The <title> tag defines the title of an HTML document. It appears in the browser’s title bar or tab and is used by search engines and social networks to identify and display the page. Though not visible within the webpage itself, it plays a crucial role in SEO, accessibility, and user experience.
What does the <title> tag do?
Preparing for interviews?
Use guided tracks for structured prep, then practice company-specific question sets when you want targeted interview coverage.
Quick Answer
Answer
The Core Idea
The <title> tag is one of the most important elements inside the <head> section of an HTML document. It defines the title of the web page, which appears in the browser tab, search engine results, and bookmarks. Even though it doesn’t display on the webpage itself, it plays a vital role in both user navigation and search engine optimization (SEO).
HTML
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Learn HTML Basics</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to HTML Learning!</h1>
</body>
</html>
In this example, the browser tab will display the text “Learn HTML Basics”, while the heading inside the <body> (<h1>
Use Case | Effect | Example |
|---|---|---|
Browser Tabs | The title appears on the browser tab or window header. | <title>My Portfolio</title> |
Search Results | Search engines display the title as the clickable headline of a result. | <title>Best Travel Destinations 2025</title> |
Bookmarks | When a page is saved, the title becomes the bookmark label. | <title>Recipe Collection</title> |
Social Sharing | Used as the default text when sharing links on social media. | <title>JavaScript Fundamentals Explained</title> |
SEO and Accessibility Benefits
The <title> tag directly influences a webpage’s ranking and accessibility:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Search engines like Google use the
<title>as the main heading for a search result. A clear, keyword-rich title helps users and crawlers understand the page’s content. - Accessibility Tools: Screen readers announce the title when users switch between tabs or open a new page, making it essential for visually impaired users.
- Browser Usability: Users often rely on tab titles to navigate between multiple open pages, so short and descriptive titles enhance usability.
HTML
<title>HTML Tutorial for Beginners | Learn HTML Step by Step</title>
A well-written title is concise (50–60 characters), descriptive, and relevant to the page content. Avoid keyword stuffing or using the same title across multiple pages.
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the
<title>tag: Causes accessibility issues and results in poor search engine visibility. - Too long or too short titles: Search engines may truncate or ignore them.
- Using generic text: Titles like “Home” or “Page 1” provide no context.
- Duplicating titles across pages: Confuses users and search engines about content relevance.
HTML
<!-- Bad example -->
<title>Home</title>
<!-- Good example -->
<title>Home | Sarah’s Interior Design Studio</title>
Still so complicated?
Think of the <title> tag as the nameplate of your webpage — it doesn’t appear inside the house (the visible page), but it’s what people see from the outside: on the browser tab, in Google search, or in their bookmarks. A clear and descriptive nameplate makes your page stand out and easy to find.
Summary
- The
<title>tag defines the document’s title shown in the browser, search results, and bookmarks. - It belongs inside the
<head>section of the HTML document. - Plays a critical role in SEO, accessibility, and user navigation.
- Keep titles concise (50–60 characters), descriptive, and unique for every page.
- Avoid generic or duplicated titles for better visibility and usability.
Similar questions
Guides