List-Unsubscribe Header: Email Compliance Best Practices
Learn what the List-Unsubscribe header is and how to implement it. Understand email compliance requirements and how List-Unsubscribe improves deliver...
List-Unsubscribe
Also known as: One-click unsubscribe
List-Unsubscribe is an email header that allows recipients to unsubscribe from a mailing list without searching for a link in the footer.
The List-Unsubscribe header is a technical instruction added to the code of an email. It tells the email client (like Gmail or iOS Mail) to display a prominent "Unsubscribe" button at the top of the message, near the sender info.
This is crucial for two reasons. First, it reduces spam complaints—users who can easily unsubscribe are less likely to hit the "Report Spam" button. Second, it is now a mandatory requirement (specifically RFC 8058 One-Click Unsubscribe) for bulk senders targeting Gmail and Yahoo as of 2024.
If you send marketing email, you must include this header to ensure deliverability.
Related Terms
List(Audience)
Your email list is the group of people who have asked to hear from you by email. It is an audience you own and can contact any time without relying on ads or social platforms.
Learn more →Email Header(Message Header)
An email header is the technical information attached to every email that shows where it came from and how it moved between servers. It also records checks that help decide whether the message is safe and legitimate.
Learn more →List Churn(Churn)
The percentage of subscribers you lose from your email list in a set time period. It includes people who unsubscribe, mark you as spam, or are removed because their address no longer works.
Learn more →Unsubscribe(Opt Out)
The action someone takes to stop getting your emails, usually by clicking a link at the bottom of a message. It is required by law and it shows respect when you stop emailing them right away.
Learn more →Related Articles About List-Unsubscribe
A simple explanation of the new List-Unsubscribe header changes
An overview of the more confusing aspects of the Gmail and Yahoo changes.
AboutMyEmail: Free Email Testing Tool for Headers and Compliance
Test email headers, authentication, and Yahoo/Gmail compliance with AboutMyEmail. Get detailed reports on SPF, DKIM, DMARC, BIMI, and more from this ...