What DNS records are required for the new Yahoo Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL) and can ESPs manage this for clients?

Summary

For the new Yahoo Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL), proper DKIM authentication is critical. While older FBLs may still be running in parallel, transitioning to the new system is necessary. The key factor determining DNS requirements is whether the ESP uses its own DKIM domain (double signing) or the client's domain. In the former case, the ESP typically manages FBL registration and setup, often requiring no DNS changes for the client. However, if the client's domain is used for DKIM signing, they will need to add a Yahoo-provided verification key (likely a TXT record) to their DNS. Yahoo also requests a verification key be present in the DNS to proceed.

Key findings

  • DKIM is Essential: Properly configured DKIM authentication is a fundamental prerequisite for participating in Yahoo's CFL.
  • ESP Manages with Double Signing: ESPs using their own DKIM domain for signing can handle the FBL setup and registration, often eliminating the need for client DNS modifications.
  • Client DNS Required with Single Signing: If the ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM, the client typically needs to add a Yahoo-provided TXT record to their DNS for FBL verification.
  • Yahoo Verification Key: Yahoo is asking for a verification key, not just DKIM
  • Transition to New System: Old FBLs may still be running, but a transition to the new system is necessary.

Key considerations

  • ESP DKIM Configuration: Clarify with your ESP whether they use their own or your domain for DKIM signing, as this determines who is responsible for FBL setup and DNS changes.
  • TXT Record for Verification: Be prepared to add a TXT record to your DNS if your ESP uses your domain for DKIM signing and requests it for FBL verification.
  • FBL Management: If the vendor does the DKIM signing, they must set up their own DKIM signing and handle the removal themselves.
  • Transition Period: Be aware of any transition periods where old and new FBLs run in parallel, and plan accordingly.

What email marketers say
10Marketer opinions

For Yahoo's Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL), proper DKIM authentication is essential. If an ESP uses its own DKIM domain (double signing), it can manage the CFL setup without client DNS changes. If the ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM, the client needs to add a verification TXT record to their DNS, but some ESPs may still handle this for you.

Key opinions

  • DKIM Requirement: DKIM authentication is a fundamental requirement for participating in Yahoo's CFL and modern feedback loops in general.
  • ESP Management (Double Signing): If an ESP employs double DKIM signing (using their own DKIM domain), they can typically manage the CFL setup and registration independently, eliminating the need for clients to modify their DNS records.
  • Client DNS Changes (Single Signing): If an ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM signing, the client will likely need to add a specific TXT record to their DNS settings to verify their domain for the FBL.
  • Old FBLs discontinued: Yahoo is discontinuing old FBLs, and so users will need to move across to the new system.

Key considerations

  • ESP Capabilities: Determine whether your ESP uses its own DKIM domain (double signing) or your domain for DKIM signing, as this dictates who manages the CFL setup.
  • Action Required: Communicate with your ESP to understand what, if any, DNS changes are required on your part to ensure continued participation in Yahoo's CFL. If the old FBL is in use be aware it may be discontinued.
  • Authentication: You will need to set up DKIM to use Yahoo's FBL.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus Community replies that sender authentication (DKIM) is vital for feedback loops. A well-managed ESP typically handles the DKIM setup themselves, using their own domain. If this is the case, the client doesn’t need to worry about DNS records. Otherwise, clients will need to work with their IT to update their DNS records.

June 2023 - Litmus Community
Marketer view

Email marketer from Hubspot Blog explains that the benefit of using them for email is they provide DKIM and manage this on the behalf of the customer. If you use another ESP then they will need to set up the DKIM records and can offer advice.

August 2022 - Hubspot Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Gmass Blog shares that one of the top ways to improve deliverability is to authenticate your email with DKIM records. If you are using a service such as Gmass then we handle this. Some ESP will manage this themselves with no DNS records.

May 2022 - Gmass Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks confirms that ESPs are able to handle the Yahoo CFL setup for clients without requiring that clients create new DNS records. ESPs can double sign (DKIM) and wouldn’t need to ask clients for new DNS and can manage enrolling for the CFL by using their domain DKIM. They simply need to add and verify `espdkimdomain.example` and then sign the emails with `espdkimdomain.example`

October 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that Yahoo is discontinuing the old FBLs, so no more reports will come in from those. They mention that if the ESP adds only the sender's DKIM domain to the headers, then each sender needs to complete the changes for the new FBL to continue receiving reports. If the ESP uses 2 DKIM domains they can handle this on behalf of the clients.

October 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailGeek Forums answers that generally, for Yahoo’s new CFL, DKIM is necessary. ESPs can typically manage this using their DKIM domain so that users do not need to do anything, however, if your ESP hasn't set this up properly, they might ask you to add a TXT record to your DNS for verification.

October 2023 - EmailGeek Forums
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit answers that for modern feedback loops, especially with Yahoo and Gmail, DKIM is the foundation. Most ESPs can manage this on their end (double signing), so clients won't need to touch DNS records. However, if your ESP uses your domain for DKIM, then they may require you to add a specific TXT record for FBL registration.

July 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet Blog shares that for Yahoo's CFL, it's essential to have proper sender authentication, including DKIM. If using an ESP, they often handle the DKIM setup using their own domain, which means they can manage the CFL registration. However, if you're managing your own DKIM, you will need to add the verification record provided by Yahoo to your DNS settings.

August 2023 - Mailjet Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Twilio SendGrid shares that it is best practice to implement DKIM records. If your company has an IT team that manages this then they will need to add the records. If you use a company such as SendGrid then we will provide and manage these on your behalf.

