# DKIM record for Constant Contact

URL: https://iblockspam.com/dkim/constant-contact
Last updated: 2026-10-22

Record type: CNAME or TXT
Selectors: ctct1, ctct2 (CNAME), generated per key (TXT)
Key managed by: Provider (TXT key or CNAMEs)

Constant Contact calls DKIM for your domain self-authentication. The CNAME method adds two records named like `ctct1._domainkey` and `ctct2._domainkey`, which point to Constant Contact's DKIM hosts on `ccsend.com`, plus a DMARC record. A TXT method instead generates a key you publish under a selector of its own. Then you click Activate.

## DNS records

- CNAME method: first record (CNAME, host ctct1._domainkey): `<Value shown in Constant Contact>`
- CNAME method: second record (CNAME, host ctct2._domainkey): `<Value shown in Constant Contact>`
- TXT method: generated key (TXT, host 2020223150._domainkey): `k=rsa; p=<public key shown after you click Generate key>` The selector is Constant Contact's example; yours is shown when you click Generate key.
- DMARC policy (TXT, host _dmarc): `<DMARC value shown in Constant Contact>` If your domain already has a DMARC record, keep one record rather than adding a second.

## Set it up and turn on signing

- Click your profile name in the upper right, choose **Settings**, then open the **Advanced settings** tab.
- Click **Add self-authentication**, select **Self-authenticate using DKIM CNAME records**, click **Continue**, choose the domain and click **Continue** again.
- Use the copy icons to copy each CNAME and DMARC name and value into your DNS host. Enter `ctct1._domainkey` without your domain if the host appends it.
- Wait: Constant Contact says propagation can take up to 48 hours. Then click **Check status**, and when the domain is ready, **Activate**.

## DMARC alignment

Self-authentication is what lets Constant Contact sign campaigns with your domain, so DKIM can align with your From address under DMARC. Constant Contact stresses that the DKIM key works independently of DMARC: publishing the DMARC record doesn't create the key, and the key doesn't set a policy. Both have to be in place and activated.

## Key length and rotation

With the CNAME method the keys sit on `ccsend.com` names that Constant Contact controls, so a key change needs no DNS edit from you. With the TXT method the public key lives in your zone, so a new key means a new record. Constant Contact doesn't document a key length or rotation schedule in these articles.

## Common mistakes

- **"Host name was not found".** The record is missing or its name doesn't match. Check for a doubled domain.
- **"Please enter correct value for host name".** The name is right but the value differs from what Constant Contact gave you.
- **Case changes in the DMARC record.** Constant Contact says DMARC record information is case-sensitive.
- **Activating too early.** Allow 24 to 48 hours before troubleshooting errors.

**Q: What is Constant Contact self-authentication?**
It is Constant Contact's name for publishing DKIM records for your own domain, plus a DMARC policy, so campaigns are signed with your domain. You set it up under Settings, Advanced settings, Add self-authentication, then activate it.

**Q: Where do Constant Contact's DKIM CNAMEs point?**
To Constant Contact's DKIM hosts on `ccsend.com`; its troubleshooting article gives `100._domainkey.dkim1.ccsend.com` and `200._domainkey.dkim2.ccsend.com`. Copy the exact pairs from your account rather than from a guide.

**Q: Why does Constant Contact say my host name was not found?**
The record isn't in your DNS yet, or its name doesn't match. Many DNS hosts add your domain automatically, so `ctct1._domainkey.example.com` becomes doubled. It can also take 24 to 48 hours before Constant Contact sees new records.

Sources:
- Constant Contact Knowledge Base: Constant Contact authentication: https://knowledgebase.constantcontact.com/guides/KnowledgeBase/5629-constant-contact-authentication?lang=en_US
- Constant Contact Knowledge Base: Set up the self-authentication DKIM key with your hosting provider: https://knowledgebase.constantcontact.com/email-digital-marketing/articles/KnowledgeBase/39520-Set-Up-the-Self-Authentication-DKIM-Key-with-Your-Hosting-Provider?lang=en_US
- Constant Contact Knowledge Base: Troubleshooting DKIM self-authentication using CNAME, TXT and DMARC: https://knowledgebase.constantcontact.com/email-digital-marketing/articles/KnowledgeBase/49735-Troubleshooting-DKIM-self-authentication-using-CNAME-TXT-and-DMARC

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