number of opens

[DSkulski]

It appears that when I send a message (email) with HubSpot tracking it records as an "open" if I go to my sent items folder and look at it to check to see if it had been opened. That doesn't seem right to me. If I open it myself that shouldn't count.

[Jnix284 · Accepted solution]

Hi @DSkulski 

The way "opens" are calculated is based on a tracking code linked to a 1x1 px invisible "image" called a pixel. If this pixel is rendered, it counts as an open. So if you open the email from your sent folder and it renders the image, it will show in the timeline as being opened.

If you want to avoid this, you can re-read your emails from the contact timeline instead of in your sent folder.

Hope this helps explain the "why"

[karstenkoehler · Accepted solution]

Hi @DSkulski,

You can block these self-open email notifications with the HubSpot Sales extension, please find the steps here: https://knowledge.hubspot.com/email-tracking/block-self-open-notifications-with-the-hubspot-sales-ou...

Email service providers / clients seem to be running inbox check to protect their users from fraud and to pre-load emails for a better user experience. I'm not aware of Microsoft or Google disclosing how exactly this is done, but I wouldn't overthink that there isn't a pattern to it.

Best regards!

[Jnix284 · Accepted solution]

Hi @DSkulski 

The way "opens" are calculated is based on a tracking code linked to a 1x1 px invisible "image" called a pixel. If this pixel is rendered, it counts as an open. So if you open the email from your sent folder and it renders the image, it will show in the timeline as being opened.

If you want to avoid this, you can re-read your emails from the contact timeline instead of in your sent folder.

Hope this helps explain the "why"

[DSkulski]

Thanks a lot for the explanation; it makes sense. However, what I observe isn't consistent. Many times I will check a sent mesage and no opens are reported; if my own check is being counted I would expect the number to increase each time but it often remains at zero.