November 2024 - Twilio SendGrid
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow replies that to get feedback loops working, especially with Yahoo, ensure DKIM is correctly set up. If your ESP signs emails with their own DKIM domain, then they can register for the CFL themselves, with no DNS changes required on your side. But if the ESP signs with your domain, they will likely ask you to add a TXT record to your DNS.

September 2022 - StackOverflow

What the experts say
6Expert opinions

For the new Yahoo Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL), DKIM authentication is critical. While older FBLs may still be running in parallel, transitioning to the new system is necessary. The key factor determining DNS requirements is whether the ESP uses its own DKIM domain (double signing) or the client's domain. In the former case, the ESP typically manages FBL registration and setup, often requiring no DNS changes for the client. However, if the client's domain is used for DKIM signing, they will need to add a Yahoo-provided verification key (likely a TXT record) to their DNS.

Key opinions

  • DKIM is Essential: Properly configured DKIM authentication is a fundamental prerequisite for participating in Yahoo's CFL.
  • ESP Manages with Double Signing: ESPs using their own DKIM domain for signing can handle the FBL setup and registration, often eliminating the need for client DNS modifications.
  • Client DNS Required with Single Signing: If the ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM, the client typically needs to add a Yahoo-provided TXT record to their DNS for FBL verification.
  • Yahoo Verification Key: Yahoo is asking for a verification key, not just DKIM
  • Transition to new system: Old FBL's may still be running but need to transition to new system

Key considerations

  • ESP DKIM Configuration: Clarify with your ESP whether they use their own or your domain for DKIM signing, as this determines who is responsible for FBL setup and DNS changes.
  • TXT Record for Verification: Be prepared to add a TXT record to your DNS if your ESP uses your domain for DKIM signing and requests it for FBL verification.
  • FBL Management: If vendor does the DKIM signing then they must set up their own DKIM signing and handle the removal themselves.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource states that the core requirement for feedback loops (FBLs) is proper DKIM authentication. If an ESP uses their own DKIM domain to sign emails (double DKIM signing), they can manage the FBL registration and configuration themselves without requiring the client to make any DNS changes. If the ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM signing, the client needs to add a DNS record provided by Yahoo to verify the FBL setup.

May 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks states that if the ESP double signed with DKIM, the client doesn’t need to do anything as they can sign up and still get complaints with their DKIM key. Everyone needs to transition to the new list for FBLs. The client shouldn’t need to do anything, the ESP will need to register and do the DNS on their D= domain. The old list is not being migrated, anyone that wants to get the FBL has to have their DKIM registered, and that means DNS work.

September 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that for Yahoo’s Complaint Feedback Loop, properly configured DKIM is essential. If your ESP uses their own DKIM signing domain, they can handle the FBL setup for you. But if they use your domain for DKIM, you'll need to add specific DNS records (TXT record) provided by Yahoo to verify your domain for the FBL.

September 2023 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Experts from Email Geeks clarify that Yahoo is asking for a verification key in DNS, not just DKIM. Matt V also mentions ESPs that double sign shouldn’t need to ask clients for new DNS. They can manage it on their own.

November 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests that if a vendor is going to get FBL reports, they need to sign with their own DKIM key on their domain and manage the FBL, setting up their own DKIM signing and handling the removal themselves.

July 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that the old Yahoo FBLs were still active and being run in parallel to the new setup, last she heard.

February 2022 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

To configure Yahoo's Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL), DKIM authentication is necessary. If your ESP manages DKIM signing using their own domain (double signing), they can typically handle the CFL setup, removing the need for DNS changes on your part. However, if you manage your own DKIM, you may need to add the DKIM records (likely a TXT record) provided by Yahoo to your DNS settings.

Key findings

  • DKIM Authentication Required: All documentation sources emphasize that DKIM authentication is a foundational requirement for participating in Yahoo's CFL.
  • ESP Management via Double Signing: If the ESP signs emails with their own domain (double signing), they can generally manage the FBL configuration for their clients.
  • Client-Managed DKIM Requires DNS Updates: If individual senders manage their own DKIM, they will likely need to update their DNS records with information provided by Yahoo for CFL setup.

Key considerations

  • Identify DKIM Management: Determine if your ESP manages DKIM for you or if you handle it directly, as this dictates who is responsible for the DNS configuration.
  • Check ESP Documentation: Review your ESP's documentation for specific instructions on configuring Yahoo's CFL, as the process may vary.
  • Ensure DKIM Records are up to date: Ensure that your DKIM records are correct.
Technical article

Documentation from Yahoo Sender Hub Documentation explains that to configure the Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL) in the new Sender Hub, senders need to add a DKIM record. If your ESP manages DKIM signing for you, they can handle the CFL setup without requiring changes to your DNS records. Otherwise, you’ll need to add the necessary DKIM records provided by Yahoo to your DNS.

April 2024 - Yahoo Sender Hub Documentation
Technical article

Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools notes that while this is regarding google FBLs, the best practice is to set up DKIM signing. ESPs that properly manage DKIM signing can often handle feedback loop configurations for their clients, provided they control the signing domain. If individual senders manage their own DKIM, they must configure the DNS records themselves.

April 2021 - Google Postmaster Tools
Technical article

Documentation from SparkPost Documentation explains that Yahoo's feedback loop requires DKIM authentication. If an ESP provides DKIM signing on their own domain (double DKIM signing), they can usually configure the FBL on behalf of their clients. If not, individual senders need to set up DKIM and add the specified TXT record to their DNS.

February 2024 - SparkPost Documentation
Technical article

Documentation from RFC Documentation writes in order to implement a feedback loop the server should authenticate using DKIM records. If your email provider (ESP) is providing this then you will not need to add the records to your DNS.

November 2023 - RFC Documentation