Why might my BIMI logo not be showing in Gmail even if I have low volume?

If your BIMI logo isn't showing, it's almost certainly due to a technical misconfiguration, not email volume. Common issues include an incorrect DMARC policy (e.g., p=none ), an invalid or missing VMC, or an SVG logo that doesn't meet the precise specifications .

Does my sender reputation affect BIMI logo display?

While not a direct requirement, a strong sender reputation is crucial for overall email deliverability. If your emails are consistently landing in spam, your BIMI logo may not be visible. BIMI itself helps build trust, which contributes positively to reputation.

Are BIMI requirements the same for all email providers?

No, BIMI requirements can vary by provider. For example, Gmail requires a VMC , while Yahoo Mail has historically been more flexible, sometimes displaying logos without a VMC based on domain reputation and DMARC enforcement.

Is there a minimum email volume required for BIMI logo display in Gmail? - Sender reputation - Email deliverability - Knowledge base

Q: Is there a minimum email volume required for BIMI logo display in Gmail?

No, there is no publicly stated or implied minimum email volume requirement for BIMI logo display in Gmail . The primary factors are technical compliance with DMARC, a Validated Mark Certificate (VMC), and correct SVG logo specifications.

Q: What are the essential technical requirements for BIMI to work in Gmail?

The essential requirements include having a DMARC policy set to p=quarantine or p=reject , obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), and ensuring your logo is in SVG Tiny 1.2 PS format and meets other specified dimensions and file size.

Many email senders, especially those implementing Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI), often wonder if there's a specific email volume threshold they need to meet for their brand logo to appear in

Gmail inboxes. It's a natural question, given how email providers sometimes factor sending volume into other aspects of email deliverability and sender reputation.

Based on my experience and industry discussions, there is no official or publicly stated minimum email volume requirement from

Google for BIMI logo display. Unlike some other features or Postmaster Tools data which often require a certain volume for visibility, BIMI primarily relies on robust email authentication and adherence to specific technical standards.

Instead of volume, the focus is squarely on ensuring your domain's email authentication is flawless and that your BIMI records and associated assets meet all necessary specifications. This includes correctly configuring DMARC, obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), and ensuring your logo file adheres to strict guidelines. These elements are the true gatekeepers for BIMI logo display, not how many emails you send.

Core BIMI requirements for Gmail

For your BIMI logo to display in

Gmail, there are several non-negotiable requirements that must be met. These are largely independent of your email sending volume.

DMARC policy: Your domain must have a valid DMARC record with a policy set to either p=quarantine or p=reject. A p=none policy, while useful for monitoring, is insufficient for BIMI display.
Verified Mark Certificate (VMC): As of early 2021, Gmail requires a VMC to display your BIMI logo. This certificate verifies that your organization is the legitimate owner of the logo.
Logo specifications: Your logo file must be in SVG Tiny 1.2 Portable/Secure (SVG PS) format. It needs to be square, centered, on a solid background, and its file size should not exceed 32 KB. Gmail recommends a minimum logo size of 96x96 pixels.
BIMI record: A correctly formatted BIMI TXT record must be published in your DNS, pointing to your VMC and logo file.

Example DMARC record for BIMI eligibility

For BIMI to work, your DMARC policy must be set to either quarantine or reject. Here's a basic example:

DMARC TXT RecordDNS

_dmarc.yourdomain.com. IN TXT "v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc_reports@yourdomain.com; ruf=mailto:dmarc_forensic@yourdomain.com; adkim=r; aspf=r;"

Remember to transition your DMARC policy to quarantine or reject carefully after a period of monitoring with p=none.

These technical prerequisites are the primary determinants of whether your BIMI logo will display, not the volume of email you send. Many businesses with lower sending volumes for B2B communications or transactional emails successfully display their BIMI logos in

Gmail because they have meticulously implemented these foundational email authentication standards.

Volume vs. reputation

While there isn't a direct volume minimum for BIMI display, it's essential to understand that email providers like

Google and

Yahoo heavily rely on sender reputation for overall email deliverability. A strong sender reputation is built over time through consistent sending of legitimate, wanted mail and avoiding spam complaints or blacklistings (or blocklistings).

BIMI itself is a trust indicator. It assures recipients that the email is genuinely from the claimed brand, which inherently contributes to a positive sending reputation. If your domain has a poor reputation, even with a perfect BIMI setup, your emails might not reach the inbox, or the logo might not display consistently. This isn't a volume minimum as much as it is a reputation hurdle. Maintaining a healthy email ecosystem for your domain is paramount.

