Interactive emails are dynamic messages that enable recipients to engage directly with the content of the message without navigating to a separate webpage. They often include features like clickable surveys, embedded videos, shoppable carousels, or gamified elements. Interactive emails enhance user engagement and streamline the customer journey for better marketing outcomes.
Let’s explore eight standout examples of interactive emails poised to dominate inboxes and redefine your email marketing strategies in 2025.
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1. Product Carousel
With millions of emails sent per minute all around the world, standing out in crowded inboxes is increasingly challenging. Interactive emails with product carousels offer a solution by allowing recipients to browse multiple products directly within the email. Their interactive nature engages readers and encourages exploration.
This promotional email from Oakley presents its new summer collection in a dynamic, user-driven showcase that streamlines discovery and decision-making, ultimately boosting click-through rates and driving sales. This is one of the best email marketing strategies for retailers to stay ahead of overwhelming competition.
2. Interactive Storytelling
Interactive storytelling emails with accordions and animations transform static content into an active journey for the reader. Accordions allow for an organized, step-by-step content structure so recipients can reveal information at their own pace and access details they’re particularly interested in. This reduces cognitive overload and keeps the email visually clean and intuitive.
This email from the BBC features top-notch interactive elements that spark curiosity, increase time spent on the email, and build an emotional connection with readers. It evokes a sense of discovery and fun, which is a highly effective approach for the target audience.
3. Product Customization
Product customization, such as clickable options to change an item’s color, is incredibly effective because it engages recipients in a personalized and immersive way. They can visualize products in their preferred style, making the email experience feel more tailored and relevant. Additionally, it increases their confidence in their purchasing decision.
This interactive mail from Volkswagen instantly creates a sense of ownership over its new product offering. Through real-time customization, the brand encourages longer engagement and makes it easier for shoppers to transition from browsing to converting. This approach goes beyond boosting click-through and conversion rates — it also reinforces innovation and makes recipients feel valued and understood through personalization.
4. Surveys and Polls
Interactive emails featuring surveys and polls foster two-way communication with brands and customers, making recipients feel valued and heard. They can respond directly within the email, and there’s no barrier to engagement. This immediacy encourages participation, which requires minimal effort.
This two-item poll from Cracker Barrel asks customers which of their new winter drinks they’re likely to order. While it seems simple, it provides valuable insights into customer preferences and opinions and helps the brand tailor its strategies and offerings moving forward. It also creates a sense of community by showing that it values customer input, fostering loyalty and trust in the long run.
5. Shoppable Emails
With global eCommerce sales surpassing $1.3 trillion in 2024, shoppable emails are pivotal in capturing consumer attention, streamlining the shopping experience, and driving revenue. These emails allow users to browse and purchase products directly within their inbox — this reduces friction in the shopping journey and eases the path to purchase.
This shoppable interactive email from Disney includes clickable product showcases that recipients can explore details and click to purchase. Showing these products in real-world contexts and styled rooms helps shoppers visualize how the items can fit into their daily lives, mirroring the browsing experience of a store with enhanced convenience.
6. Gamified Content
One of the most effective email marketing ideas is offering exclusive promotions and offers to recipients. Integrating these with gamified content, such as scratch-off offers, turns passive inbox experiences into engaging, playful, and memorable brand interactions.
This scratch-off email from Bose taps into the psychology of instant gratification, motivating users to participate and discover exclusive deals. Encouraging recipients to “scratch” the screen to reveal their reward creates a sense of anticipation and fun, enhancing emotional engagement with the email. It certainly stands out in a sea of promotional emails and provides a unique brand experience.
7. Video Embed
Videos capture attention more effectively than static images or text, making them ideal for showcasing products, explaining complex concepts, or telling a compelling brand story. Embedding promotional videos directly in emails removes the need for recipients to click away, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of engagement.
This email from Manors is advertising a new collection from its latest catalog, and it starts with an embedded video showcasing the products in action. It provides a visually rich experience that tells a compelling story and creates a lasting impression. Placing it at the top of the email engages readers early on and encourages further exploration of the items on offer.
8. Immersive Experience
Interactive emails with immersive features drive curiosity and exploration, prompting recipients to engage with the message and learn more about the brand’s offerings. The combination of visual storytelling with innovative interactions is great for promoting visually striking products.
TOMS’ “flip the switch” feature is highly effective as it allows recipients to simulate the real-world effect of the shoes directly in the email. It enhances their understanding and appreciation of its functionality. By providing a playful and tactile experience, the email creates a stronger impression of the product, highlights its value, and makes it more appealing.
Interactive Emails: Key Takeaways
Interactive mail is transforming how brands engage with audiences, offering dynamic and personalized experiences beyond traditional static messages. Elements like product carousels, gamified content, and immersive visuals not only capture attention; they also drive meaningful actions like clicks, purchases, and direct feedback.
Interactivity provides a competitive edge, enabling brands to connect with users on a deeper level. Partner with the top email marketing agencies to leverage these tactics to ensure greater engagement, more conversions, and a more memorable customer journey.
Interactive Emails FAQs
1. Why are interactive emails effective?
Interactive emails transform static content into engaging experiences that capture attention and drive action. This interactivity reduces friction in the user journey, leading to higher click-through and conversion rates. Fun and personalized elements make the emails more memorable and foster stronger relationships with customers.
2. What tools can help create interactive emails?
You can use these design platforms and tools to create interactive emails:
- Mailchimp
- Campaign Monitor
- Stripo
- BEE Free
3. What are the best practices for creating and sending interactive emails?
Creating effective interactive emails requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices:
- Keep interactions simple and engaging to avoid overwhelming recipients.
- Use mobile-friendly designs and responsive layouts to ensure usability across devices.
- Prioritize accessibility by providing alt text, intuitive navigation, and clear instructions.
- Test emails extensively across platforms and devices.
- Incorporate fallback options for email clients that don’t support advanced features.
