Ability to add alt text in multiple languages in DAM
We are using the CMS asset picker to select images from the CMP DAM.
Currently, the alt text can be added to assets in the DAM in one language only.
We operate in 27 languages (= 33 distinct country websites and often re-use images in the DAM across markets. As it stands, there is no easy way for us to add alt text in multiple languages to an asset.
Our product recommendation:
* Alt text field to allow a default language + multiple language translations, generated with AI and editable.
* Alt text translations to automatically pull through to the CMS in the correct language when the asset is selected via the CMP picker and/or a block that already includes the asset is used on a different site.
This is particularly relevant now as the EU Accessibility Act will come into effect in June 2025, requiring us to be compliant, and alt text is a very basic accessibility feature.
Thank you!
Michela Zamuner
shared this idea
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Jennifer Hallqvist
commented
We fully support the request for multi‑language alt text in CMP DAM. Since our CMS environments require language‑specific alt text for legislated accessibility, having only a single alt‑text field in DAM limits reuse across multilingual sites.
We would like to add that generative AI should be leveraged not only to create high‑quality, accessibility‑compliant alt text that describes the image content, but also to automatically translate it into all configured languages. This would allow Optimizely to demonstrate real AI value in the product while reducing editorial effort and ensuring consistency.
With AI‑generated and AI‑translated alt text stored per asset, CMS platforms could pull the correct language version directly from the DAM API. This would improve accessibility, streamline content workflows, and make images more discoverable in the DAM.