Blink tag in HTML is one of the earliest, most iconic, and controversial elements in web history. While not widely used today, it represents a fascinating part of how the web evolved. Blink was never a part of official HTML standards, yet it played a visible role in how content was presented—literally blinking on screen to grab attention.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the most basic building block of the Web. It defines the meaning and structure of web content. Other technologies besides HTML are generally used to describe a web page’s appearance/presentation (CSS) or functionality/behavior (JavaScript).
“Hypertext” refers to links that connect web pages to one another, either within a single website or between websites. Links are a fundamental aspect of the Web. By uploading content to the Internet and linking it to pages created by other people, you become an active participant in the World Wide Web.
🔄 What Is <blink> in HTML?
The <blink> tag was introduced by Netscape Navigator in the mid-1990s. Its purpose was simple: make text flash on and off repeatedly. Web designers used it to highlight important content, create flashy headlines, or sometimes—overuse it for fun.
<blink>This text will blink!</blink>
However, most modern browsers have dropped support for the <blink> tag because it became known for being visually disruptive and offered poor accessibility. Still, it’s a curious footnote in the story of the web’s early experimentation.
📉 Why Was <blink> Deprecated?
While <blink> served its purpose to catch a visitor’s eye, it was soon seen as annoying and unprofessional. Developers and designers began to shift focus toward better user experience (UX) and accessibility.
Additionally, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) never officially recognized the <blink> tag in the HTML specifications. It was always considered non-standard.
As a result, browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge no longer support it.
You can read more about deprecated HTML tags here:
MDN Web Docs – Deprecated HTML
🔧 How to Create a Blink Effect Today (Using CSS or JavaScript)
Even though the <blink> tag no longer works, you can still create a blinking effect using CSS animations or JavaScript:
✅ CSS Animation Example
<span class="blink">This will blink with CSS!</span>
<style>
.blink {
animation: blink-animation 1s steps(2, start) infinite;
}
@keyframes blink-animation {
to {
visibility: hidden;
}
}
</style>
✅ JavaScript Blink Example
<p id="blinker">Blink with JavaScript</p>
<script>
setInterval(() => {
const el = document.getElementById("blinker");
el.style.visibility = (el.style.visibility === 'hidden') ? 'visible' : 'hidden';
}, 500);
</script>
🌐 The Legacy of <blink>
Even though <blink> is long gone from modern HTML, its spirit lives on in today’s animations, transitions, and attention-grabbing UI designs. It serves as a reminder of how the web was once a playground of creativity—sometimes chaotic, but always evolving.
✨ Summary
The <blink> tag was a fun but flawed feature of the early web. While it’s no longer in use, developers can still create similar effects using modern CSS or JavaScript. Understanding it helps us appreciate how far HTML and web standards have come.