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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryEmail & LifecyclePreheader Text (Preview Text)

Email & Lifecycle

Preheader Text (Preview Text)

The short summary text shown after the subject line in most inbox views, used to boost open rates.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Preheader text, also called preview text, is the short summary shown after the subject line in most inbox views, used to boost open rates. It is usually set in the email's code and kept brief. If left blank, inboxes may pull the first text in the email, which can appear awkward or irrelevant.