekly spending by category"
  • "Workout summary with heart rate zones and recovery score"
  • "Photo editor export screen with before and after preview"

Bad alt text

  • "Screenshot 1"
  • "Best app ever"
  • "Download now"

Source notes

Google's preview asset docs include alt text guidance for feature graphics and screenshots, including the 140-character recommendation.

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Written by Yassine

Indie dev. Built lokal because translating App Store screenshots by hand was eating my launches. Reach out at hi@lokall.app.

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