Focus on technical compliance

Authentication standards: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly implemented and passing for all your sending channels.
VMC validity: Obtain and keep your Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) current from a BIMI accredited certificate provider.
SVG formatting: Verify your SVG logo adheres to all specifications for Gmail and other clients.

Anecdotal evidence on volume

Low volume B2B: Many report successful BIMI display in Gmail even with relatively low volumes of B2B emails.
Quick display: Some users have observed their VMC-enabled BIMI logo appearing within minutes of correct implementation, without prior high volume.
No stated minimum: Neither Google nor the BIMI Group have ever published specific volume requirements.

Troubleshooting BIMI display issues

If your BIMI logo isn't displaying in

Gmail, a lack of email volume is highly unlikely to be the cause. More often, the issue lies with one of the technical requirements. Here are the most common culprits:

DMARC policy: Is your DMARC policy set to p=quarantine or p=reject? Even a single character error in your DMARC record can prevent it from working correctly. You can troubleshoot common DMARC issues.
VMC validity: Has your VMC expired, or was it issued by a non-accredited certificate authority? Gmail specifically requires a VMC for display.
Logo file format: Is your SVG logo in the exact SVG Tiny 1.2 PS format, and does it meet all aspect ratio, sizing, and background requirements? Incorrect formatting is a very common reason for BIMI logo not showing up.
DNS record: Double-check your BIMI TXT record for any typos or incorrect URLs pointing to your VMC or logo. DNS propagation can also take some time.
Sending alignment: Ensure your emails are passing DMARC alignment (both SPF and DKIM) for the domain specified in your From: header.

These technical checks are far more critical than focusing on your email volume. Addressing any of these points will likely resolve your BIMI display issues in Gmail.

Differences across providers

It's worth noting that requirements for BIMI display can vary slightly between email providers. While

Gmail has a strict VMC requirement, other providers like

Yahoo Mail have historically had different criteria, sometimes displaying logos based on established sender reputation and DMARC enforcement, even without a VMC.

This difference can sometimes lead to confusion, where a BIMI logo might appear in

Yahoo but not in

Gmail. If you're experiencing this, it's almost always due to the VMC requirement for

Gmail.

Apple Mail also supports BIMI, generally aligning with the standard's requirements.

The core message remains consistent across providers: strong authentication, particularly DMARC at an enforced policy, is fundamental. Any additional requirements, like the VMC for

Gmail, are built on top of this foundation. There’s no indication that a certain volume of mail is needed to trigger the display.

Views from the trenches

Best practices

Ensure your DMARC policy is at p=quarantine or p=reject to qualify for BIMI display, as this is a fundamental requirement.

Always use a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for Gmail, as it’s crucial for your logo to appear and gain brand trust.

Verify your SVG logo file strictly adheres to BIMI specifications, including square aspect ratio and proper sizing.

Regularly monitor your DMARC reports to ensure email authentication is consistently passing and for troubleshooting.

Prioritize maintaining a strong sender reputation, as this indirectly supports consistent BIMI logo display and deliverability.

Common pitfalls

Setting a DMARC policy of p=none, which is insufficient for BIMI logo display in any major email client.

Using an SVG logo that does not meet the precise technical specifications, such as incorrect sizing or format.

Forgetting to renew your Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), leading to unexpected logo disappearance.

Assuming high email volume is a prerequisite for BIMI, causing unnecessary delays in implementation.

Neglecting overall email deliverability and sender reputation, which can impact BIMI visibility.

Expert tips

The absence of a publicly stated volume requirement from Google strongly suggests that technical compliance is the sole focus for BIMI display.

Anecdotal evidence from diverse B2B senders indicates consistent BIMI logo display even with low email volumes, reinforcing technical prerequisites.

If your logo shows up on Yahoo but not Gmail, it is likely a VMC issue, as Gmail's requirement is stricter.

Quick BIMI logo display (minutes after implementation) for direct emails suggests no significant volume gate, even for new setups.

Focus on impeccable DMARC alignment and a robust email authentication posture; these are the primary drivers for BIMI success.

Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks says they send and receive plenty of low volume B2B mail and consistently see BIMI logo display in Gmail.

2022-06-22 - Email Geeks

Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks says they have not heard of any volume requirements for BIMI.

2022-06-22 - Email Geeks

Putting the technical pieces in place for BIMI success

The consensus is clear: when it comes to BIMI logo display in Gmail, email volume is not a stated or implied factor. The emphasis is entirely on robust email authentication and strict adherence to BIMI's technical requirements.

Focus your efforts on achieving a DMARC policy of p=quarantine or p=reject, securing a valid VMC, and ensuring your SVG logo file is perfectly compliant. Once these elements are in place, your brand logo should appear, enhancing trust and recognition for your recipients regardless of your sending frequency.