Summary
Implementing BIMI involves authenticating your email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. A DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' is required. For Gmail, obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is also necessary, which requires a registered trademark. BIMI records are DNS TXT records that point to your logo, which must be in SVG format. Yahoo Mail supports BIMI without a VMC. Activating Gmail for subdomains in Google Workspace may be required for proper logo display. Validate your BIMI setup using online tools, and be aware of the cost of VMCs. BIMI can enhance brand recognition and potentially improve deliverability.
Key findings
- Gmail VMC Requirement: Gmail requires a VMC for BIMI logo display, while Yahoo Mail does not.
- DMARC Policy: A DMARC policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' is essential for BIMI compliance.
- Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are foundational for BIMI.
- BIMI DNS Record: A correctly formatted BIMI DNS TXT record is needed, pointing to the logo.
- Benefits: Can increase deliverability and open rates.
Key considerations
- VMC Cost: VMCs can cost around $999 per year from providers like Entrust, plus trademark fees.
- Subdomain Configuration: If sending from a subdomain, activating Gmail for that subdomain within Google Workspace might be necessary.
- Logo Format: The logo must be in SVG format and meet specific requirements.
- BIMI Validation: Use online BIMI validators to verify the correctness of your setup.
- Provider Support: Verify BIMI support with different email providers.
What email marketers say
15 marketer opinions
Implementing BIMI involves several steps to display your logo in Gmail and Yahoo Mail. For Gmail, you need a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) and a DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject,' along with SPF and DKIM authentication. Yahoo Mail supports BIMI without a VMC. The BIMI record, a TXT record in DNS, points to your SVG logo. It's important to ensure your logo meets the requirements, validate your BIMI setup, and verify provider support. Activating Gmail for subdomains in Google Workspace might be needed to display your logo correctly.
Key opinions
- Gmail Requirements: Gmail requires a VMC and a strict DMARC policy (quarantine or reject) for BIMI logo display.
- Yahoo Mail: Yahoo Mail supports BIMI without a VMC, simplifying the implementation process.
- BIMI Record: The BIMI record is a DNS TXT record pointing to the SVG logo file.
- Subdomain Configuration: Gmail logo display from subdomains might require activating Gmail for the subdomain in Google Workspace.
Key considerations
- VMC Cost: VMCs can be expensive, with annual costs around $999 from providers like Entrust, plus trademark fees.
- DMARC Policy: Implementing a 'quarantine' or 'reject' DMARC policy is crucial for BIMI and can impact email deliverability if not properly configured.
- Logo Format: The logo must be in SVG format to be compatible with BIMI.
- BIMI Validation: It's recommended to use BIMI validation tools to ensure the record is set up correctly.
- Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM and DMARC need to be correctly configured.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks explains the issue with gmail not showing logo when sending from a subdomain and provides a solution of activating Gmail for the alternative subdomain within Google Workspace admin settings.
10 May 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Proofpoint explains that BIMI helps increase brand recognition and trust in email communications, improving engagement rates.
15 Feb 2025 - Proofpoint.com
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Implementing BIMI involves email authentication via SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), publishing a BIMI record in your DNS, and understanding that BIMI records are DNS entries that guide email providers to your logo, which can improve deliverability and open rates.
Key opinions
- Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are prerequisites for BIMI implementation.
- VMC Requirement: Obtaining a VMC is a key step in the BIMI implementation process.
- BIMI Record Purpose: BIMI records direct email providers to your logo.
- Deliverability Benefits: BIMI can potentially enhance email deliverability and improve open rates.
Key considerations
- DNS Record Management: Properly managing DNS records, specifically the BIMI record, is crucial for BIMI to function correctly.
- VMC Acquisition: The process of obtaining a VMC can be complex and might require a registered trademark.
- Authentication Configuration: Correct configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is essential before implementing BIMI.
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource explains that implementing BIMI involves authenticating your email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, obtaining a VMC, and publishing a BIMI record in your DNS.
30 Oct 2024 - Spamresource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise Staff explains that BIMI records are DNS records that tell email providers where to find your brand's logo. The guide explains what it is and how it can increase deliverability and open rates.
11 Dec 2021 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Implementing BIMI involves setting up a DMARC policy to 'quarantine' or 'reject,' which is essential for BIMI compliance. For Gmail, a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is also necessary, requiring a registered trademark and a verification process handled by a Certificate Authority. VMC issuance includes trademark verification, logo validation, and organizational authentication. The BIMI implementation process and specifications cover record syntax, logo requirements, and security considerations, as outlined by the AuthIndicators Working Group.
Key findings
- DMARC Requirement: BIMI necessitates a DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject'.
- VMC for Gmail: Gmail requires a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for logo display via BIMI.
- Trademark Needed: Obtaining a VMC requires a registered trademark for your logo.
- Specification Guidelines: AuthIndicators Working Group provides technical specifications for BIMI.
Key considerations
- DMARC Impact: Changing DMARC policy to 'quarantine' or 'reject' can impact email delivery; careful monitoring is crucial.
- VMC Complexity: The VMC acquisition process requires navigating Certificate Authorities and meeting specific verification requirements.
- Trademarking Costs: If you don't already have one, trademarking a logo may incur significant costs.
- Technical Expertise: Correct interpretation and application of BIMI specifications are essential for successful implementation.
Technical article
Documentation from BIMIGroup.org explains that BIMI requires a Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC) policy set to “quarantine” or “reject.” For Gmail, a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is also required to display your logo.
14 Dec 2021 - BIMIGroup.org
Technical article
Documentation from AuthIndicators Working Group provides technical specifications for BIMI implementation, covering record syntax, logo requirements, and security considerations.
22 Apr 2022 - AuthIndicators.org
Can BIMI logos be animated and how do Google profile images interact with BIMI?
Do I need a VMC for BIMI to work with Google and Gmail?
Does BIMI impact email deliverability?
How do I display my logo in email inboxes, particularly Gmail, and what are the BIMI requirements?
How do I implement a blue check mark on Gmail with BIMI and VMC?
How do I implement BIMI for email verification in Gmail and Yahoo?
What are the benefits and requirements of BIMI for email deliverability and branding?
What are the requirements to implement BIMI, and which providers support it?
