Are URLs in alt text usable?

The alt attribute is for plain text. So it can't contain hyperlinks, but it can contain URLs. Custom implementations aside, a screen reader wouldn't offer to visit the URL, but it would read it out.

1. What should not be included in alt text?
2. Can screen readers read hyperlinks?
3. Does SEO pick up alt text?
4. How do I make a link ADA compliant?

What should not be included in alt text?

Decorative items such as dividers or design items that don't provide additional context or content don't need alt text. They don't add to the information a user needs and they make little sense, or are unnecessary, when read with a screen reader.

Can screen readers read hyperlinks?

Screen reading programs have functions to skip text or paragraphs on web pages, but this cannot be done with links. The screen reader will read the entire link!

Does SEO pick up alt text?

We've already highlighted that setting alt text for images is very important for SEO and is a key contributing search engine ranking factor. Alt tags provide context to what an image is displaying, informing search engine crawlers and allowing them to index an image correctly.

How do I make a link ADA compliant?

Clear Text Links

Text links need to be visually clear for sighted users as well screen readers. There needs to be a minimum level of visual contrast between the link text and the rest of the body text. The contrast ratio needs to be 3:1 with surrounding text and the background.