WordPress CorE
Media metadata is the descriptive information stored alongside each file in the WordPress Media Library. It includes four editable fields — title, alt text, caption and description — plus technical file data like dimensions, file size, MIME type and upload date.
The four editable metadata fields
Title: the file’s display name in the admin. Used for identification and appears in some contexts on the front end. Not read by screen readers.
Alt text: the accessibility description for images, read by screen readers and used by search engines. The most important field for SEO and accessibility. See the Alt Text glossary entry for full detail.
Caption: visible text displayed below or beside an image on the front end. Controlled by the theme. Not a substitute for alt text.
Description: internal notes about the file. Rarely displayed on the front end. Useful for documenting file origin, licence or usage context.
Metadata completeness and Media Score
Mediapapa’s Media Score evaluates each file across multiple criteria including metadata completeness. A file missing alt text, title or caption will score lower. The usage index surfaces these gaps across the entire library so you can prioritise which files need attention first.
AI Metadata Generation in Mediapapa can produce initial drafts of alt text, title and caption based on image content analysis. You review and confirm before anything is saved.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between metadata and EXIF data?
WordPress metadata refers to the four editable fields in the media editor (title, alt text, caption, description). EXIF data is technical information embedded in the image file itself by the camera or editing software — focal length, shutter speed, GPS coordinates. WordPress can read and display EXIF data but does not let you edit it through the standard media editor.
Does adding metadata improve SEO?
Alt text has a direct impact on image search visibility and page relevance signals. Title has a minor SEO role. Caption is visible to users and can support topical relevance. Description has minimal SEO impact in most configurations.
Can Mediapapa bulk-fill missing metadata?
Yes. AI Metadata Generation in Mediapapa can generate alt text, titles and captions for multiple files at once. The process uses image content analysis and works on any number of files. Credits are consumed per field generated.
Related terms: Alt Text · EXIF Data · Media Score · AI Metadata Generation
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