What’s a PTR record (reverse DNS) and why is it important?

PTR records are critical for email legitimacy:

What they prove: The IP owner has configured a meaningful hostname. Not a random residential IP or compromised machine.

Filter impact:

Missing PTR: Many receivers reject outright or heavily penalize.

Generic PTR (like 192-0-2-1.isp.com): Looks like residential/dynamic IP. Spam signal.

Proper PTR (like mail.tidalmail.com): Legitimate server indication.

Best practice:

PTR should reflect your brand or mail function

Forward DNS should resolve that name back to the same IP

Professional configuration is a baseline expectation for bulk senders.

A registered ship name proves it belongs to a legitimate fleet, not a pirate vessel with no papers.