Why are my emails going to the promotions tab in Gmail? - Knowledge Base

Summary

The wrong BIMI logo displaying in Yahoo and AOL is a multifaceted issue potentially caused by caching at the mailbox provider level, existing logos already on file with Yahoo/AOL, unmet sender reputation or authentication requirements, improper SVG formatting or accessibility, VMC validity problems, incorrect DNS record configuration, subdomain setup issues, or simply the time needed for updates to propagate. Addressing the problem requires ensuring the correct SVG format, accessibility, DNS record setup, VMC validity, proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and potentially contacting Yahoo/AOL to 'kick the box'. Caching is a significant factor, and sufficient time should be allowed for updates to appear.

Key findings

Caching and Existing Logos: Yahoo/AOL may cache logos, or show logos already on file if traffic is trusted, causing delays or incorrect logos. Updates can take days or even a week to propagate.
SVG Issues: The SVG file must adhere to specific formatting guidelines (vector graphic, size limits, no external links), be accessible via HTTPS, and properly optimized.
Authentication Requirements: Sender reputation and proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC with 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject') are crucial. Failures can prevent the logo from displaying.
VMC Necessity: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is typically required and must be valid from an approved provider.
DNS Record Accuracy: BIMI DNS records must be correctly formatted, placed, and contain the accurate selector and SVG URL. Errors here will halt logo display.
Subdomain Complications: Setting up BIMI on a subdomain can cause issues; BIMI records should be established for the root domain.

Key considerations

Thorough Validation: Validate SVG formatting, VMC validity, and DNS record accuracy using testing tools.
Check Image accessibility: Ensure that the SVG url is accessible over HTTPS.
Allow Propagation Time: Allow sufficient time for changes to propagate due to caching. Periodic re-checking is recommended.
Contact Support: If issues persist after these steps, contact Yahoo/AOL support to 'kick the box' and force an update.

What email marketers say

9 marketer opinions

The wrong BIMI logo displaying in Yahoo and AOL can be attributed to several factors, including caching issues at the mailbox provider, unmet sender reputation or authentication requirements, improper SVG formatting, lack of VMC, incorrect DNS record setup, SVG accessibility problems, issues related to sending from a subdomain, or simply the time it takes for updates to propagate. Addressing these issues requires patience, careful configuration, and potentially contacting the mailbox provider directly.

Key opinions

Caching: Yahoo and AOL may cache the BIMI logo, so changes might not be immediately visible. Allow up to a week for updates to propagate.
Sender Reputation: Failing to meet Yahoo/AOL's sender reputation requirements can prevent the correct logo from displaying. Ensure a good sender score and consistent email volume.
Authentication: Correctly implemented SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are essential. DMARC policy should be set to 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject'.
SVG Formatting: The SVG logo must be properly formatted, optimized, and publicly accessible via HTTPS. Use an SVG optimizer to reduce file size and complexity.
VMC Requirement: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an authorized provider is typically required.
DNS Record Setup: Ensure the BIMI DNS record is correctly configured, using a proper BIMI record generator and providing the correct selector and SVG URL.
Accessibility: The SVG URL must be directly accessible over HTTPS without redirects or authentication.
Subdomain Issues: Setting up BIMI on a subdomain might cause problems. The BIMI record should be set up for the root domain.

Key considerations

Check Caching Delays: Be aware that caching delays can obscure the results of a BIMI configuration, leading to false diagnosis.
Verify SVG URL: Ensure the SVG is publicly accessible before diagnosing further.
Contact Provider: If the issue persists after addressing the above points, contact Yahoo/AOL directly.

Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests that the BIMI logo issue may stem from not fully meeting Yahoo/AOL's requirements for sender reputation or authentication. They propose checking sender score, ensuring consistent email volume, and verifying that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly implemented and passing authentication checks.

23 Mar 2024 - Reddit

Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailVendorSelection Blog shares that a frequent issue is the SVG logo not being properly optimized, leading to rendering problems. They recommend using an SVG optimizer tool to reduce file size and complexity while maintaining visual quality.

15 Feb 2023 - EmailVendorSelection Blog

What the experts say

2 expert opinions

The wrong BIMI logo displaying in Yahoo and AOL can be due to caching or the mailbox provider displaying a logo already on file. If the traffic is trusted and all BIMI criteria are met, the correct logo should eventually appear, but this process takes time. If the correct logo doesn't display after a reasonable period, it's recommended to contact the mailbox provider.

Key opinions

Existing Logo: If a logo is already displaying, it indicates Yahoo/AOL trusts the traffic and is showing a logo they have on file.
Automatic Update: Once all BIMI criteria are met, the correct logo should be pulled automatically.
Time Delay: The update process takes time (days or even a week) due to caching and processing by Yahoo/AOL.
Caching Issue: The wrong logo might be appearing due to caching issues at the mailbox provider level.

Key considerations

Patience: Allow sufficient time for the correct logo to appear after implementing BIMI and making changes.
Re-Check: Periodically re-check to see if the correct logo is displaying.
Contact Provider: If the correct logo doesn't appear after a reasonable time, contact Yahoo/AOL directly for assistance.

Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that if an image is already showing, it means Yahoo/AOL already trusts the traffic and is displaying a logo on file. If all BIMI criteria are met, the correct logo will be pulled automatically, but this takes time. If the correct logo doesn't appear after a while, the user should reach out to the provided email address.

14 Dec 2022 - Email Geeks

Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that sometimes the wrong BIMI logo appears due to caching at the mailbox provider level. He advises that after making changes, it can take time (days or even a week) for Yahoo and AOL to update their cache and display the correct logo. He suggests patience and periodic re-checking.

14 Feb 2025 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says

3 technical articles

The wrong BIMI logo may display due to issues with SVG file formatting, VMC validity, or incorrect DNS record configuration. The SVG must adhere to BIMI's guidelines, be accessible over HTTPS, and free of external links/scripts. The VMC must be valid and from an approved authority. The DNS record must be correctly formatted and contain the right selector and SVG URL. Caching by Yahoo can also delay updates.

Key findings

SVG Formatting: SVG file must be a vector graphic, adhere to file size limits, contain no external links/scripts, and be accessible via HTTPS.
VMC Validity: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) must be valid and issued by an approved certification authority.
DNS Configuration: BIMI DNS record must be correctly formatted, placed in DNS settings, and contain the accurate selector and SVG URL.
Caching: Yahoo may cache logos, delaying updates by up to 72 hours or longer.

Key considerations

SVG Compliance: Thoroughly review the SVG file against BIMI's formatting guidelines.
VMC Verification: Ensure the VMC is valid and issued by a trusted certificate authority.
DNS Accuracy: Double-check the BIMI DNS record for correct syntax, selector, and SVG URL.
Allow Time: Allow sufficient time for changes to propagate due to caching by Yahoo and other providers.

Technical article

Documentation from Yahoo Sender Hub suggests ensuring the VMC is valid and issued by an approved certification authority, as well as making sure that the BIMI DNS record is published correctly with the right selector and SVG URL. It notes that Yahoo may cache logos and advises waiting up to 72 hours for changes to propagate.

1 Mar 2022 - Yahoo Sender Hub

Technical article

Documentation from Cloudflare explains that BIMI records must be correctly formatted and placed in the DNS settings. It needs the correct syntax, including the selector and the URL of the SVG image. Any errors in the record can prevent the BIMI logo from displaying.

4 Jun 2023 - Cloudflare Support