Google Parses img Elements Even When Enclosed Within Other Elements

Jan 24, 2023 - 7:41 am 0 by

Google Image code

Google has also updated the image SEO best practices document to clarify that Google will parses img elements even when they're enclosed in other elements such as picture elements when indexing images.

Previously, the line read, "Google parses the HTML of your pages to index images, but doesn't index CSS images."

Now, the line reads, "Using semantic HTML markup helps crawlers find and process images. Google parses the HTML img elements (even when they're enclosed in other elements such as picture elements) in your pages to index images, but doesn't index CSS images."

Here is the before and after screenshots (before on right, after on left):

click for full size

On another note, Google also updated the alt text and filenames in the examples to be more descriptive.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: January 29, 2026

Jan 29, 2026 - 10:00 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Poll: 33% Will Block Google AI Search Experience: AI Mode & AI Overviews

Jan 29, 2026 - 7:51 am
Google

Google Tests 10 Sitelinks On Some Search Result Snippets

Jan 29, 2026 - 7:41 am
Google Ads

Google Ads Advertiser Verification Page Moving

Jan 29, 2026 - 7:31 am
Google

Google Personal Intelligence Creates AI Frankenstein Recipes

Jan 29, 2026 - 7:21 am
Google Ads

Google Ads API Version 23 Now Available

Jan 29, 2026 - 7:11 am
 
Previous Story: Google To Sunset Google Optimize On September 30, 2023