How to add a countdown timer to your emails
Every guide follows the same idea: create a timer, copy its code, and paste it into your email tool. Choose your platform for the exact steps.
Choose your email platform
- KlaviyoAdd a timer to campaigns and flows with a dynamic image.
- MailchimpPaste a timer into campaigns using the Code block.
- OmnisendUse the HTML block, or Omnisend's own timer on paid plans.
- Shopify EmailUse the built-in Countdown section, or try a custom timer.
- HubSpotAdd a live timer to HubSpot marketing emails.
- ActiveCampaignAdd a timer to ActiveCampaign campaigns and automations.
- BrevoAdd a timer to your Brevo email campaigns.
- MailerLiteAdd a timer to MailerLite campaigns.
- Kit (ConvertKit)Add a timer to Kit broadcasts and sequences.
- Constant ContactAdd a timer to Constant Contact emails.
- Campaign MonitorAdd a timer to Campaign Monitor emails.
- GetResponseAdd a timer to GetResponse newsletters.
- AWeberAdd a timer to AWeber broadcasts.
- DripAdd a timer to Drip emails and workflows.
How it works on every platform
An email countdown timer is a hosted animated image. When someone opens your email, their email app asks for the image, and SnapTimers sends one showing the time left at that moment. That is why it works without a plugin.
The one rule is that your email must keep pointing to the live timer. Most platforms let you do this with a code or HTML block, or by linking an image from a web address. Don't download the timer and upload it as a normal image, because a saved copy can't show the time actually left.
Using a platform that isn't listed? The same method works in any tool that lets you add custom HTML or an image from a web address. Copy your timer's code from SnapTimers and paste it in, then send yourself a test.
Before you send
- State the deadline in plain text too, because some apps don't show images or animation. See email client support.
- Choose the right type: a fixed date for a sale, or an evergreen timer for automated emails.
- Planning a seasonal campaign? See our Black Friday and Christmas timer guides.