Setting the Lifespan of Web Push Notifications

In AlertElevate, you can define a Time to Live (TTL) for each web push notification. This determines how long the push service will attempt to deliver the message before discarding it. TTL helps ensure that outdated notifications are never shown to users, keeping your communication timely and relevant.

Why TTL Matters

If a user is offline for an extended period, notifications with expired TTL will not be delivered. This is especially useful for time-sensitive alerts, such as limited-time offers or urgent updates.

How to Set TTL in AlertElevate

You can control TTL in three main ways:

• Default Project TTL – Set a standard TTL for all notifications in your project settings.
• Per Notification – Adjust TTL individually from the advanced options when sending from the dashboard.
• Automated Messages – Assign a TTL when sending notifications through automated workflows or integrations.

Recommended TTL Settings

• Default: 1 week (ideal for most notifications).
• Short TTL: Use for highly time-sensitive messages, like flash sales or urgent alerts. A very short TTL reduces potential deliveries but increases relevance.
• Zero TTL: Prioritizes immediate delivery and discards the notification if the user cannot be reached instantly. Ideal for real-time alerts, such as incoming call notifications.
• Maximum TTL: 4 weeks, useful for maximizing deliveries but may risk delivering outdated content.

Special Notes for Scheduled Notifications

When you schedule a notification in AlertElevate, the TTL countdown starts from the actual send time, not when the notification was created.
For example: If a notification is created on January 1 with a 1-day TTL and scheduled for January 5, it will expire on January 6.

By setting the right TTL, you can strike the perfect balance between reach and relevance for your audience.