diff --git a/src/aind_metadata_viz/app.py b/src/aind_metadata_viz/app.py
index 7f93098..ad7fea1 100644
--- a/src/aind_metadata_viz/app.py
+++ b/src/aind_metadata_viz/app.py
@@ -356,7 +356,7 @@ def build_row(selected_modality, derived_filter):
 
 # Add the validator section
 
-validator_name_selector = pn.widgets.TextInput(name="Enter asset name to validate:", value="", width=800)
+validator_name_selector = pn.widgets.TextInput(name="Enter asset name to validate:", value="", placeholder="Asset name" width=800)
 pn.state.location.sync(validator_name_selector, {"value": "validator_name"})
 
 validator = database.RecordValidator(validator_name_selector.value, colors)