A Countdown timer adds a visual deadline to your email. It can create urgency and add a gamified element to your message without requiring a third-party timer tool.
You can add a Countdown timer directly in the Omnisend Email Builder. Set the end date and time, choose a display format, customize the timer’s appearance, and show a fallback image after the countdown expires.
Before You Begin
The Countdown timer is available on all paid plans, including legacy paid plans.
If you’re on the Free plan, upgrade to a paid plan to use the Countdown timer.
You can use the Countdown timer in Email Campaigns and Automation workflows.
The timer uses the timezone configured in your Store settings → Store information.
Add & Set Up a Countdown Timer
Step 1. Add a Countdown timer to your email.
Open an Email Campaign or an Email block in an Automation workflow → drag and drop the Countdown timer into your email.
Step 2. Adjust the timer settings.
Select the Countdown timer block and configure its settings on the right-hand panel:
Date: Select the date and time when the countdown should end.
Format: Choose DD:HH:MM:SS, HH:MM:SS, or MM:SS.
Font: Select a font from the available font list or use a custom font.
Countdown color: Choose a color or enter a color value.
Alt text: Add a short description of the Countdown timer.
Fallback image: Click Replace to upload your custom image. The default fallback image says "THIS OFFER HAS ENDED".
Padding: Adjust space around the timer block.
💡 Tip: Use the fallback image to encourage contacts who missed the offer to look out for your next email.
Step 3. Preview the timer.
Click Preview & test to:
Review how the Countdown timer appears and counts down.
Send a test email to see how the timer appears in your inbox.
Use Cases
Use a Countdown timer when your email includes a deadline or a time-sensitive message.
Limited-Time Offers. Show contacts how much time remains before an offer ends. A visible countdown can make the deadline easier to understand.
Promotional Email Campaigns. Add a Countdown timer to an Email Campaign to create a clear visual deadline for your promotion.
Automated Promotions. Use a Countdown timer in an Automation workflow when an automated email includes a time-sensitive offer or message.
Gamified Email Content. Use the Countdown timer as a gamified element that encourages contacts to take action before the selected end date and time.
FAQ
Which time zone does the Countdown timer use?
The Countdown timer uses the timezone configured in your Store settings → Store information.
Can I customize the Countdown timer?
Yes. You can set the end date and time, choose the format, select a font, set the countdown color, and add alt text. You can also use custom fonts.
What happens when the countdown expires?
The fallback image replaces the Countdown timer after it reaches the selected end date and time. If you don't add any custom fallback image, Omnisend uses a default image stating "THIS OFFER HAS ENDED".
Do I need a third-party app to use a Countdown timer on Omnisend?
No. The Countdown timer is available directly in the Omnisend Email Builder.
Need more help? Contact our Support Team via in-app chat or at [email protected].