Web accessibility represents a major challenge in 2025. With new European regulations coming into effect and updated WCAG standards, ARIA labels (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) become essential for creating inclusive websites.
ARIA labels make interactive elements understandable for screen readers and other assistive technologies. They provide alternative textual descriptions when visual content isn't sufficient to convey information. This approach directly benefits the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities, while also improving overall user experience and search engine optimization.
Understanding ARIA Labels in 2025
Definition and Functionality
ARIA labels (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) constitute a set of HTML attributes that enrich the semantics of web elements. Developed by the W3C as part of the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), they enable the transmission of additional information to assistive technologies.
An ARIA label functions as an invisible textual alternative that describes the role, state, or function of an HTML element. For example, a button represented by a simple close icon would benefit from an aria-label="Close window" to be understandable by screen readers.
Impact on Accessibility and SEO
Search engines analyze ARIA labels to better understand page structure and content. Google considers accessibility as a ranking factor, particularly since Core Web Vitals integrate overall user experience.
Accessible websites typically demonstrate:
- Lower bounce rates thanks to improved navigation
- Longer session duration for all users
- Enhanced mobile compatibility, favored by search engines
Three Essential ARIA Attributes
aria-label: Direct Description
The aria-label attribute provides a direct textual label to an element, replacing or complementing its visible content. It proves particularly useful for interactive elements lacking explicit text.
Typical Use Cases:
- Icon-only buttons
- Generic "Read more" links
- Search fields without visible labels
- Media controls (play, pause, volume)
Implementation Example:
<!-- fs-richtext-ignore --><button aria-label="Close modal window"><svg><!-- Close icon --></svg></button>
aria-labelledby: Contextual Reference
The aria-labelledby attribute establishes a relationship between an element and one or more other elements that describe it. This approach favors existing visible content to create accessible labels.
Advantages:
- Maintains consistency between visible content and accessible description
- Allows combining multiple information sources
- Works with dynamically generated content
Concrete Example:
<!-- fs-richtext-ignore --><h3 id="billing">Billing Settings</h3>
<button aria-labelledby="billing modify">Edit</button>
<span id="modify" hidden>billing settings</span>
aria-describedby: Complementary Information
The aria-describedby attribute adds supplementary details to an element's description without replacing its accessible name. It enriches understanding without creating redundancy.
Practical Applications:
- Help messages for forms
- Detailed input instructions
- Expected format descriptions
- Constraint information
WCAG 2.2 Implementation Rules
Prioritize Semantic HTML
The first rule of ARIA states: "If you can use a native HTML element with the desired semantics, use it rather than a generic element with ARIA." Native HTML elements already include appropriate accessibility behaviors.
Elements to Favor:
- <!-- fs-richtext-ignore -->
<button>rather than<div role="button"> - <!-- fs-richtext-ignore -->
<a href="#">for links rather than<span role="link"> - <!-- fs-richtext-ignore -->
<input type="checkbox">rather than<div role="checkbox">
Avoid Overuse
WebAIM 2024 studies reveal that pages using ARIA (excluding landmarks) show 34% more errors compared to pages without ARIA attributes. This statistic emphasizes the importance of thoughtful implementation.
Common Errors to Avoid:
- Using
aria-labelon already well-labeled elements - Applying
aria-hidden="true"to interactive elements - Forgetting to update dynamic states (aria-expanded, aria-selected)
Practical Implementation in Webflow
Adding ARIA Attributes
Webflow facilitates ARIA implementation through its "Add Custom Attribute" functionality. This approach allows element enrichment without deep technical knowledge.
Addition Procedure:
- Select the element in the Designer
- Access the Settings panel (⚙️)
- Click "+ Add custom attribute"
- Enter the attribute name (e.g.,
aria-label) - Define its value (e.g.,
Open main menu) - Publish changes
Concrete Usage Examples
Mobile menu button:
Name: aria-label
Value: Open navigation menu
Generic "Learn more" link:
Name: aria-label
Value: Learn more about our web development services
Search field:
Name: aria-label
Value: Search product catalog
Managing Decorative Elements
Purely decorative icons should be hidden from assistive technologies to avoid auditory pollution. Webflow enables easy implementation:
Name: aria-hidden
Value: true
This practice applies to:
- Icons accompanying explicit text
- Purely decorative graphic elements
- Visual separators without informational value
How to make your website inclusive
Legal Framework 2025: What's Changing
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The EAA 2025 extends accessibility obligations to the private sector. From June 28, 2025, companies with more than 10 employees or generating over €2 million in revenue must comply with accessibility standards.
Affected Sectors:
- E-commerce and banking services
- Communication services and audiovisual media
- Transportation systems and ticketing
- Professional software and mobile applications
WCAG 2.2 and National Standards Updates
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2, aligned with national standards like France's RGAA, introduce new criteria:
- Simplified navigation for users with reduced mobility
- Accessible authentication criteria for logins
- Enhanced contrast for visually impaired users
- Strengthened support for cognitive disabilities
Penalties and Controls
Non-compliant companies face fines up to €25,000 and compliance injunctions. Beyond penalties, risks include:
- Exclusion from public contracts for service providers
- Brand image degradation and loss of trust
- Reduced search engine ranking
FAQ on ARIA Labels
When to use aria-label rather than aria-labelledby?
Use aria-label when descriptive information doesn't exist visually on the page. Prefer aria-labelledby when you can reference existing visible content, which maintains consistency between visual and assisted experiences.
Do ARIA labels work on all HTML elements?
No. The aria-label, aria-labelledby, and aria-describedby attributes only work effectively on interactive elements (buttons, links, form fields), landmarks (nav, main, aside), and ARIA widgets. On other elements like plain <!-- fs-richtext-ignore --><div> or <span> tags, their support remains inconsistent across browsers and screen readers.
How to test ARIA label effectiveness?
Several complementary approaches validate implementation:
- Free screen readers: NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (macOS), TalkBack (Android)
- Automated audit tools: axe DevTools, WAVE, Lighthouse
- Browser extensions: Accessibility Insights, axe DevTools
- User testing with people with disabilities
Should ARIA labels be translated in multilingual sites?
Absolutely. ARIA labels must be localized in each site language. Screen readers use the language defined by the page's lang attribute to correctly pronounce labels. Language inconsistency significantly degrades user experience.
Optimizing Your Website's Accessibility
Web accessibility extends beyond ARIA labels. A comprehensive approach combines semantic HTML, inclusive design, and regular user testing. ARIA labels complement this approach by filling gaps where native HTML falls short.
In 2025, accessibility represents a decisive competitive advantage. Proactive companies benefit from better SEO, expanded audience reach, and anticipated regulatory compliance. Investment in accessibility generates measurable returns: improved conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, and strengthened brand image.
Implementing ARIA labels constitutes an accessible step to significantly improve user experience. With Webflow and the best practices presented, your site can meet WCAG 2.2 standards while offering smooth navigation to all visitors.
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