Summary
BIMI logos must be in SVG format, specifically SVG Tiny 1.2 or the Tiny Portable/Secure profile. Animated logos are not permitted. The SVG file should be hosted on a secure HTTPS server. A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is essential for authenticating ownership and displaying the logo. Using static SVG logos ensures compatibility, avoids potential display issues, and prevents negative user experiences such as unsubscribes.
Key findings
- SVG Requirement: BIMI logos must be in SVG format (Tiny 1.2 or Tiny Portable/Secure profile).
- No Animation: Animated logos are not supported by the BIMI standard.
- VMC Essential: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is required for logo authentication and proper display.
- HTTPS Hosting: The SVG file must be hosted on a secure HTTPS server.
Key considerations
- Compatibility: Ensure the SVG file is compatible across different email clients and devices.
- User Experience: Avoid animated logos to prevent annoying recipients and causing unsubscribes.
- Security: Ensure the security of the SVG file and the server it is hosted on.
- VMC Acquisition: Obtain a VMC to validate the logo and ensure it is displayed correctly.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) logos must be in SVG Tiny 1.2 format. Animated logos are not supported. The use of SVG ensures scalability and prevents rasterization issues. A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is generally required to authenticate the logo. It is best practice to avoid animated logos for compatibility reasons and to prevent negative user experiences.
Key opinions
- SVG Requirement: BIMI logos must be in SVG format, specifically SVG Tiny 1.2.
- No Animation: Animated logos are not supported by the BIMI standard.
- VMC Importance: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is often required to validate the logo and display it correctly.
Key considerations
- Compatibility: Using SVG ensures compatibility across various email clients.
- User Experience: Animated logos can be disruptive and may lead to unsubscribes or filtering.
- Security: Hosting the SVG file on a secure HTTPS server is required for BIMI implementation.
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailToolTester shares that BIMI logos should be in SVG format (Scalable Vector Graphics), which allows them to scale without losing quality. It emphasizes the importance of a VMC.
21 Mar 2022 - emailtooltester.com
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit User notes that animated BIMI logos are not a good idea due to compatibility issues across email clients and the risk of annoying recipients, leading to unsubscribes.
20 May 2024 - reddit.com
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
BIMI logos must be in SVG format. Animated BIMI logos are likely to result in negative user experience, leading to unsubscribes or being filtered into less-checked folders. A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is important for trust and display.
Key opinions
- SVG Requirement: BIMI mandates SVG format for logos.
- Animation Discouraged: Animated BIMI is likely to have negative user experience.
- VMC Importance: A VMC is important for BIMI logos for trust and display.
Key considerations
- User Experience: Consider the negative impact of animation on user experience.
- Trust and Display: Ensure your logo is properly verified with a VMC for optimal display and user trust.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise details that BIMI relies on the SVG format for logos, mandating the use of vector graphics. She highlights the importance of VMCs for trust and display.
6 Aug 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that animated BIMI would likely lead to unsubscribes or being filtered into less frequently checked folders.
20 Feb 2023 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
BIMI logos are required to be in SVG format, specifically the SVG Tiny Portable/Secure profile or SVG Tiny 1.2. Additionally, a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is generally necessary to confirm ownership and for the logo to be properly displayed. The SVG file must be accessible via HTTPS.
Key findings
- SVG Requirement: BIMI logos must be in SVG format.
- VMC Requirement: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is essential for displaying the logo and confirming ownership.
- HTTPS Requirement: The SVG file must be accessible via HTTPS.
Key considerations
- SVG Profile: Ensure the SVG file conforms to the SVG Tiny Portable/Secure profile or SVG Tiny 1.2 specification.
- VMC Acquisition: Obtain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) to authenticate the logo.
- Secure Hosting: Host the SVG file on a server accessible via HTTPS.
Technical article
Documentation from GlobalSign specifies the BIMI logo needs to be in SVG format and hosted on a secure HTTPS server. It must also pass VMC authentication.
22 Aug 2021 - globalsign.com
Technical article
Documentation from Sectigo states a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is essential to display your logo with BIMI. The logo file itself must be an SVG.
26 Oct 2021 - sectigo.com
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