Updating a BIMI logo in Yahoo Mail's cache can be a source of frustration due to varying refresh cycles and strict SVG requirements. While general DNS propagation might occur quickly, email clients like Yahoo often have their own caching mechanisms that can delay the appearance of a new or updated logo. Furthermore, common errors in SVG file formatting, particularly regarding the SVG Tiny P/S specification, are frequent culprits behind logos failing to display correctly.
Key findings
Cache delay: Yahoo Mail, like many email clients, caches BIMI logos, meaning updates may not be immediate. Delays of 24 to 48 hours are common before a new logo appears. For more on Yahoo's caching, see our article on how Yahoo Mail caches BIMI images.
SVG formatting: Errors in the SVG logo file, particularly incorrect placement of the <title> element outside the <g> tags, can prevent BIMI logos from displaying.
BIMI record updates: Even if the BIMI DNS record is updated and verified by online checkers, the email client's cache must refresh for the visual change to propagate.
Direct contact: For specific issues with Verizon Media (Yahoo), directly contacting their mail support team (e.g., mail-questions@verizonmedia.com) might be necessary to request a cache update.
Key considerations
SVG validation: Always validate your SVG file against the latest BIMI Group specifications, particularly the SVG Tiny P/S format, to ensure compliance and avoid display issues. The BIMI Group's documentation on solving SVG issues is a crucial resource.
Patience is key: Allow at least 24 to 48 hours for changes to propagate across various caching layers and mail providers before assuming an error. If problems persist, troubleshoot further using tools to validate your BIMI records.
Consistent monitoring: Regularly check your BIMI logo display across different email clients, as caching behaviors can vary. This helps identify and resolve issues promptly.
What email marketers say
Email marketers frequently encounter delays when updating BIMI logos, particularly with Yahoo Mail. Their experiences highlight the unpredictability of cache refresh times and the critical importance of adhering to precise SVG formatting guidelines. Many find that while DNS updates are fast, the visual change at the recipient's inbox level requires additional patience or specific troubleshooting steps related to the SVG file itself.
Key opinions
Expect delays: Marketers generally expect a delay of at least 24 to 48 hours for BIMI logo updates to propagate, especially for services like Yahoo.
SVG compliance: Many agree that strict compliance with SVG Tiny P/S format, including correct placement of elements like the <title> tag, is paramount for BIMI logos to display.
Yahoo specific actions: Some suggest directly emailing Verizon Media's support for faster updates due to their unique caching system.
Regular checks: Utilizing online BIMI checkers and verifiers is common practice to confirm the DNS record updates.
Troubleshooting: If a logo doesn't appear after a reasonable delay, re-examine the SVG file for structural errors, such as incorrect tag placement. Our guide on troubleshooting BIMI logo display in Yahoo Mail can provide further assistance.
DNS propagation: While DNS changes propagate relatively quickly, the dependent caching by mail providers adds a secondary layer of delay that marketers must account for.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Geeks notes that they have implemented a BIMI record and updated their logo, and are now waiting for it to filter through the Yahoo cache. They indicate that it has been 24 hours already, suggesting that an update might be imminent. They also mention that they will contact Verizon Media support to ensure the update is covered.
14 Oct 2020 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Geeks indicates that their ESP handled the BIMI implementation. They confirmed that their BIMI record has been successfully updated on an online checker and verifier, implying the DNS aspect is correct but the logo is still not appearing.
14 Oct 2020 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
Email deliverability experts emphasize that while DNS record updates for BIMI are crucial, the true challenge lies in the unpredictable caching behaviors of various mail providers, particularly Yahoo. They consistently point to SVG file compliance, especially with the evolving SVG Tiny P/S standard, as a primary factor influencing logo display. Direct communication with ISPs and adherence to the latest BIMI Group guidelines are often recommended for successful implementation and troubleshooting.
