Email Countdown Timer — Complete Guide

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Email Countdown Timer — Complete Guide

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Email Countdown Timer — Complete Guide

An email countdown timer is an animated GIF that counts down to a specific date and time, creating urgency and boosting clicks. This guide explains how countdown timers work, best practices, and how to add them to your emails in popular platforms.

How an email countdown timer works

Mail Countdowns generates an animated GIF with server-side frames calculated at open time. Each time the email is opened, the GIF reflects the remaining time. This makes it reliable across clients that support animated GIFs (Gmail, Apple Mail, mobile clients). Outlook shows the first frame; we optimize that frame for clarity.

Create your timer

1. Log in to your Mail Countdowns dashboard. You can click this link to open it in a new tab and keep this guide open at the same time!
 2. Click "Create New Timer"
 Create new timer button on dashboard 3. Customize your countdown timer
 Set campaign end date and time 4. Save your countdown timer
 Customize timer appearance 5. Copy the generated HTML code
 Copy generated HTML code

✅

All set! You're ready to integrate your countdown timer. The HTML code is now saved in your clipboard and ready to be used.

Add it to your platform

  • Mailchimp: Use a Code block and paste the HTML
  • Klaviyo: Add a Custom HTML block and paste the code
  • HubSpot: Drag an HTML module into the layout
  • Omnisend: Use the Custom HTML block
  • Constant Contact: Insert the Custom Code block
  • AWeber: Add an HTML element and paste the snippet

Design and deliverability best practices

  • Keep the timer above the fold near your CTA
  • Use high contrast colors and readable fonts
  • Pair with clear, time-bound copy (e.g., “Ends in 02:15:23”)
  • Test in Gmail, Apple Mail, and Outlook
  • Set timezone and language per campaign

FAQ

Is a countdown timer supported in all email clients? Most major clients support animated GIFs. Outlook shows the first frame.

Can I use a timer for free? Yes—no watermark on the free plan.

How often does it update? On open; refreshes on reopen to stay accurate.

Can I localize it? Yes—pick timezone and language during creation.

Related guides

email countdown timer gif

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