What email sending volume is required for BIMI to display?
Matthew Whittaker
Co-founder & CTO, Suped
Published 15 Apr 2025
Updated 13 Oct 2025
6 min read
The question of what specific email sending volume is required for your BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) logo to display in recipients' inboxes is a common one. It's often assumed there's a hard numerical threshold, but the reality is more nuanced. While consistent email volume does play a role, it's not the sole determinant, and in many cases, not even the primary one.
Instead, BIMI display hinges more heavily on factors like your domain's authentication status, particularly with DMARC, and your overall sender reputation. Mailbox providers each have their own internal criteria, which can include volume as one metric among many when deciding whether to proudly showcase your brand's logo.
The nuanced role of sending volume
Many senders are surprised to learn that there isn't a universally mandated minimum email sending volume for BIMI to display. Major proponents of BIMI, like Entrust, confirm that any sender, regardless of volume, can be eligible if they meet the technical requirements. However, this doesn't mean volume is entirely irrelevant. It indirectly contributes to building and maintaining a strong sender reputation, which is crucial.
Mailbox providers (MBPs) often use consistent sending volume as an indicator of a legitimate sender. A domain that sends sporadic or very low volumes might not generate enough data points for MBPs to confidently assess its reputation. A steady, even if not massive, stream of mail helps establish your sending patterns and trustworthiness.
Ultimately, while direct volume requirements are rarely specified, maintaining a consistent sending cadence is a best practice. This helps build and maintain sender reputation, which is a foundational element for BIMI adoption. For a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects, you can refer to BIMI requirements and implementation steps.
Core BIMI prerequisites
DMARC policy: Must be at an enforcement policy of p=quarantine or p=reject. A p=none policy will not enable BIMI display.
Brand logo: The logo must be in SVG format and hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server.
DNS TXT record: A specific BIMI TXT record must be published in your domain's DNS settings.
Verified Mark Certificate (VMC): Required by some mailbox providers like Gmail and Apple Mail for displaying the logo.
Reputation and authentication are key
The fundamental requirement for BIMI display is a robust email authentication posture, with DMARC being the cornerstone. Your domain must have a DMARC policy set to quarantine or reject. This signals to receiving mail servers that you are actively protecting your domain from unauthorized use and that your emails are legitimately from your brand. Without this, BIMI will not work, regardless of your sending volume or reputation. Consider using Suped's DMARC monitoring to ensure proper DMARC implementation.
Beyond DMARC, your overall sender reputation is a significant factor. Mailbox providers assess numerous signals, including spam complaint rates, bounce rates, engagement metrics, and whether your IPs or domain are listed on any real-time blocklists (or blacklists). A poor reputation can prevent your BIMI logo from displaying, even if all technical requirements are met. It's essential to monitor your blocklist status regularly.
A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is also a critical component for many major mailbox providers, including Gmail and Apple Mail. A VMC legally verifies that your organization has the right to use the logo, adding an extra layer of trust that encourages mailbox providers to display your brand image.
Technical requirements
DMARC enforcement: A p=quarantine or p=reject policy is mandatory.
Valid BIMI record: Correctly configured DNS TXT record pointing to your SVG logo.
SVG logo: Must meet specific format requirements and be hosted securely.
VMC (for some): A Verified Mark Certificate is required by certain providers.
Reputation factors
Low spam complaints: Minimizing negative feedback from recipients.
High engagement: Consistent opens and clicks indicate desired mail.
Not on blocklists: Avoiding blacklists shows a clean sending history.
Consistent volume: Regular sending helps establish trust with MBPs.
Mailbox provider specific considerations
Different mailbox providers have varying levels of support and criteria for BIMI. While the core BIMI requirements remain consistent, the display decision is ultimately at their discretion. For example, Yahoo Mail may consider if your mail is classified as 'commercial' versus 'personal.' If they perceive your emails as primarily personal, they might display initials instead of a logo, even if BIMI is configured. This classification can be influenced by consistent high volume and engagement.
Industry discussions suggest that for Yahoo and similar providers, sending volumes in the range of 20,000 to 50,000 emails per campaign (or per few days) can be sufficient to demonstrate the necessary activity. This isn't a strict rule, but an observation of what seems to work for many senders, as mailbox providers conditionally show logos based on volume and reputation. For Gmail, there isn't a specific minimum email volume cited, focusing instead on the strong authentication and VMC aspects.
