Is DKIM domain alignment required for Google and Yahoo's new email sending requirements?

Email marketer from SparkPost Blog explains that Google and Yahoo require senders to authenticate their emails using DKIM. Domain alignment, while not a strict requirement, is beneficial for deliverability because it improves sender reputation.

Email marketer from Reddit explains in a Reddit thread that while DKIM is a must, full alignment isn't technically 'required' per se by Google/Yahoo but strongly encouraged for better deliverability rates and avoiding spam filters.

Email marketer from MailerLite discusses the Google and Yahoo's updated requirements, saying that while a perfect DKIM domain alignment isn't technically a 'must-have,' it's treated as a 'should-have' for best results. Properly aligning your DKIM domain enhances sender reputation, contributing to improved deliverability.

Marketer from Email Geeks agrees with Steve and Laura, and suggests aligning domains as a way for senders to distinguish themselves, particularly from shared domain reputation, but it's not a mandatory requirement if there are no existing issues.

Email marketer from GMass Blog covers the 2024 Google and Yahoo email authentication requirements, noting that while DKIM and SPF are mandatory, DKIM alignment is not strictly required but is considered a 'strong recommendation'. Implementing DKIM alignment enhances your chances of avoiding the spam folder.

Email marketer from Mailjet Blog explains that although Google and Yahoo require DKIM authentication, they do not explicitly state that the DKIM domain must align with the 'From' domain. They recommend alignment as a best practice to enhance email deliverability and sender reputation.

Email marketer from an email marketing forum notes that getting DKIM set up is essential, but the forum discussion suggests that perfect DKIM alignment isn't a hard requirement. It is a strong recommendation for optimal inbox placement.

Email marketer from Sendinblue Blog answers that while strict DKIM alignment isn't mandated by Google and Yahoo's new policies, having aligned DKIM is highly advisable for optimal deliverability, as it improves sender authentication and trust.

Expert from Email Geeks clarifies that there's no requirement to fully align everything with DKIM, though it's a good practice when feasible. Only the List-Unsubscribe header needs to be signed with DKIM, but it doesn't have to align with the d= domain.

Expert from Email Geeks states that across the industry, there is no general push to require DKIM alignment, except for a few outliers.

Expert from Word to the Wise explains the new 2024 Gmail and Yahoo requirements, including authentication and spam rate thresholds. While DKIM is required, it clarifies that full DKIM alignment is not explicitly mandated but is generally recommended for better deliverability. Mentions using a subdomain for marketing emails as a way to protect main domain reputation.

Expert from Spam Resource explains the importance of authentication, particularly DKIM, for email deliverability. The site states that strict DKIM alignment, while not always explicitly required, strengthens authentication and helps prove sender legitimacy, which is beneficial for inbox placement.

Documentation from Microsoft Learn highlights the importance of DKIM and DMARC for email authentication in Exchange Online. While it stresses the need for DKIM signing, it frames DKIM alignment as a best practice that significantly contributes to a positive sender reputation and improved deliverability, especially when used in conjunction with DMARC.

Documentation from Yahoo Help Central highlights the importance of DKIM authentication and a valid DMARC record, emphasizing that these are vital for ensuring emails reach the inbox. Yahoo does not explicitly require DKIM domain alignment but focuses on having authentication in place.

Documentation from DMARC.org describes DKIM alignment as a critical component for DMARC validation. While DMARC leverages DKIM alignment, the base DKIM standard itself does not enforce alignment as a requirement, but DMARC policies can indirectly make it essential for deliverability.

Documentation from RFC Editor explains that while DKIM provides a mechanism for signing emails, alignment refers to the relationship between the domain used to sign the message and the domain presented to the user (e.g., in the 'From:' header). It details how DMARC uses DKIM alignment to validate messages but does not mandate alignment itself.

Documentation from Google Workspace Updates specifies that enforcing DKIM signing is mandatory for sending emails to Google accounts. However, domain alignment (i.e., matching the DKIM signing domain with the From: domain) is not explicitly mandated but is a recommended best practice for improving deliverability.