Big list of subject lines and their open rates

Ever wonder what makes people actually click an email? This massive open-rate chart from KopywritingKourse shows that boring-looking, offbeat, human-sounding subject lines crush polished marketing speak.

What’s Really Going On

The top performers weren’t fancy. They looked like things your friend would text you: “copy vs. copy” (37.5%) or “two more consultants” (39.1%). Short. Conversational. Slightly odd.

Why It Works

• Curiosity gaps beg to be scratched
• Feels like a real human wrote it
• Odd phrasing stands out in a cluttered inbox
• Surprise and humor slip past your mental spam filter
• Specific ≠ corporate, it’s relatable

Real Examples

• “two more consultants” – 39.1%
• “copy vs. copy” – 37.5%
• “I hate you stats” – 35.8%
• “things that are easy” – 33.9%
• “valuable” – 30.7%

Sometimes the simplest stuff wins the click war.