What is the difference between aria-label and title attributes?

html

accessibility

aria-label

title-attribute

byAlex Kataev·Mar 11, 2025

An aria-label is an invisible label that screen readers can interpret, enhancing accessibility for web elements that lack visible text. Conversely, a title offers a visible tooltip when hovered over, providing additional information. However, it may not always be read by screen readers. Lean on aria-label to ensure that your content is accessible to screen-reader users, and use title when visual tooltips could provide value without impacting the overall understanding of an element.

<!-- An aria-label makes screen readers happy -->
<button aria-label="Close">X</button>

<!-- A title tooltip gives a hover party to your mouse -->
<button title="Close">X</button>

Keep in mind that screen readers give priority to aria-label over title.

When to use and which to choose

When it comes to ensuring website usability and accessibility, understanding the appropriate use of aria-label and title is crucial. For situations where visual cues aren't necessary or for crafting accessible links and buttons, aria-label takes precedence.

However, the title attribute serves as a handy tool when a visual tooltip can provide added clarity. Just remember to avoid information duplication in your aria-label and title attributes to avert user confusion.

Reading the room: Understanding your users

When choosing an attribute, understanding your user interaction environments is vital. Accessibility tools and frameworks like Bootstrap prefer aria-label due to its universal accessibility support. Follow Bootstrap standards when consistent styling and accessibility is required.

In cases where a control requires comprehensive information, using aria-describedby can be a more fitting choice. If your aim is to provide brief, helpful contextual information on mouse hover for sighted users, the title attribute fits the bill.

Design decisions: Up your accessibility game

ARIA tags serve the essential task of making websites navigable for users with disabilities. They might be invisible on the front-end, but they aid in building an intuitive and accessible website. Incorporate aria-label to ensure all your navigational elements are accessible.

Crafting the perfect accessibility melodrama

Prioritizing accessibility is not a mere afterthought; instead, it should be at the heart of your development process. Here are a few tips and potential pitfalls:

ARIA vs. HTML: Stick to native HTML elements whenever possible. ARIA attributes should only supplement elements when HTML accessibility features cannot.
Avoid verbosity: Ensure no redundancy between aria-label and title attributes. It can lead to user confusion.
Context is king: aria-label is unnecessary when the element's text self-describes its function. Likewise, title attributes should not replace suitable labeling practices.
Screen Reader Interplay: Different screen readers interpret attributes differently. Perform compatibility tests with various screen readers.
Visibility: aria-labels aren't visible to sighted users. If vital information is only provided via aria-label, sighted users might miss out.