Should You Use In-App Product Tooltips? Here’s What You Need to Know

Ever wondered if those little pop-up hints inside your software app are worth the effort?

In-app tooltips can be a powerful tool to guide users, boost feature adoption, and reduce support tickets, but only when used thoughtfully. 

Here’s how to decide if, when, and how to use them for maximum impact.

What Are In-App Tooltips?

Tooltips are brief, contextual messages that appear when a user interacts with a specific element in your product. They’re designed to provide just-in-time guidance, explain features, and help users complete tasks without leaving the app.

When to Use Tooltips

1. Onboarding New Users

• Guide first-time users through key features and workflows. Focus on the initial tasks they need to complete. 

• Reduce the learning curve by offering contextual information during product tours.

2. Introducing New or Hidden Features

• Highlight new capabilities or underused tools so users don’t miss out.

• Announce product updates directly in the interface instead of relying on emails that get ignored.

3. Providing Contextual Help

• Offer explanations for complex or non-obvious UI elements.

• Give users confidence to explore without fear of making mistakes.

4. Preventing Errors

• Warn users before they take risky actions or clarify what a button does.

• Reduce accidental clicks and unnecessary support requests.

5. Reinforcing Calls to Action

• Nudge users toward important actions, like completing a profile or upgrading a plan.

• Use tooltips to draw attention to CTAs at just the right moment.

When NOT to Use Tooltips

• For critical information: Don’t hide essential instructions or compliance details in a tooltip which users may miss.

• For every element: Too many tooltips can overwhelm or annoy users. If you need a tooltip for everything, revisit your UI design.

• For information users need later: Tooltips are best for in-the-moment guidance, not as a replacement for help docs or FAQs.

• If they block the interface: Poorly placed tooltips can frustrate users and hinder task completion.

Are Tooltips Worth It?

The Pros:

• Improve onboarding and feature discovery.

• Reduce user frustration and support tickets.

• Encourage adoption of new features and upgrades.

• Deliver help exactly when and where it’s needed.

The Cons:

• Can clutter the UI if overused.

• Can annoy users if they aren’t specific to their role or job function. 

• May be ignored if context is not relevant.

• Require ongoing maintenance as your product evolves.

Companies that provide in-app tooltips

• Pendo

• Appcues

• Walkme

Special Considerations for HealthTech Companies

In HealthTech, tooltips can play a unique role but there are extra factors to consider:

1. Compliance and Clarity: Never use tooltips for critical regulatory or privacy information. Essential compliance details should be front and center, not hidden in a pop-up.

2. Supporting Complex Workflows: HealthTech apps often have intricate features for clinicians or patients. Use tooltips to clarify steps, reduce errors, and build user confidence especially during onboarding or when introducing new modules.

3. Sensitive Contexts: Avoid tooltips that could distract during high-stakes tasks (e.g., entering patient data). Prioritize non-intrusive, context-aware guidance.

4. Data Security: Don’t display PHI (Protected Health Information) or sensitive data in tooltips.

Thoughtfully implemented tooltips can improve adoption, reduce training time, and support safer workflows but always balance guidance with compliance, accessibility, and user trust.

Final Thoughts

Tooltips are a powerful tool in your in-app guidance toolkit but only when used with intention.

 Start by mapping your user journey, identify where users get stuck, and then determine if adding tooltips will improve their workflow and adoption. For HealthTech companies, always keep compliance, clarity, and patient safety at the forefront.

Until next time,

Manasi