The Media Library is essentially a directory of every single media file that has been uploaded to your site (whether it is ultimately published or not).
Media files include images, videos, audio and even documents. Regardless of where you upload the media to your site, it will show up in the library, where you can view, edit and manage your media files.
Library #
You can access the library by clicking on Media > Library in the left-hand navigation.
![](https://help.birthingyourbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2020/05/image-54-1024x231.png)
The media library can be organized into an unlimited amount of categories.
You can also click on an individual image to see information about the image, edit alternative text, title, and more.
It is highly recommended that Alternative Text be entered to increase visibility to search engines (i.e. Google) AND to assist the visually impaired with viewing your site. Screen readers for the visually impaired will read the alternative text. This is a great opportunity to explain what is in the image in a sentence or less.
Instant Images #
To assist you with finding amazing, free images to use for your website, we have included access to the Unsplash library of images directly within your website’s admin area.
Select Media > Instant Images to be taken to a search engine for images. You can hover over any image and click to add them to your media library.
![](https://help.birthingyourbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2020/05/instantimages-1-1024x565.png)
Image Size Error #
If you receive an error that your image is too big to add to your media library, we have a solution for you!
To keep your website fast, we have limited image sizes (file size) that you can upload. For the internet, large file sizes are not required and are not beneficial to the end result.
If you receive a warning, go to Shortpixel Compress and upload your file there. Shortpixel will optimize your image size WITHOUT losing quality!
![](https://help.birthingyourbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2020/05/image-55-1024x431.png)