Do I need a VMC for BIMI to work with Google and Gmail?

Email marketer from Mailhardener explains that, for Gmail, a VMC is necessary for your BIMI logo to appear. This is because Gmail prioritizes security and requires proper verification.

Marketer from Email Geeks states that a VMC is absolutely needed for BIMI to work with Google.

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that BIMI with VMC is just branding, and DMARC = reject is what provides security. BIMI is a branding benefit for DMARC.

Email marketer from Entrust states that BIMI requires a VMC to display a logo next to authenticated emails on platforms like Gmail, enhancing brand recognition and trust. The VMC verifies that the logo owner is legitimate and has the right to use the brand.

Email marketer from Reddit says that if you specifically want the logo to show up in Gmail, you absolutely require a VMC. Without it, BIMI does not function with Gmail’s display of logos.

Email marketer from OnlyMyEmail specifies that, for BIMI implementation in Gmail, a VMC is a mandatory requirement to have your logo displayed. It's the verification key that confirms you own the logo.

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions a spammer can use the workaround approach using a dummy domain with logo and create Google profile.

Marketer from Email Geeks says that while Google profile image works for vanity/branding, BIMI with VMC represents an actual authorization/security upgrade.

Marketer from Email Geeks clarified that the word secure in the context of BIMI is misused or misunderstood. In itself the tools involved don't necessarily make that specific traffic more secure, but it can help in the grand scheme of things.

Email marketer from EmailSecuritySPF states that Gmail enforces the requirement for a VMC to display logos in conjunction with BIMI. The VMC provides a level of assurance needed to display branded logos.

Email marketer from StackOverflow shares that a VMC is a must for BIMI to work with Gmail and other supporting providers. It’s a security step that provides confidence to the email platform that your logo is genuinely yours.

Email marketer from Valimail confirms that a VMC is required to display your logo in Gmail inboxes using BIMI. While BIMI can technically function without a VMC at other mail providers, Google requires it to ensure a higher level of trust and security.

Email marketer from DigiCert says that to show your logo next to emails in Gmail, BIMI requires a VMC. The certificate validates the authenticity and ownership of your logo, confirming the brand is legitimate and preventing abuse.

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions implementing BIMI without a VMC alongside a Google-profile icon, giving clients time to work on getting a VMC. They add that even with BIMI and VMC, a Google-profile icon is still needed for some parts of the Gmail interface.

Email marketer from Agari (HelpSystems) clarifies that Gmail requires a VMC for BIMI to display a logo, asserting that a VMC increases the level of authentication and demonstrates ownership of the logo, which improves trust and protects against brand impersonation.

Marketer from Email Geeks clarifies that a VMC is currently required for BIMI to work with Gmail, but other Mailbox Providers (MBPs) may not require it.

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that logos can be added to Gmail without BIMI using a Google profile and Gmail Annotations. They suggest a setup with DMARC reject, BIMI without VMC (for Yahoo!), a Google-profile, and Gmail Annotations.

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions that Fastmail and Yahoo currently do not require a VMC for BIMI.

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that while BIMI can be implemented without a VMC, Gmail requires a VMC for displaying logos. Without a VMC, your logo won't show in Gmail, even if you've set up BIMI.

Expert from Email Geeks explains that while the Google profile image works currently, it's not expected to last forever and isn't the same as a BIMI logo. BIMI is considered more future-proof.

Expert from Spam Resource states that Gmail requires a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) to display your logo in the inbox. This helps establish trust and protect users from phishing attacks.

Documentation from BIMI Group explains that while BIMI itself can function without a VMC, major providers like Gmail require it for logo display, ensuring that the visual brand indicator is only displayed for legitimate senders. This helps protect users from phishing and spoofing attacks.

Documentation from Red Sift mentions that a VMC is essential for BIMI to function correctly with Gmail and other providers as it validates logo ownership. Without it, Gmail will not display the logo, reducing the visual impact of the email.

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help specifies that to display your brand logo in Gmail, senders must authenticate their emails with DMARC and have a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) associated with their BIMI record.