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A topic is a subscription category your subscribers see and control in their preference center, for example Weekly newsletter, Product updates or Promotions. Topics are the consent layer: they define what a subscriber agrees to receive. Every campaign is sent to a topic.

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Create a topic

In Topics, click Add topic:
FieldNotes
NameVisible to the subscriber in the preference center (3-100 characters).
DescriptionWhat the subscriber will receive (up to 500 characters).
Expected frequencyFor example, 1×/week.
Double opt-inToggle between double opt-in and single opt-in.

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Double opt-in

With double opt-in, a subscriber must confirm before they count as subscribed:
1

Consent is requested

When someone subscribes, Railmail sends a confirmation email. Their consent status is Pending confirmation.
2

They confirm

After they click the link, the status becomes Confirmed and they start receiving that topic’s email.
3

If they don't confirm

You can resend the confirmation. A confirmation can also expire if left unconfirmed.
Double opt-in protects your deliverability and keeps you compliant. Use single opt-in only when you already hold valid consent.

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Topic properties

Open a topic to manage:
  • Status: Active, Draft, Inactive or Archived.
  • Priority: Urgent, High, Medium, Low or No priority. Helps you order topics.
  • Double opt-in: on or off.
  • Consent expiry: whether consent expires after a period.
  • Frequency and active subscribers.
Use the change dialogs to update priority, status or double opt-in at any time.

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Topic actions

From the topic list or detail view you can Activate, Set as draft, Deactivate, Archive or Delete a topic. The Subscribers tab shows everyone subscribed to that topic and their consent state.
Topics answer what; segments answer who. A campaign sends to a topic, optionally narrowed by a segment.