Updated October 2026
How to use the generator
- Upload the finished Pin image. Drag it into the box or click to pick a file. Use the version with your text overlay on it, because the words on the image belong in the alt text too.
- Click "Generate Alt Text". The AI looks at the image and writes a description. There's a small hourly limit per visitor to keep the tool free.
- Edit the draft before you use it. It can run to several sentences and lean on keywords. Cut it down to what someone who can't see the Pin needs to know, and check that every detail is actually in the image.
- Paste it into Pinterest. On desktop, when you create a Pin, open More options and find Alt text. In the app it's under Advanced settings. For a Pin you already published, open it, choose Edit Pin and change the alt text there (business accounts have to do this on the web).
What Pinterest says about alt text
| Question | Answer from Pinterest |
|---|---|
| Length limit | 500 characters |
| Which Pins support it | Standard (image) Pins and video Pins only |
| Who it's for | It's read aloud only to people using a screen reader |
| Where to add it | "More options" when creating a Pin on desktop, "Advanced settings" in the app |
| Editing later | Through "Edit Pin"; business accounts must use the web |
Source: Pinterest Help, Add alternative text to your Pins.
Does alt text help Pinterest SEO?
Pinterest presents alt text as an accessibility feature and doesn't say it's used for ranking. Where Pinterest does talk about search, it tells you to put relevant keywords in the Pin title, description and board titles. So write alt text for the person listening to it, and put your keywords in the title and description. If an accurate description happens to include your main phrase ("vegan lasagna"), that's fine, but don't add a keyword list.
How to write good alt text for a Pin
- Start with what it is, then add the details that matter: colors, materials, setting, how many items.
- Include the text on the image. On Pinterest the headline overlay is often the main message, and a screen reader user won't get it any other way.
- Leave out "image of" or "picture of". They add words without adding information.
- No hashtags, calls to action or keyword lists. Those belong in the description.
| Weak alt text | Stronger alt text | Why |
|---|---|---|
| vegan lasagna easy dinner healthy recipe vegan food | Slice of vegan lasagna with spinach and cashew ricotta on a white plate. Text reads "Easy Vegan Lasagna, Ready in 45 Minutes". | Describes the photo and reads out the overlay instead of stacking keywords |
| Image of a living room | Small living room with a gray sofa, a rattan armchair and open wall shelves above a radiator. | Specific about what's in the room |
| Shop now! Best dog collar #dogs | Brown leather dog collar with a brass name plate engraved "Milo", lying on a wooden table. | Describes the product; the sales pitch goes in the description |
| Packing list infographic | Checklist titled "Beach Day Packing List": sunscreen, towel, water bottle, hat, snacks and a phone charger. | For text-heavy Pins, the text is the content, so transcribe it |
FAQ
How long should Pinterest alt text be?
Pinterest allows up to 500 characters. For most photo Pins, one or two sentences cover it. Infographics and checklists need more, because the text on them should be written out.
Should the alt text be the same as the Pin description?
No. The description is where you explain the Pin and use the phrases people search for. Alt text describes what's visible in the image.
Why can't I find the alt text field?
Pinterest only offers it on standard image Pins and video Pins. When you create a Pin it's tucked under More options (desktop) or Advanced settings (app). Business accounts can only edit alt text on existing Pins from the web.
Is the tool free?
Yes, no sign-up needed, with a small hourly limit. If you publish a lot of Pins, BlogToPin writes alt text automatically for every Pin it creates, and you can still edit it.
Next step: write the title and description with the Pinterest title and description generator, or design the Pin image itself with the Pinterest pin maker.