Weekly Digest Email Benchmarks
Weekly digest emails compile the week's best content — articles, products, resources or updates — into a single regular edition. They build reading habits by arriving on a predictable schedule and providing curated value that saves subscribers time.
| Metric | Average | Above Average | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Rate | 25-38% | 42%+ | 52%+ |
| Click-Through Rate | 5-12% | 18%+ | 28%+ |
| Click-to-Open Rate | 20-32% | 38%+ | 48%+ |
| Unsubscribe Rate | 0.2-0.5% | Below 0.15% | Below 0.08% |
| Forward Rate | 0.5-1.5% | 2%+ | 4%+ |
Why Weekly Digest Benchmarks Matter
The weekly digest format creates anticipation. Subscribers who open three consecutive digests are significantly more likely to remain subscribed for 12 months or longer. The digest also serves as a content distribution hub — a single email can drive traffic to multiple pieces of content, making it one of the most efficient formats from a production-to-engagement ratio perspective.
Digest Benchmarks by Content Mix
| Content Mix | Open Rate | CTR |
|---|---|---|
| Curated external links | 28-38% | 8-15% |
| Original content roundup | 25-35% | 5-10% |
| Mixed original and curated | 28-40% | 6-12% |
| Product or deal roundup | 22-32% | 8-14% |
Best Practices
- Send on the same day and time every week to build a reading habit
- Include 5 to 8 items per digest — enough to feel substantial without overwhelming
- Write compelling, specific headlines for each item rather than generic descriptions
- Include a consistent section structure so subscribers learn where to find what they care about most
Related Benchmarks
Abandoned Browse Email Benchmarks
Abandoned browse email benchmarks for product views without cart addition, category-level browsing recovery, and personalised product recommendations with open rates of 30-42% and CTR of 5-12%.
Abandoned Wish List Email Benchmarks
Abandoned wish list email benchmarks for saved item reminders, price drop alerts, and stock notifications with open rates of 30-45% and CTR of 6-15%.
Account Creation Email Benchmarks
Account creation confirmation email benchmarks for open rates, click-through rates, and activation rates. Account creation emails confirm successful registration and guide users to their first action.
Account Deletion Email Benchmarks
Account deletion email benchmarks for open rates, click-through rates, and recovery rates. Account deletion emails confirm account closure and offer a final opportunity to recover the account.
Account Upgrade Prompt Email Benchmarks
Account upgrade prompt email benchmarks for freemium-to-paid conversions, tier upgrades, and feature unlocks with open rates of 22-35% and CTR of 4-10%.
Account Verification & Confirmation Email Benchmarks
Email marketing benchmarks for account verification and confirmation emails. Open rates 40-65%, CTR 20-40%, verification completion rates, re-verification, MFA notification, and security alert data.
Frequently Asked Questions
A good weekly digest open rate is 25-38%. The strongest predictor of digest open rates is send consistency — digests sent on the same day and time each week achieve 15-20% higher open rates than those sent on variable schedules.
Include 5 to 8 items. Fewer than 5 may not feel worth opening regularly. More than 10 can overwhelm and reduce per-item click rates. Group items into themed sections to help subscribers scan efficiently.
Tuesday through Thursday mornings perform best for most audiences. Weekend digests (Saturday or Sunday morning) perform well for hobby, lifestyle and entertainment content. Test your specific audience rather than relying on general guidance.