How can I display a logo in Yahoo Mail without DMARC/BIMI records set?

Summary

The general consensus is that displaying a logo in Yahoo Mail without DMARC and BIMI records is not reliably possible anymore. While Yahoo may have had legacy logo display programs or databases, these are outdated, unreliable, and no longer officially supported. BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is the current recommended standard and requires DMARC compliance, specifically a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' enforced on both the parent domain and any subdomains. Proper email authentication and maintaining a good sender reputation are also essential for BIMI to work effectively.

Key findings

  • Legacy Logo Methods Obsolete: Yahoo's past methods of displaying logos, such as through a logo database or based on domain reputation, are no longer reliable or supported.
  • BIMI is the Current Standard: BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is the only reliable way to consistently display logos in Yahoo Mail.
  • DMARC is a Prerequisite: DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) compliance is mandatory for BIMI implementation.
  • DMARC Policy Enforcement Required: The DMARC record must have a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' for BIMI to be validated and effective; enforcement needs to be on parent domain and subdomains.
  • SVG Logo Required: A properly formatted SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) version of the logo is required for BIMI implementation.
  • Good Sender Reputation Important: Maintaining a good sender reputation is important for overall email deliverability and for meeting BIMI's requirements.

Key considerations

  • Implement BIMI: If you want your logo to display consistently in Yahoo Mail, prioritize implementing BIMI.
  • Configure DMARC Properly: Ensure your DMARC record is correctly configured and enforced on all relevant domains and subdomains, with a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject'.
  • Prepare SVG Logo: Create a properly formatted SVG version of your logo that meets BIMI specifications.
  • Monitor Sender Reputation: Actively monitor and maintain a good sender reputation by following email best practices.
  • Consider VMC (Optional): Consider obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for enhanced brand validation, although it is not strictly required.

What email marketers say
5Marketer opinions

The consensus is that displaying a logo in Yahoo Mail without DMARC/BIMI is generally not reliably possible anymore. While Yahoo may have had legacy logo display programs, these are outdated. The current standard, BIMI, requires DMARC. Building a strong sender reputation is also mentioned, but it's not a direct substitute for BIMI.

Key opinions

  • Legacy Programs: Yahoo used to have logo display programs based on domain reputation or a logo database, but they are no longer actively supported or reliable.
  • BIMI is Standard: BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is the current and recommended standard for displaying logos in Yahoo Mail.
  • DMARC Requirement: BIMI requires DMARC compliance, specifically a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject'.
  • No Reliable Alternatives: There are no reliable alternatives to BIMI for direct logo display in Yahoo Mail without DMARC.

Key considerations

  • Implement BIMI: Prioritize implementing BIMI if you want your logo to display in Yahoo Mail consistently.
  • DMARC Setup: Ensure your domain has a properly configured DMARC record with a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject'.
  • Sender Reputation: While not a direct solution, maintaining a good sender reputation is always crucial for email deliverability and may indirectly influence logo display in some older systems.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Deliverability Forum explains that there aren't reliable alternatives to BIMI for displaying logos directly in Yahoo Mail without DMARC. Building sender reputation is crucial.

April 2022 - Email Deliverability Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that Yahoo used to maintain a database of logos and display them based on the 'From:' address. However, this is outdated and unreliable.

July 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Tips Blog suggests focusing on implementing BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) as the current standard for displaying logos, which requires DMARC.

May 2021 - Email Marketing Tips Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailchimp explains how to set up BIMI records, reiterating the importance of DMARC compliance for the domain. They stress the advantages of improved brand recognition.

April 2021 - Mailchimp
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks Forum suggests that Yahoo had a legacy program where they would display logos based on domain reputation, but this is no longer actively supported. Aim for BIMI.

September 2023 - Email Geeks Forum

What the experts say
6Expert opinions

The responses indicate that displaying a logo in Yahoo Mail without DMARC/BIMI is not reliably possible anymore. While a legacy Yahoo logo database existed, it's no longer the recommended approach. BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is the primary method, and it requires DMARC enforcement on the parent domain and subdomains. Proper email authentication and maintaining a good sender reputation are also essential for BIMI to work effectively.

Key opinions

  • Legacy Database: Yahoo had a legacy logo database, but it's not the current recommended method.
  • BIMI is Key: BIMI is the only reliable way forward for displaying logos in Yahoo Mail.
  • DMARC Required: BIMI requires a DMARC record with a policy of quarantine or reject, enforced on both the parent domain and any subdomains.
  • Additional Requirements: To utilize BIMI, you need a properly formatted SVG logo, a good sender reputation, and send a sufficient volume of mail.

Key considerations

  • Implement BIMI: If you want your logo to display in Yahoo Mail, prioritize implementing BIMI.
  • DMARC Configuration: Ensure your DMARC record is properly configured and enforced on all relevant domains and subdomains.
  • Logo Formatting: Create a properly formatted SVG image for your logo to comply with BIMI specifications.
  • Sender Reputation: Focus on maintaining a good sender reputation to meet BIMI's requirements.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that Yahoo has a legacy logo database.

February 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that BIMI is the only way forward option for logos.

August 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares the updated instructions to get Yahoo to see and utilize your BIMI logo, also now including that DMARC enforcement needs to be on the parent domain and any subdomain.

August 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that DMARC enforcement needs to be on the parent domain and any subdomain.

April 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares instructions to get Yahoo to see and utilize your BIMI logo. This includes publishing a DMARC record with a policy of quarantine or reject, publishing the BIMI record linking to a properly formatted SVG image, having a good reputation, and sending 'enough' mail.

April 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that Yahoo used to have a legacy program for displaying logos, but it was unreliable and not officially supported. They recommend focusing on BIMI and proper authentication.

December 2023 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

The documentation confirms that Yahoo supports BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) as the method for displaying logos in their email service. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) compliance is an essential prerequisite for BIMI. The specifics include a valid DMARC record with a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject', a properly formatted SVG logo, and a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate), which is optional but recommended.

Key findings

  • BIMI Support: Yahoo officially supports BIMI for displaying logos.
  • DMARC Requirement: DMARC is a mandatory prerequisite for BIMI implementation.
  • Policy Enforcement: The DMARC record must have a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' for BIMI validation.
  • SVG Logo: A properly formatted SVG logo is needed for BIMI.
  • VMC Recommendation: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is recommended but not strictly required.

Key considerations

  • Implement BIMI: Adopt BIMI standards if logo display in Yahoo Mail is desired.
  • DMARC Setup: Ensure DMARC is correctly configured with a 'quarantine' or 'reject' policy.
  • Logo Preparation: Create a properly formatted SVG version of your logo.
  • VMC Consideration: Evaluate the benefits of obtaining a VMC for enhanced security and brand validation.
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC.org explains that DMARC is a prerequisite for BIMI, stating that a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' is necessary for BIMI validation.

January 2023 - DMARC.org
Technical article

Documentation from BIMI Group details the requirements for BIMI, including the need for a valid DMARC record, a properly formatted SVG logo, and optional but recommended VMC (Verified Mark Certificate).

November 2021 - BIMI Group
Technical article

Documentation from Yahoo Help indicates that Yahoo supports BIMI for displaying logos, emphasizing the need for DMARC compliance. No other methods are mentioned for direct logo display.

December 2022 - Yahoo Help