Ultimately, the key is to ensure consistent sending practices, strong authentication (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC), a good sender reputation, and adherence to all BIMI prerequisites. Your brand's logo will appear once these conditions are met and the mailbox provider's systems trust your sending domain.
Mailbox provider
Key requirements
Volume considerations
Gmail
DMARC at p=quarantine/reject, VMC recommended
No explicit minimum, focus on reputation
Yahoo Mail
DMARC at p=quarantine/reject, reputation
Consistent volume (e.g., 20-50k per campaign) helps
Apple Mail
DMARC at p=quarantine/reject, VMC required
No explicit minimum, emphasis on trust
Implementing BIMI and continuous monitoring
Implementing BIMI involves several steps. First, ensure your DMARC record is properly configured and at an enforcement policy. Next, prepare your brand logo as an SVG file, ensuring it meets the BIMI SVG and certificate validation requirements and host it on a secure server. Finally, publish the BIMI TXT record in your DNS, pointing to the location of your SVG file and, if applicable, your VMC.
After implementing, ongoing DMARC monitoring is crucial. This helps you track authentication rates, identify any potential issues, and ensure your emails continue to align with your DMARC policy. Tools like Suped's DMARC reporting provide granular insights into your email ecosystem, which is vital for maintaining BIMI display and overall email deliverability.
While volume isn't a direct barrier for most, a consistent and healthy email sending pattern, combined with strong authentication protocols, contributes significantly to your domain's trustworthiness. This holistic approach ensures that mailbox providers confidently display your brand logo, enhancing your brand visibility and credibility in the inbox.
Example BIMI DNS TXT Record (without VMC)DNS
default._bimi.yourdomain.com. IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://yourdomain.com/path/to/logo.svg;"
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Ensure DMARC is at enforcement (p=quarantine or p=reject) before attempting BIMI implementation.
Host your BIMI SVG logo on a secure HTTPS server for proper validation by mailbox providers.
Maintain excellent sender reputation and consistent email authentication for optimal BIMI display.
Regularly monitor DMARC reports to ensure alignment and prevent any authentication failures.
Common pitfalls
Expecting BIMI to display instantly without a solid DMARC enforcement policy in place.
Ignoring the importance of consistent email volume and positive engagement metrics.
Using an SVG logo that does not meet the precise BIMI specification requirements for format.
Assuming a high volume alone guarantees BIMI display without also having a good reputation.
Expert tips
Consider obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for broader BIMI adoption with certain mailbox providers.
Focus on engaging your audience and minimizing spam complaints to significantly improve your reputation.
Review mailbox provider guidelines regularly, as BIMI criteria can evolve over time.
Test BIMI implementation across various email clients and providers to confirm visibility.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says: There isn't a strict minimum volume required for BIMI, though some webmail providers may have their own rules based on prior sending reputation.
2023-01-15 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says: Verizon explicitly states that sufficient sending volume and good sender reputation are both prerequisites for BIMI display.
2023-02-20 - Email Geeks
Ensuring your brand's logo is seen
While there's no fixed minimum email sending volume universally mandated for BIMI, consistent and authenticated email volume plays an important supporting role. The true keys to BIMI display are a strong sender reputation and robust email authentication, primarily a DMARC policy at quarantine or reject.
By focusing on proper DMARC implementation, maintaining a healthy sending reputation, and adhering to all technical specifications including obtaining a VMC where required, your brand can confidently aim for BIMI logo display in supporting inboxes, regardless of whether you're sending thousands or millions of emails.
Gmail and 
Apple Mail. A VMC legally verifies that your organization has the right to use the logo, adding an extra layer of trust that encourages mailbox providers to display your brand image.
Yahoo Mail may consider if your mail is classified as 'commercial' versus 'personal.' If they perceive your emails as primarily personal, they might display initials instead of a logo, even if BIMI is configured. This classification can be influenced by consistent high volume and engagement.
Yahoo and similar providers, sending volumes in the range of 20,000 to 50,000 emails per campaign (or per few days) can be sufficient to demonstrate the necessary activity. This isn't a strict rule, but an observation of what seems to work for many senders, as mailbox providers conditionally show logos based on volume and reputation. For Gmail, there isn't a specific minimum email volume cited, focusing instead on the strong authentication and VMC aspects.
Gmail 
