Yes, alt text is a ranking factor for Naver Image Search.
Similar to other search engines like Google, Naver relies on alt text to understand the content of images and determine their relevance for search queries. However, Naver’s image search algorithm may place a different emphasis on certain aspects than Google, given its focus on the Korean market and localized content.
Here’s how alt text impacts Naver Image Search rankings:
- Relevance: Alt text helps Naver understand the content of images, which in turn influences how well images are matched to search queries. Accurately describing images in alt text with keywords can improve their chances of appearing in relevant searches.
- User Experience: Alt text also serves as a fallback when images fail to load. Naver, like other search engines, values user experience, so using descriptive alt text enhances accessibility and can indirectly impact SEO performance.
- Context: Naver considers the overall context of the page in which the image appears, so alt text should align with the content of the page. Images that are well-placed within relevant and high-quality content are more likely to rank higher.
- Localization: Given Naver’s focus on Korean users, alt text should ideally be written in Korean to maximize visibility in Naver Image Search. Incorporating localized keywords and terms can help improve relevance.
In summary, while alt text alone won’t guarantee high rankings, it is an important factor in Naver Image Search, especially when combined with other SEO best practices like relevant content and user engagement.