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What customers see when a timer expires

Choose a message, zeros, hidden timer or expiry image, and pair it with the right destination.

2 min read

Screenshots show the real application in an isolated demo environment with fictional example data. Setup notices and controls may differ by environment, plan and role. Click an image to view it full-size, and always use the values generated in your own workspace.

The four display choices

  • Message: replace the running countdown with an explanatory closed message. Tell the customer what happened and what to do next.
  • Zeros: leave the countdown visibly at zero. Pair it with copy that makes the closed state explicit.
  • Hide: stop displaying the timer. A hidden image or website timer is not the same thing as revoking access to your checkout.
  • Image: show the configured expiry artwork when the feature and asset are available. Upload and save that artwork before relying on it.
Fixed-date campaign editor showing timing configuration
In the application Choose the timer type and timezone, then set the deadline and expiration action. Save these settings separately from the visual design. View full-size screenshot (opens in a new tab)

Display and click destination are separate

The expiration action controls appearance. The smart link’s live and closed URLs control where a click is sent. Configure both if you want an expired image to lead to an “offer closed” page rather than an active purchase page.

Your own website must also disable the expired price or registration option. An image cannot stop someone from using a direct checkout link.

Preview the final state

  1. 1Open the designer and use the expired preview moment.
  2. 2Check that the message or image is readable at the intended display width.
  3. 3Save the design and behavior settings, then test an actual short-lived campaign.
  4. 4After it ends, request the image and follow the smart link again. Account for the fact that an inbox may still display an older cached frame.

Animation stops differently from the campaign

An animated GIF has a bounded playback duration. Its final frame is not a permanent live connection to the server. The campaign can expire after that response was generated; a new request is needed to obtain newly rendered closed artwork. Some email apps show only the first GIF frame, so keep it informative.

Related articles

Save, publish, pause, resume, duplicate and deleteUnderstand which campaign actions are safe and what happens to existing public links. The pre-launch and post-launch checklistCatch deadline, identity, layout, destination and publication mistakes before customers see them. Customize a timer in the visual designerUse layout, sizing, labels, typography, colors, artwork and preview controls confidently. Smart links: live and closed destinationsSend customers to the right destination for the current campaign state.