ePostcards

ePostcards are digital images that are formatted and sent via email or messaging platforms as a digital equivalent of a traditional postal postcard. They are usually created using software or online services that allow the user to add a photo, text, and a map location. The final product is often generated as a PDF or image file that can be emailed or posted on social media.

The first ePostcards appeared in the late 1990s with the rise of personal email accounts, and their popularity grew as high‑definition cameras and internet bandwidth improved. Early services were simple web pages where users could upload a photo and add a postcard design. By the early 2000s, dedicated ePostcard platforms offered mobile applications, template libraries, and automatic email delivery.

Users employ ePostcards for personal celebrations, travel sharing, marketing, and corporate communications. Brands use them to run digitised promotions, including interactive content and tracking. ePostcards provide instant delivery and the ability to send in bulk, while retaining some of the sentiment of tangible postcards. Concerns include the lack of tactile experience, reliance on recipient email accounts, and the potential for recipient overload. Privacy regulations such as GDPR affect how personal data linked to ePostcards can be processed. Despite these concerns, ePostcards remain a popular option for users who want a quick, cost-effective way to share a message and a photo.