Iframes need title

ZMD012

Each <iframe> must include a title attribute that describes its embedded content.

✅ Good

<iframe src="video.html" title="Product demo video"></iframe>

❌ Bad

<iframe src="video.html"></iframe>

When: An <iframe> lacks a title or it is empty

Warning: <iframe> missing title attribute

Solution: Add a short title to describe the content

Why it matters

Accessibility: Unnamed frames force screen-reader users to navigate into them and guess purpose.

SEO: Frames without titles miss out on descriptive metadata.

In brief

  • Goal: Provide an accessible name for each frame.
  • What to do: Add title="…" to every <iframe> element.
  • Why: Without a title, users must enter the frame to learn its purpose.

Intent

Ensure frames are self-describing to assistive technologies.

Benefits

  • Screen readers announce frames by title, enabling quick navigation.
  • Users see context above embedded content.

Techniques

  • H64: Using the title attribute of frame and iframe elements.

HTML Semantics

The title attribute defines the user-visible name of a frame; omitting it leaves the frame unnamed.

References

Tips & edge cases

  • Keep titles concise—treat them like frame headlines, not full descriptions.
  • Ensure each iframe on a page has a unique title to avoid confusion.

See also