AltTextAPI

What AltTextAPI is

AltTextAPI generates descriptive alt text from image URLs through its web service and API. It says generated descriptions are checked against WCAG 2.1 criteria and returned in under two seconds, with support for 130+ languages; the Free plan is limited to English. You can connect through a REST API, JavaScript widget, or WordPress plugin. The widget is described as working with WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, Squarespace, and plain HTML. In WordPress, the plugin can create alt text when images are uploaded and process existing media in batches of five. Image URLs must be publicly accessible: the API cannot download images from private networks, including localhost and 127.0.0.1. The maker says images are handled in memory, discarded after generation, not stored or used for model training, and not shared with third parties. It also says its infrastructure is GDPR compliant. The Free plan costs nothing and covers 50 images per month; generation stops at the limit until the next billing cycle. Pro is $9 a month, Business $19 a month, and Agency $49 a month, but their pricing-page buttons are marked “Coming Soon.”

Who it suits

It suits site owners and teams that need alt text generated from publicly accessible image URLs, including WordPress users and sites using the listed widget platforms. The plan descriptions identify Pro for growing sites and professional bloggers, Business for ecommerce stores and content teams, and Agency for agencies managing client sites.

Limits

The Free plan includes 50 images per month and English. Once that monthly limit is reached, generation stops until the next billing cycle. The listed Pro, Business, and Agency plan buttons are marked “Coming Soon.”

Getting started

1. Open the AltTextAPI website.
2. Choose the Free plan or review the listed Pro, Business, and Agency plans.
3. For API use, provide a publicly accessible image URL and use the REST API.
4. For a website integration, use the JavaScript widget on WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, Squarespace, or plain HTML.
5. For WordPress, use the plugin to generate descriptions on upload or process existing media in batches of five.

Verdict

AltTextAPI offers several ways to add generated image descriptions to a site, with a free tier and plans listing higher monthly limits. Check the public-URL requirement and the paid-plan availability before choosing it.