ECards

Electronic greeting cards, or ecards, are digital versions of traditional greeting cards delivered electronically rather than by postal mail. Ecards typically combine text with graphics, animation, audio, and sometimes video. They are sent via email but can also be shared through messaging apps, social networks, or hosted on a link, and may be personalized with the sender’s message, the recipient’s name, photos, or other customized elements.

The ecards concept arose in the mid-1990s with the growth of email and online services. Early platforms offered free or paid e-cards and popularized interactive features, including animated characters and music. Major providers in the early era included card-creation brands such as Blue Mountain Arts and 123Greetings, with continued expansion through social media and smartphone apps. Today, ecards are offered by dedicated greeting-card sites, mainstream retailers, and media companies, with both free and premium options.

Types and features: Ecards cover holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, condolences, congratulations, invitations, and informal humor. Common features include personalization (names, photos, messages), multimedia components (animation, music, video), scheduling for future delivery, and recipient tracking or analytics on some platforms.

Delivery and use: Ecards are delivered via email links, embedded messages, or direct shares in messaging apps. Accessibility considerations include alt text for images and captions for audio/video. Privacy and licensing are considerations, as many ecards rely on licensed artwork or music; users should use reputable services to avoid phishing and copyright issues. Ecards offer low cost, instant delivery, and environmental benefits, but rely on internet access and device compatibility and may face deliverability or compatibility limitations.