WordPress Core
A caption is the visible text displayed below or beside an image on the front end of a WordPress site. It is one of four editable metadata fields in the Media Library and is typically controlled by the active theme.
Caption vs alt text
Captions and alt text serve different purposes and audiences. Captions are visible to all users — they appear on the page as part of the content layout. Alt text is hidden from sighted users but read by screen readers and search engines.
A common mistake is leaving alt text empty on the assumption that the caption describes the image sufficiently. It does not. Screen readers do not read captions as image descriptions — they read alt text. A well-captioned image without alt text is still inaccessible.
Captions and Media Score
Mediapapa’s Media Score includes caption completeness as one factor in the per-file health rating. A file with no caption scores lower than a file with one. AI Metadata Generation in Mediapapa can suggest initial captions based on image content — the same batch workflow that handles alt text and titles.
Frequently asked questions
Does every image need a caption?
No. Captions are optional and context-dependent. Decorative images, background images and images that are self-explanatory in context do not need one. Images in editorial content, product listings and documentation often benefit from captions that provide additional context.
Where is the caption stored in WordPress?
In the wp_posts table as the post_excerpt field of the attachment record. When you insert an image with a caption into a post, the caption is typically embedded in the block markup or shortcode as well.
Related terms: Alt Text · Metadata · Media Score
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