The tooltip’s position is dictated by the interface design. Avoid hiding other key elements or getting cut off by an edge.

Tooltips should not be used on mobile. Instead, use a note to explain what the user needs to know.

The tooltip appears on hover by default, but should also be triggered on focus. Tooltips should never appear without a trigger, especially not as onboarding prompts.

There’s a hard limit of one bold or italicized phrase—not complete sentence—per tooltip. Use it to call out another element (clips, playlists, etc.) or the desired action.

Don'tbold an entire tooltip.

Dobold or italicize a single important piece of information.

Don’t use a tooltip to display metadata, like viewing activity for a specific team member. The content should relate directly to the interface element, not provide new information with zero context.

Don'tpack the tooltip with data they may not expect.

Docenter the content around the trigger itself.

Because we link the action and/or where a link takes the user, there’s no need to include a tooltip where that same information would be shared. Avoid tooltips on links altogether.

Tooltips should not replace help text on form inputs—the help text should communicate exactly what the user is submitting.

Radios and checkboxes, however, can use tooltips to communicate what a user is selecting.

Don'tuse a tooltip in addition to help text.

Dohelp the user understand their decision.

Use a tooltip to explain why the button is disabled and provide clear direction for moving forward.

Don'tsimply say that the button is disabled.

Doprovide more context around what enables the button.

Tooltips should be no longer than 110 characters. That comes to four full lines for an effective message.

Don'tramble and take up a quarter of the interface for a quick FYI.

Dobe as clear and concise as possible.

Tooltips don’t require fun phrases or a full shot of personality, just tell the user exactly what they need to know. Inform them and move on.

Don'tgo crazy with a casual tone and miss the point.

Dofocus on the most necessary information.

A tooltip should never take the user somewhere else—all necessary information should live in the tooltip itself (for the sake of context more than anything). Don’t link the text.

Only periods are allowed in tooltips. We shouldn’t use the limited space to yell with an exclamation or ask questions with no answer.

Don'task a question when we can't fit an answer.

Douse a period to instill confidence in the complete thought.