For years, SEOs quoted a “60–70 characters” rule for title tags. In 2025, the better mental model is pixel width. Google renders titles inside a container that measures width, not characters, so a skinny “i” and a wide “W” don’t take the same space. That’s why a 58-character title can still get clipped — and a 68-character one can render cleanly.
💡 TL;DR
- Desktop truncation typically happens around ~580–600px; mobile is tighter.
- Aim for ~45–65 characters as a practical range but always check pixel width.
- Front-load the important words. Save the brand for the end unless it drives clicks.
- Preview with the Title Tag Length Tester before you publish.
Characters vs. Pixels: What Actually Gets Truncated?
Google’s SERP components are rendered visually. That means glyph shapes, spaces, and punctuation impact whether a title fits. All-caps, wide letters, and symbols (like pipes |) inflate width and can push an otherwise “short” title over the limit.
| Character Mindset | Pixel Mindset |
|---|---|
| Count letters to stay under 60–70 | Preview width ≈ 580–600px on desktop |
| All glyphs treated equally | Wide glyphs (W, M, caps) consume more space |
| Brackets/pipes are harmless | Decorative symbols can cause truncation |
| “One size fits all” | Mobile containers are narrower than desktop |
Best Practices for 2025
Lead With Value
Put the main keyword and benefit first; brand last unless your brand moves CTR (click-thru rate). E.g., “Image SEO Guide 2025: Faster Pages, Better Rankings | JunkDrawer.Tools”.
Write Naturally, Then Trim
Draft a human-friendly line, then tighten until the pixel preview shows a clean render. Avoid shouting in ALL CAPS unless stylistically required.
Watch the Width Hogs
Pipes |, multiple brackets [ ], and strings of capital letters widen quickly. Prefer middots • or em dashes — if they preview tighter.
Examples (Clean vs. Clipped)
Clipped risk: The Complete & Ultimate Guide to Image SEO in 2025 | Tips, Tools & Advanced Tactics
Workflow: Ship Awesome Titles Every Time
- Write 2–3 variants that match user's search intent.
- Test each one in the Title Tag Length Tester.
- Pick the cleanest full-render and keep thr others as A/B options.
Preview Your Titles in Pixels
Paste your title and see if it truncates before you publish.
Open Title Tag Length TesterFAQ
Is there a hard character limit?
Not really, characters are a guideline. The render box’s pixel width is what matters. You want the user to be able to see the title and it not appear cutoff.
Should I add my brand?
You can. If so, it'll usually be at the end: Main Topic | Brand. Lead with brand only if it’s a CTR asset.
Do emojis help or hurt?
They can inflate width and look spammy in some SERPs. Use sparingly and preview.
🎯 Action Steps
- Front-load the topic & benefits; trim symbols.
- Target ~45–65 chars, then validate pixel width.
- Run every new title through the tester before launch.
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