The prevailing consensus among email experts, marketers, and technical documentation is that tracking pixels themselves are not a primary cause of emails being marked as spam. Instead, they are one factor among many that can influence deliverability. The impact of tracking pixels is heavily dependent on how they are used and the overall sending environment. Factors such as sender reputation, email authentication (DKIM, DMARC), list hygiene, email content quality, and the reputation of any third-party tracking services play a more significant role. Poor sending practices, such as sending to unengaged recipients or using deceptive subject lines, coupled with the use of tracking pixels, can negatively impact deliverability. Adherence to email formatting standards (RFC 822), responsible use of tracking pixels, and adapting to evolving privacy regulations are essential for maintaining good deliverability.
9 marketer opinions
The consensus among email marketers is that tracking pixels, in isolation, do not guarantee emails will be marked as spam. However, their use can contribute to deliverability issues when combined with poor sending practices. Factors such as a low sender reputation, unengaged recipient lists, deceptive subject lines, suspicious HTML code, blacklisted tracking domains, and failure to adhere to privacy regulations can all negatively impact deliverability. It is essential to prioritize ethical email marketing practices, maintain clean and engaged lists, authenticate emails, and adapt strategies to focus on metrics beyond open rates.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Gmass shares that tracking links are similar to tracking pixels; their effect on email deliverability is complex and depends on various factors. They suggest using link tracking wisely and monitoring domain reputation.
20 Oct 2024 - Gmass
Marketer view
Email marketer from SendPulse shares that while tracking pixels themselves are not inherently harmful, their use can be problematic if combined with other spam-like practices, such as sending to unengaged recipients or using deceptive subject lines. SendPulse recommends ensuring proper consent and targeting relevant audiences.
22 Apr 2023 - SendPulse
4 expert opinions
Experts generally agree that tracking pixels, on their own, do not directly cause emails to be marked as spam. However, they can contribute to deliverability problems indirectly. A poor domain reputation, whether due to the sender's practices or the reputation of third-party tracking services, can increase the likelihood of emails being flagged as spam. Spam filters, like SpamAssassin, may also use the presence of tracking pixels as one factor among many in determining a spam score. The overall consensus is that sender behavior and reputation are more critical than the simple presence of tracking pixels.
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource explains that while tracking pixels themselves don't directly cause emails to be marked as spam, their presence can contribute to deliverability issues if used improperly or in conjunction with other problematic practices. It's more about the overall sending behavior and reputation than the mere presence of a tracking pixel.
28 Nov 2021 - Spamresource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that relying on third-party tracking pixels can negatively impact your domain's reputation if the tracking domain is blacklisted or associated with spammy practices. It's essential to use reputable tracking services and monitor your sender reputation to avoid deliverability issues.
24 Mar 2025 - Word to the Wise
5 technical articles
Technical documentation highlights that while tracking pixels aren't explicitly identified as a direct cause of emails being marked as spam, the factors that influence spam filtering and email deliverability are complex and interconnected. Sender reputation, email authentication (DKIM, DMARC), adherence to email formatting standards (RFC 822), and the overall quality and trustworthiness of the email's source and content are crucial. A strong emphasis is placed on establishing legitimacy through proper authentication and maintaining a positive sender reputation as key elements in avoiding spam filters, irrespective of the presence of tracking pixels.
Technical article
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that spam filters consider various factors, including the reputation of the sending IP address, domain, and the content of the email. While tracking pixels are not explicitly mentioned as a direct cause of spam filtering, the overall quality and trustworthiness of the email's source and content are crucial.
14 Jul 2024 - Spamhaus
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor (RFC 822) details the standards for the format of ARPA internet text messages. While it doesn't address tracking pixels specifically (as they are a later development), it establishes guidelines for proper email formatting and header information, which are crucial for avoiding spam filters. Deviations from these standards can increase the likelihood of being marked as spam.
24 May 2022 - RFC 822
Does Apple Mail Privacy Protection pre-fetch images from spam folders or only the inbox?
How do tracking pixels in HTML emails work and can they be removed?
Are image-based emails a good practice, and what are the deliverability and accessibility implications?
Do images in email and PDF attachments affect email deliverability?
Do images in emails affect deliverability?
Are HTTP links penalized by spam filters in email marketing?
How do I create an image pixel for tracking email opens and clicks?
Do ISPs re-fetch email tracking images, and what causes delayed email opens?
© 2025 Suped Pty Ltd