Why is my BIMI logo only showing in Gmail and not Yahoo or AOL?

Key findings

• Provider-specific rules: Each mailbox provider, including Gmail, Yahoo, and AOL, has its own unique set of internal rules regarding sender reputation, email volume, and other proprietary criteria that influence whether a BIMI logo is displayed. BIMI implementation requirements can vary significantly.
• VMC requirements: Gmail primarily supports BIMI logos when a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is in place. While other providers like Yahoo and AOL may display logos without a VMC (self-asserted BIMI records), their policies can change, or they might prioritize senders with VMCs.
• SVG file format: Incorrectly formatted SVG files are a common reason for BIMI logo display failures. The SVG file must adhere to specific profiles (e.g., SVG Tiny P/S) and should not contain bitmaps.
• Sender reputation: Your domain's reputation plays a critical role. Low sender volume or poor reputation could prevent your BIMI logo from appearing, even if all technical requirements are met, particularly with providers like Yahoo.

Key considerations

• Verify DMARC policy: Ensure your DMARC policy is set to at least p=quarantine or p=reject, as a p=none policy is generally insufficient for BIMI display.
• Check SVG compliance: Use a BIMI validation tool (like the one provided by the BIMI Group) to ensure your SVG logo meets all technical specifications.
• Assess sender reputation: Monitor your domain's reputation with various mailbox providers. A strong, consistent sending history is crucial for BIMI visibility, particularly with Yahoo and AOL.
• Consider a VMC: While not always strictly required by all providers, obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) significantly increases the likelihood of your logo appearing across all supporting inboxes.

Key opinions

• Inconsistent display: Many marketers report their BIMI logos appearing reliably in Gmail but not in other clients like Yahoo or AOL, even when DMARC, SPF, and DKIM are fully validated.
• Initial setup hurdles: Marketers new to BIMI often struggle with the initial setup, especially understanding the nuanced requirements for different mailbox providers and the impact of sender reputation.
• Confusion over VMC: There is a common misunderstanding about whether a VMC is universally required for BIMI logo display across all providers. While Gmail generally requires it, Yahoo and AOL have historically been more flexible.

Key considerations

• Beyond validation: Even with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in place, other factors like sender volume and reputation can affect BIMI logo visibility.
• Engage with support: If all technical checks pass, but the logo is still not appearing in Yahoo or AOL, it may be beneficial to contact their sender support directly. They might be able to provide specific insights or troubleshooting steps for Yahoo Mail.
• Monitor industry changes: Mailbox providers frequently update their policies and algorithms. Staying informed about the latest BIMI requirements from sources like Inbox Collective can help you adapt.

Key opinions

• Varying provider rules: Experts highlight that each mailbox provider has distinct rules concerning reputation, volume, and proprietary algorithms that determine BIMI logo display.
• VMC's role in Gmail: The absence of a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is a common reason why a BIMI logo might display in Gmail (which often shows self-asserted logos initially) but not elsewhere, or why its display is inconsistent.
• SVG file quality: Incorrectly formatted or non-compliant SVG files are a significant obstacle to BIMI logo display across all clients.
• Sender volume and reputation: For smaller senders, or those with less established reputations, Yahoo and AOL might not automatically display the BIMI logo, requiring manual intervention or consistent good sending practices.

Key considerations

• Adhere to SVG standards: Ensure your BIMI SVG file strictly follows the BIMI Group's specifications, avoiding bitmaps or unsupported elements. Professional graphic design assistance may be necessary.
• Strengthen sender reputation: Focus on maintaining a high sender reputation with consistent, legitimate sending volume to build trust with providers like Yahoo and AOL. This can indirectly aid BIMI display. Review our guide on improving domain reputation.
• Consult provider guidelines: Regularly check the specific BIMI requirements published by individual mailbox providers, such as Yahoo's sender guidelines, as these can provide crucial insights for troubleshooting.

Key findings

• Core requirements: BIMI implementation fundamentally relies on a properly configured DMARC policy (at p=quarantine or p=reject) with SPF and DKIM authentication.
• SVG specifications: The SVG image must meet strict technical criteria, including specific SVG Tiny P/S format, and must not contain embedded bitmaps. Using official conversion tools is recommended.
• VMC differentiation: While some providers (like Yahoo and AOL) may support self-asserted BIMI, Gmail generally requires a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for the logo to appear reliably, particularly after initial display.
• Cache and updates: Mailbox providers may cache BIMI images, meaning updates to your logo or record might not reflect immediately.

Key considerations

• Follow official guides: Always refer to the official BIMI Group implementation guide for comprehensive setup instructions and best practices. This guide is the most authoritative source.
• Use validation tools: Utilize BIMI validation tools to ensure your DNS records and SVG file conform to the required standards, helping to catch errors before deployment.
• Understand provider policies: Familiarize yourself with the specific BIMI support details from providers like AOL Mail to understand any additional conditions for display.