Multimodal SEO: Optimizing Images, Video, and Audio for AI Systems
Author: Yılmaz Saraçmultimodal-seoimage-seovideo-seoaudio-seoalt-text
What Is Multimodal SEO?
Multimodal SEO refers to the optimization of non-textual content — images, videos, audio, infographics — for search engines and AI systems. Modern AI models increasingly process multimodal content and can incorporate visual and auditory information into their responses.
Image Optimization:
- Descriptive filenames (brand-analysis-dashboard.webp instead of IMG_4523.jpg)
- Alt texts that precisely describe image content
- Structured image data with Schema.org ImageObject
- WebP/AVIF format for optimal load times
- Responsive images with srcset for different screen sizes
Video Optimization:
- Schema.org VideoObject with title, description, thumbnail
- Provide transcripts and subtitles
- Create video sitemap and submit to Google
- Chapter markers for better navigation
- YouTube descriptions with relevant keywords
Audio & Podcasts:
- Complete transcripts for search engine indexing
- Schema.org PodcastEpisode markup
- Descriptive episode titles and summaries
- RSS feed with structured metadata
AI Relevance:
GPT-4o, Gemini, and other multimodal models can analyze images and videos. Well-optimized multimodal content increases the likelihood of being used as a visual reference in AI responses — so your brand is visually present in AI search as well.