> This page is part of the [Customer.io documentation](https://docs.customer.io). For the complete index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.customer.io/llms.txt).
> Last updated: July 10, 2026

# Inbox message metrics

Inbox messages follow similar [delivery patterns](/messaging/channels/in-app/getting-started/#in-app-warming-and-polling) to regular in-app messages: a message is sent, but it isn’t displayed until the recipient returns to your website or app and opens the inbox.

Unlike other channels, inbox messages aren’t “delivered” in the traditional sense. A message counts as delivered and opened when the recipient opens the inbox and sees it—so the time between sending a message and its open depends on your audience’s behavior.

How these events are reported depends on how you set up your inbox:

*   **Visual inbox**: Customer.io renders the inbox and reports opens, clicks, and deletes automatically.
*   **Build your own inbox**: you report opens and clicks yourself with the SDK. See [report metrics](/messaging/channels/in-app/inbox/advanced/display-messages/#report-metrics).

## Available metrics

Like other in-app messages, inbox messages report the following metrics. The `delivered` metric is reported together with `opened`, because an inbox message isn’t “delivered” independently of being seen (as it might be for email).

Metric

Reported when

Description

`sent`

Customer.io sends the message

The message was sent.

`delivered`

The recipient opens the message in the inbox

The message reached the recipient. Reported together with `opened`.

`opened`

The recipient opens the message

The recipient saw the message in their inbox.

`clicked`

The recipient clicks a link or button

The recipient clicked the message.

`failed`

Customer.io can’t send the message

We couldn’t send the message—typically a [liquidA syntax that supports variables, letting you personalize messages for your audience. For example, if you want to reference a person’s first name, you might use the variable `{{customer.first_name}}`.](/journeys/liquid/using-liquid) rendering issue.