Applies to: WebinarJam and EverWebinar

Learn how to create or update an SPF record when using a third-party SMTP service to send webinar emails.

Before you begin

If you already set up DKIM in WebinarJam using the default WebinarJam Mail service, you do not need to create an SPF record.

Only follow this guide if:

  • You are using a third-party SMTP provider (such as Mailgun or Postmark), and
  • Your provider requires you to add or update an SPF record

What is an SPF record?

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a DNS record that tells email providers which services are allowed to send emails from your domain.

In simple terms, it acts like a permission list for your email domain. This helps prevent others from sending unauthorized emails using your address.

This guide will walk through the steps you need to follow to add or update an SPF record for your domain to authorize your integrated SMTP to send mail on your behalf.

Step 1: Identify your sender domain

Your sender domain is the part of your email address after the @ symbol.

Example: you@yourdomain.com → yourdomain.com

In WebinarJam and EverWebinar:

  • The Webinar Host & Presenter email is used as the sender
  • Only the host’s domain needs to be authenticated
  • Secondary presenter emails do not need SPF setup

If you use multiple host domains, each one must be configured separately.

The webinar host and presenters

Example of the email sender settings in a webinar configuration

Step 2: Check if an SPF record already exists

Before creating a new record:

  • Check your DNS settings, or
  • Use an online SPF checker tool
Important:

You can only have one SPF record per domain.

  • If none exists, create a new one
  • If one already exists, update it

Step 3: Create Your SPF Record

Your SMTP provider will give you the value you need to add.

A basic SPF record looks like this:

v=spf1 include:samplesmtp.net ~all

What this means:

  • v=spf1 identifies the SPF version
  • include: allows your SMTP provider to send emails
  • ~all marks other senders as unauthorized (soft fail)
Important:

Do not copy example values directly. Always use the exact details provided by your SMTP service.

Step 4: Add the SPF record to your DNS

To publish your SPF record:

  1. Log in to your domain provider
  2. Open your DNS settings
  3. Add or edit a TXT record
  4. Enter the following:
    • Host: @
    • Value: your SPF record (from your SMTP provider)
    • TTL: Default or Automatic
  5. Save your changes

SPF record for a GoDaddy domain

Example of an SPF TXT record in GoDaddy domain management.

Updating an existing SPF record

If your domain already has an SPF record, you must edit it instead of creating a new one.

Examples:

  • Existing record: 
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
  • Updated record (adding another provider):
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:samplesmtp.net ~all

This allows both services to send emails for your domain.

Step 5: Test Your SPF Record

After saving your changes:

  • Wait up to 1 hour for the record to update
  • Use an online SPF checker tool to confirm everything is working