Summary
BIMI can function with the TXT record on a subdomain, given the domain owner controls the parent domain's DNS records and the parent domain has a quarantine of 100 or higher. A VMC is required and applies to the domain or subdomain displaying the logo, with the BIMI record pointing to its location. Gmail logo display can take 24-48 hours, potentially longer due to email volume, sender reputation, and provider policies. Correct configuration of DNS records (including 'v' and 'l' tags), a DMARC policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject', and valid SPF/DKIM records are essential. Common issues include DNS record syntax and VMC validity. Benefits of BIMI include enhanced brand recognition, trust, and engagement.
Key findings
- Subdomain Support: BIMI supports TXT records on subdomains, provided the parent domain's DNS is controlled.
- Gmail Display Time: Gmail logo display typically takes 24-48 hours, but can vary.
- VMC Requirement: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is mandatory.
- Authentication: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC ('quarantine' or 'reject') are essential for BIMI to function.
- Brand Benefits: BIMI enhances brand recognition, trust, and engagement.
Key considerations
- DNS Control: Ensure full control over the parent domain's DNS when using subdomains.
- Parent Quarantine: The parent domain must be in quarantine 100 or higher.
- VMC Acquisition: Obtain a VMC by verifying the trademarked logo and organizational identity.
- DNS Configuration: Correctly configure BIMI DNS records with the necessary tags.
- Authentication Protocols: Implement and validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
- Monitoring: Monitor email volume, sender reputation, and mailbox provider policies, as they can affect BIMI display.
- Troubleshooting: Check for common issues like DNS record syntax errors and VMC validity problems.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
BIMI can function with the TXT record on a subdomain if the parent domain's DNS is controlled, allowing for necessary authentication. The VMC applies to the domain or subdomain where the logo is used. Gmail can take 24-48 hours, or sometimes longer, for the BIMI logo to consistently appear. Factors like correct setup, VMC validity, email volume, sender reputation, and mailbox provider policies affect display times. Consistent domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is critical for BIMI success. Benefits of BIMI include improved brand recognition, trust, and engagement.
Key opinions
- Subdomain Support: BIMI works with TXT records on subdomains if the parent domain's DNS is controlled.
- Gmail Display Time: Gmail display time for BIMI logos varies, typically taking 24-48 hours, but sometimes longer.
- VMC Application: The VMC applies to the domain or subdomain where the logo is displayed.
- Authentication Importance: Consistent domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for successful BIMI implementation.
- Brand Benefits: BIMI improves brand recognition, trust, and engagement.
Key considerations
- DNS Control: Ensure control over the parent domain's DNS records when using a subdomain for the BIMI TXT record.
- VMC Validity: Verify the VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) is valid and correctly configured.
- Authentication Setup: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC correctly and consistently.
- Provider Policies: Adhere to mailbox provider policies to ensure proper BIMI display.
- Patience: Allow sufficient time for BIMI logos to propagate and appear, as display times may vary.
- Syntax: Correct BIMI DNS syntax and VMC validity
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares that after correctly setting up BIMI with a VMC, it took about 36 hours for the logo to consistently appear in Gmail inboxes.
17 May 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailOnAcid Blog notes that the time it takes for BIMI to display can vary based on factors like email volume and sender reputation, even after correct setup.
24 Nov 2023 - EmailOnAcid
What the experts say
1 expert opinions
According to Steve Jones, an expert from Word to the Wise, BIMI can work with a BIMI TXT record on a subdomain if the domain owner controls the parent domain's DNS records, enabling proper authentication checks.
Key opinions
- Subdomain BIMI Support: BIMI is compatible with subdomains for TXT records.
- DNS Control: Parent domain DNS control is necessary for subdomain BIMI implementation.
- Authentication: Correct authentication checks rely on DNS control of the parent domain.
Key considerations
- DNS Management: Ensure full control over the parent domain's DNS records when implementing BIMI on a subdomain.
- Authentication Setup: Verify proper authentication mechanisms are in place and functioning correctly.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise, Steve Jones, indicates that BIMI can function when the BIMI TXT record is placed on a subdomain, provided that the domain owner also controls DNS records for the parent domain. This allows for the necessary authentication checks to be performed correctly.
11 Feb 2023 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Multiple sources confirm that BIMI can work with a TXT record published on a subdomain, provided the domain owner controls the parent domain's DNS records. A VMC is required, and the BIMI record should point to its location. Correct DNS record structure (including 'v' and 'l' tags) is crucial. Additionally, a DMARC policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' and valid SPF/DKIM records are necessary for BIMI to function. Obtaining a VMC involves verifying the trademarked logo and confirming organizational identity.
Key findings
- Subdomain Support: BIMI works with TXT records on subdomains if the parent domain's DNS is controlled.
- VMC Requirement: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is required for BIMI.
- DNS Structure: Correct BIMI DNS record structure is essential (including 'v' and 'l' tags).
- DMARC Policy: A DMARC policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' is mandatory.
- Authentication Protocols: Valid SPF and DKIM records are necessary for BIMI functionality.
Key considerations
- DNS Control: Ensure control over the parent domain's DNS records when using a subdomain.
- VMC Acquisition: Obtain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) by verifying the trademarked logo and organization identity.
- DNS Configuration: Configure the BIMI DNS record with the correct structure, including 'v' and 'l' tags.
- DMARC Enforcement: Implement a DMARC policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject'.
- Authentication Validation: Validate that SPF and DKIM records are correctly configured and functioning.
Technical article
Documentation from BIMI Group details the structure of the BIMI DNS record, emphasizing the importance of the 'v' tag for version and the 'l' tag for the SVG logo location. These must be correctly configured for BIMI to function.
13 Sep 2024 - BIMI Group
Technical article
Documentation from dmarcian.com emphasizes that BIMI requires a DMARC policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' to be in place on the sending domain, and that SPF and DKIM records must be valid. Without this, BIMI will not function.
16 Aug 2021 - dmarcian.com
Do DMARC and BIMI require p=reject to be present on the organizational domain?
Do I need a VMC for BIMI to work with Google and Gmail?
Does BIMI trickle down to subdomains and how to control subdomain BIMI display?
How do I implement BIMI for multiple brands with subdomains?
How do I implement DMARC with BIMI on multiple subdomains?
How long does it take for BIMI to be visible across email clients like Gmail and Yahoo?
