Double opt-in
Double opt-in is a signup flow in which a user enters their email and must then click a confirmation link sent to that address before being added to the list, used to verify ownership and reduce fake, mistyped, or bot-generated signups.
How it works
After someone submits the form, they receive an email with a confirmation link. They are only added to the active list once they click it. Unconfirmed addresses are held back or discarded, so the final list contains only people who own the inbox and actively confirmed interest.
Why it matters
Double opt-in trades a little signup volume for a much cleaner list — fewer fake and mistyped addresses, lower bounce rates, and better email deliverability. For a waitlist that will email people at launch, a clean confirmed list protects sender reputation.
Related terms
- Single opt-in — Single opt-in is a signup flow in which users are added to the list immediately on form submission with no email confirm...
- Email deliverability — Email deliverability is the rate at which sent emails reach the recipient's inbox rather than being routed to spam, bloc...
Frequently asked questions
- Should a waitlist use double opt-in?
- It depends on your priority. If list quality and deliverability matter most — especially if you will email the list at launch — double opt-in is worth the small drop in signups. If raw signup volume for validation is the goal, single opt-in may suit the early stage better.
- Does double opt-in reduce signup rates?
- Yes, somewhat — a portion of people never click the confirmation link, so your confirmed count is lower than your submitted count. The upside is that the people who remain are real, reachable, and more engaged.
Build your pre-launch waitlist free
Hosted page, referral leaderboard, and spam protection — 100 signups free.
Get started