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Why can’t I add a countdown timer to my emails?

Monique Clark avatar
Written by Monique Clark
Updated this week

💡 Summary:

We’ve removed support for embedded countdown timers in emails due to limitations with how different email clients handle them. Here’s what you need to know and why.

🔍 Why was the countdown timer removed?

Countdown timers rely on dynamic elements (like live image rendering or JavaScript) that many email clients either don’t support or actively block due to security and spam filtering concerns.

Over time, we saw a rise in issues caused by these limitations — including timers not displaying properly, delayed email delivery, or messages ending up in spam. As a result, we made the decision to remove the built-in countdown timer tool to prioritise reliable deliverability and compatibility across inboxes.


💌 Can I still use countdown timers from third-party tools?

You can, but we don’t recommend it.

Some third-party services offer image-based countdown timers (which refresh regularly via a server), but:

  • Many email clients block these images by default

  • They may not load consistently

  • They can negatively impact deliverability

If you do choose to use one, be aware that results may vary depending on the email platform and recipient’s email client.


🔁 Will the countdown timer come back?

We’re open to revisiting it in future updates if demand increases and better technical solutions emerge that are safe, reliable, and widely supported.

Right now, it hasn’t been a priority based on usage and the performance risks involved — but we’re always listening, so feel free to get in touch if it’s something important to your campaigns.


🧠 Alternatives we recommend

If your goal is to drive urgency, consider these safer and more universally supported alternatives:

  • Add bold text like “Offer ends Friday at 5PM!”

  • Include a static graphic that looks like a countdown (with a real expiry date)

  • Set up automated emails tied to expiry dates to reinforce urgency

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