Key opinions
Caching variations: Experts acknowledge that different mail providers have distinct caching mechanisms for BIMI logos, making update times inconsistent. Yahoo (Verizon Media) is noted for having an additional system requiring careful attention.
SVG structure: A common point of failure is the SVG file's internal structure, specifically the incorrect placement of the <title> element within the <g> tags.
Guideline changes: BIMI guidelines and SVG requirements evolve, meaning older creation guides may be outdated. Always reference the latest official BIMI Group information.
Beyond validation: Even with a seemingly valid BIMI record, display issues can persist if the SVG file itself has subtle non-compliance issues not caught by basic checkers. For more details on BIMI requirements, refer to our article on BIMI SVG requirements for Yahoo.
Key considerations
Verify SVG: Use an SVG validator that checks for BIMI compliance, paying close attention to the structural integrity and placement of required elements like the <title> tag. This is crucial for validating your BIMI SVG.
ISP communication: If a logo update is critical and not appearing, contacting the specific ISP's postmaster or support team may accelerate the cache refresh process.
Long-term view: While immediate updates can be challenging, a correctly configured BIMI record and SVG will eventually propagate. The focus should be on proper setup from the outset.
Expert view
Email deliverability expert from Email Geeks suggests that if everything is configured correctly, directly emailing Verizon (Yahoo) and asking them to update the logo might be necessary. They note that Verizon has an additional system in place, possibly due to the lack of third-party certificate verification at that time, which requires their intervention. They also advise giving it at least 24, possibly 48 hours, before worrying about a delayed update.
14 Oct 2020 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Email deliverability expert from Email Geeks indicates that the user's SVG may have a small issue. They specifically pinpoint that the `<title>` element needs to be outside of the `<g>` tags within the SVG code. This technical detail is crucial for the SVG to be properly parsed and displayed by email clients that support BIMI.
14 Oct 2020 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
Official BIMI documentation and related technical resources confirm that successful BIMI logo display hinges on both a correctly published DNS record and a precisely formatted SVG file. Recent updates to SVG standards, such as the adoption of SVG Tiny P/S, have introduced new compliance requirements. While DNS changes propagate quickly, email clients manage their own logo caching, leading to variable update times that are largely out of the sender's direct control. Troubleshooting often involves validating the SVG against current specifications.
Key findings
SVG Tiny P/S: The BIMI Group now requires SVG logos to adhere to the SVG Tiny P/S format, which is a stricter subset of SVG designed for portability and security.
Required elements: The SVG file must contain specific elements, like the <title> element, placed correctly (e.g., directly under the <svg> tag, not nested within other group tags).
DNS records: A valid BIMI DNS record (TXT record) pointing to the SVG file URL is a foundational requirement for any logo display.
Client-side caching: Email clients and providers implement their own caching mechanisms for BIMI logos, which leads to varying update times. Some, like eM Client, explicitly state a 30-day refresh cycle.
Key considerations
Adherence to standards: Always consult the official BIMI Group website (e.g., bimigroup.org) for the most up-to-date SVG and DNS record specifications.
Comprehensive validation: Use specialized tools to validate both your BIMI DNS record and the SVG file itself against the latest technical requirements to catch subtle errors. For example, some tools can verify that your BIMI DNS record does not return an unexpected string.
Caching behavior: Understand that the time for a logo to update in an inbox is largely governed by the email client's caching policy, not solely by DNS propagation.
Technical article
BIMI Group documentation outlines solutions for common SVG validation issues, emphasizing the critical need for compliance with SVG Tiny P/S for BIMI. It provides guidance on how to optimize and validate graphics to ensure they meet the stringent technical requirements necessary for proper display across email clients.
20 Jun 2024 - BIMI Group
Technical article
WPBeginner documentation specifies that the BIMI Group has recently mandated a particular SVG format known as SVG P/S (SVG Tiny Portable/Secure) for logos. It notes that this format is quite new, which can lead to challenges in its implementation for email senders.