What is the unsubscribe header functionality on Gmail and other email services?

Email marketer from Gmass shares that Google Postmaster Tools can give insights into user spam complaints which can be used to improve the amount of people using the unsubscribe functionality.

Email marketer from Email on Acid explains that including a clear and easy-to-find unsubscribe link (via the List-Unsubscribe header or a visible link in the email body) is a key requirement of CAN-SPAM legislation.

Email marketer from SenderPulse explains that the List-Unsubscribe header not only aids users but also can improve sender reputation, helping bypass spam filters and increasing deliverability.

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that List-Unsubscribe can be either or both mailto: and/or https link and that link must be 1 click, silent unsubscribe.

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that Gmail, Microsoft, 1and1 and at least us support mailto and rfc8505. Apple just mailto, which might change.

Email marketer from Campaign Monitor explains that utilizing the List-Unsubscribe header correctly can improve sender reputation, contributing to better email deliverability rates.

Email marketer from Litmus shares that the List-Unsubscribe header offers two primary methods: mailto: and HTTP. The mailto: method sends an email to unsubscribe, while the HTTP method directs the user to a webpage, ideally for a one-click unsubscribe.

Email marketer from SuperOffice notes that failure to comply with CAN-SPAM, including not providing a functioning unsubscribe mechanism, can result in significant financial penalties per email.

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that having the header configured doesn’t guarantee the unsubscribe link at the top of the email will be presented. Gmail tends to award “good” senders with displaying the L-UH link vs “poor” senders.

Email marketer from Reddit user explains the importance of ensuring the unsubscribe process is 'silent,' meaning the recipient should not be redirected to a confirmation page after clicking the unsubscribe link.

Email marketer from Mailjet explains that one-click unsubscribe is the most user-friendly way for recipients to opt out of emails. It allows users to unsubscribe directly from their email client (like Gmail) without needing to visit a separate website.

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that most ESPs have the List-Unsubscribe header functionality. MBPs will present an easy unsubscribe at the top of the email, and even sometimes present this as an option when people click the spam button.

Email marketer from Stack Overflow user shares the correct format for implementing a list-unsubscribe header with both mailto and http options, ensuring it is properly recognized by email clients.

Expert from Email Geeks explains that if a client sees a massive uptick in List-Unsubscribe header requests, she takes that as an indication more people than normal wanted to report the mail as spam and they look at modifying their strategy for future sends. These are real unsubscribes and cannot be mailed again under CAN SPAM, so they want to keep them as low as possible and send their recipients to the preferences center as much as possible.

Expert from Email Geeks explains that the unsubscribe link should be managed by your ESP and they should just hand the data off to your customer. Apple mail and Gmail both support it.

Expert from Spam Resource explains that the List-Unsubscribe header is a critical component of responsible email marketing, providing recipients with a clear and easy way to opt out of receiving further emails. This header typically includes both a 'mailto:' address and an 'http:' URL, offering multiple avenues for unsubscribing.

Expert from Email Geeks explains that for Gmail specifically, some of the time these ‘unsubscribes’ come about because the recipient tried to report the message as spam and Gmail offered “would you like to unsubscribe”. She uses unsubscribes to the List-Unsubscribe header from Gmail addresses as a proxy measurement for FBL complaints.

Expert from Word to the Wise (Laura Atkins) explains that Microsoft's Junk Mail Reporting Program (JMRP) provides feedback on user complaints. High complaint rates can lead to emails being directed to the junk folder, highlighting the importance of readily available and functional unsubscribe mechanisms.

Documentation from Google Support explains that Gmail automatically provides an unsubscribe link for emails, even if a sender doesn't include one. This helps users easily opt out of unwanted messages.

Documentation from RFC Editor defines a standard for providing a one-click unsubscribe mechanism using the List-Unsubscribe header. This allows recipients to easily unsubscribe from email lists with a single click.

Documentation from RFC Editor specifies the List-Unsubscribe header field, which allows users to easily unsubscribe from mailing lists. It defines the syntax and semantics of the header field, allowing for both mailto: and HTTP URLs.