Double opt-in

With double opt-in (also called confirmed opt-in), signing up is a two-step process: the person submits their address, then receives a confirmation email and must click a link before they're added. Single opt-in adds the address straight after the form is submitted.

Double opt-in proves the address works and that its owner wanted the mail. GDPR doesn't name double opt-in as a requirement, but where you rely on consent, Article 7 requires you to be able to demonstrate it, and a recorded confirmation is strong evidence. Some national regulators and courts expect it in practice. This is general information, not legal advice.

Double opt-in keeps typos, fake signups, disposable addresses and typo spam traps off marketing lists. Google's sender guidelines advise confirming each recipient's address before subscribing them. It applies to newsletters, gated content and product signups; cold outreach is a different case, because nobody opted in, so list quality there depends on verification and relevance.

Skrap.ai doesn't run your confirmation emails. It can check an address at the moment of signup via the API, so obvious typos, dead domains and disposable addresses are caught before you send a confirmation. For existing lists, use the free email verifier or bulk CSV upload.