Summary
For the new Yahoo Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL), proper DKIM authentication is critical. While older FBLs may still be running in parallel, transitioning to the new system is necessary. The key factor determining DNS requirements is whether the ESP uses its own DKIM domain (double signing) or the client's domain. In the former case, the ESP typically manages FBL registration and setup, often requiring no DNS changes for the client. However, if the client's domain is used for DKIM signing, they will need to add a Yahoo-provided verification key (likely a TXT record) to their DNS. Yahoo also requests a verification key be present in the DNS to proceed.
Key findings
- DKIM is Essential: Properly configured DKIM authentication is a fundamental prerequisite for participating in Yahoo's CFL.
- ESP Manages with Double Signing: ESPs using their own DKIM domain for signing can handle the FBL setup and registration, often eliminating the need for client DNS modifications.
- Client DNS Required with Single Signing: If the ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM, the client typically needs to add a Yahoo-provided TXT record to their DNS for FBL verification.
- Yahoo Verification Key: Yahoo is asking for a verification key, not just DKIM
- Transition to New System: Old FBLs may still be running, but a transition to the new system is necessary.
Key considerations
- ESP DKIM Configuration: Clarify with your ESP whether they use their own or your domain for DKIM signing, as this determines who is responsible for FBL setup and DNS changes.
- TXT Record for Verification: Be prepared to add a TXT record to your DNS if your ESP uses your domain for DKIM signing and requests it for FBL verification.
- FBL Management: If the vendor does the DKIM signing, they must set up their own DKIM signing and handle the removal themselves.
- Transition Period: Be aware of any transition periods where old and new FBLs run in parallel, and plan accordingly.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
For Yahoo's Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL), proper DKIM authentication is essential. If an ESP uses its own DKIM domain (double signing), it can manage the CFL setup without client DNS changes. If the ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM, the client needs to add a verification TXT record to their DNS, but some ESPs may still handle this for you.
Key opinions
- DKIM Requirement: DKIM authentication is a fundamental requirement for participating in Yahoo's CFL and modern feedback loops in general.
- ESP Management (Double Signing): If an ESP employs double DKIM signing (using their own DKIM domain), they can typically manage the CFL setup and registration independently, eliminating the need for clients to modify their DNS records.
- Client DNS Changes (Single Signing): If an ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM signing, the client will likely need to add a specific TXT record to their DNS settings to verify their domain for the FBL.
- Old FBLs discontinued: Yahoo is discontinuing old FBLs, and so users will need to move across to the new system.
Key considerations
- ESP Capabilities: Determine whether your ESP uses its own DKIM domain (double signing) or your domain for DKIM signing, as this dictates who manages the CFL setup.
- Action Required: Communicate with your ESP to understand what, if any, DNS changes are required on your part to ensure continued participation in Yahoo's CFL. If the old FBL is in use be aware it may be discontinued.
- Authentication: You will need to set up DKIM to use Yahoo's FBL.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Litmus Community replies that sender authentication (DKIM) is vital for feedback loops. A well-managed ESP typically handles the DKIM setup themselves, using their own domain. If this is the case, the client doesn’t need to worry about DNS records. Otherwise, clients will need to work with their IT to update their DNS records.
24 Nov 2022 - Litmus Community
Marketer view
Email marketer from Hubspot Blog explains that the benefit of using them for email is they provide DKIM and manage this on the behalf of the customer. If you use another ESP then they will need to set up the DKIM records and can offer advice.
2 May 2025 - Hubspot Blog
What the experts say
6 expert opinions
For the new Yahoo Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL), DKIM authentication is critical. While older FBLs may still be running in parallel, transitioning to the new system is necessary. The key factor determining DNS requirements is whether the ESP uses its own DKIM domain (double signing) or the client's domain. In the former case, the ESP typically manages FBL registration and setup, often requiring no DNS changes for the client. However, if the client's domain is used for DKIM signing, they will need to add a Yahoo-provided verification key (likely a TXT record) to their DNS.
Key opinions
- DKIM is Essential: Properly configured DKIM authentication is a fundamental prerequisite for participating in Yahoo's CFL.
- ESP Manages with Double Signing: ESPs using their own DKIM domain for signing can handle the FBL setup and registration, often eliminating the need for client DNS modifications.
- Client DNS Required with Single Signing: If the ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM, the client typically needs to add a Yahoo-provided TXT record to their DNS for FBL verification.
- Yahoo Verification Key: Yahoo is asking for a verification key, not just DKIM
- Transition to new system: Old FBL's may still be running but need to transition to new system
Key considerations
- ESP DKIM Configuration: Clarify with your ESP whether they use their own or your domain for DKIM signing, as this determines who is responsible for FBL setup and DNS changes.
- TXT Record for Verification: Be prepared to add a TXT record to your DNS if your ESP uses your domain for DKIM signing and requests it for FBL verification.
- FBL Management: If vendor does the DKIM signing then they must set up their own DKIM signing and handle the removal themselves.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource states that the core requirement for feedback loops (FBLs) is proper DKIM authentication. If an ESP uses their own DKIM domain to sign emails (double DKIM signing), they can manage the FBL registration and configuration themselves without requiring the client to make any DNS changes. If the ESP uses the client's domain for DKIM signing, the client needs to add a DNS record provided by Yahoo to verify the FBL setup.
15 Jul 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks states that if the ESP double signed with DKIM, the client doesn’t need to do anything as they can sign up and still get complaints with their DKIM key. Everyone needs to transition to the new list for FBLs. The client shouldn’t need to do anything, the ESP will need to register and do the DNS on their D= domain. The old list is not being migrated, anyone that wants to get the FBL has to have their DKIM registered, and that means DNS work.
26 Jun 2022 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
To configure Yahoo's Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL), DKIM authentication is necessary. If your ESP manages DKIM signing using their own domain (double signing), they can typically handle the CFL setup, removing the need for DNS changes on your part. However, if you manage your own DKIM, you may need to add the DKIM records (likely a TXT record) provided by Yahoo to your DNS settings.
Key findings
- DKIM Authentication Required: All documentation sources emphasize that DKIM authentication is a foundational requirement for participating in Yahoo's CFL.
- ESP Management via Double Signing: If the ESP signs emails with their own domain (double signing), they can generally manage the FBL configuration for their clients.
- Client-Managed DKIM Requires DNS Updates: If individual senders manage their own DKIM, they will likely need to update their DNS records with information provided by Yahoo for CFL setup.
Key considerations
- Identify DKIM Management: Determine if your ESP manages DKIM for you or if you handle it directly, as this dictates who is responsible for the DNS configuration.
- Check ESP Documentation: Review your ESP's documentation for specific instructions on configuring Yahoo's CFL, as the process may vary.
- Ensure DKIM Records are up to date: Ensure that your DKIM records are correct.
Technical article
Documentation from Yahoo Sender Hub Documentation explains that to configure the Complaint Feedback Loop (CFL) in the new Sender Hub, senders need to add a DKIM record. If your ESP manages DKIM signing for you, they can handle the CFL setup without requiring changes to your DNS records. Otherwise, you’ll need to add the necessary DKIM records provided by Yahoo to your DNS.
11 Oct 2022 - Yahoo Sender Hub Documentation
Technical article
Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools notes that while this is regarding google FBLs, the best practice is to set up DKIM signing. ESPs that properly manage DKIM signing can often handle feedback loop configurations for their clients, provided they control the signing domain. If individual senders manage their own DKIM, they must configure the DNS records themselves.
18 Jul 2024 - Google Postmaster Tools
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