How do I implement BIMI and get my logo to show in Gmail and Yahoo Mail?

Summary

Implementing BIMI involves authenticating your email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. A DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' is required. For Gmail, obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is also necessary, which requires a registered trademark. BIMI records are DNS TXT records that point to your logo, which must be in SVG format. Yahoo Mail supports BIMI without a VMC. Activating Gmail for subdomains in Google Workspace may be required for proper logo display. Validate your BIMI setup using online tools, and be aware of the cost of VMCs. BIMI can enhance brand recognition and potentially improve deliverability.

Key findings

  • Gmail VMC Requirement: Gmail requires a VMC for BIMI logo display, while Yahoo Mail does not.
  • DMARC Policy: A DMARC policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' is essential for BIMI compliance.
  • Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are foundational for BIMI.
  • BIMI DNS Record: A correctly formatted BIMI DNS TXT record is needed, pointing to the logo.
  • Benefits: Can increase deliverability and open rates.

Key considerations

  • VMC Cost: VMCs can cost around $999 per year from providers like Entrust, plus trademark fees.
  • Subdomain Configuration: If sending from a subdomain, activating Gmail for that subdomain within Google Workspace might be necessary.
  • Logo Format: The logo must be in SVG format and meet specific requirements.
  • BIMI Validation: Use online BIMI validators to verify the correctness of your setup.
  • Provider Support: Verify BIMI support with different email providers.

What email marketers say
15Marketer opinions

Implementing BIMI involves several steps to display your logo in Gmail and Yahoo Mail. For Gmail, you need a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) and a DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject,' along with SPF and DKIM authentication. Yahoo Mail supports BIMI without a VMC. The BIMI record, a TXT record in DNS, points to your SVG logo. It's important to ensure your logo meets the requirements, validate your BIMI setup, and verify provider support. Activating Gmail for subdomains in Google Workspace might be needed to display your logo correctly.

Key opinions

  • Gmail Requirements: Gmail requires a VMC and a strict DMARC policy (quarantine or reject) for BIMI logo display.
  • Yahoo Mail: Yahoo Mail supports BIMI without a VMC, simplifying the implementation process.
  • BIMI Record: The BIMI record is a DNS TXT record pointing to the SVG logo file.
  • Subdomain Configuration: Gmail logo display from subdomains might require activating Gmail for the subdomain in Google Workspace.

Key considerations

  • VMC Cost: VMCs can be expensive, with annual costs around $999 from providers like Entrust, plus trademark fees.
  • DMARC Policy: Implementing a 'quarantine' or 'reject' DMARC policy is crucial for BIMI and can impact email deliverability if not properly configured.
  • Logo Format: The logo must be in SVG format to be compatible with BIMI.
  • BIMI Validation: It's recommended to use BIMI validation tools to ensure the record is set up correctly.
  • Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM and DMARC need to be correctly configured.
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains the issue with gmail not showing logo when sending from a subdomain and provides a solution of activating Gmail for the alternative subdomain within Google Workspace admin settings.

October 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Proofpoint explains that BIMI helps increase brand recognition and trust in email communications, improving engagement rates.

August 2022 - Proofpoint.com
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks believes BIMI will be the standard method used in the future.

May 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Twitter advises to double-check DMARC, SPF, and DKIM records if the logo isn't showing up after implementing BIMI.

May 2024 - Twitter
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests implementing BIMI for Yahoo as it doesn't require a VMC.

November 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions that you can achieve 100% logo coverage in Gmail without VMC, providing a link to a blog post.

November 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that BIMI pricing at Entrust is $999 per year.

September 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow notes that your logo must be in SVG format (Scalable Vector Graphics) for BIMI.

June 2023 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from EasyDMARC suggests using online BIMI validators to check if your BIMI record is correctly configured.

May 2022 - EasyDMARC
Marketer view

Email marketer from Gmass.co shares that BIMI can potentially improve email deliverability by enhancing sender reputation and trust.

July 2023 - Gmass.co
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks clarifies that the BIMI working group doesn't certify MVAs for VMC issuance and that the decision to accept VMCs is up to the mailbox providers.

February 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that the BIMI record is a TXT record in DNS with the format: `default._bimi.yourdomain.com. IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://yourdomain.com/logo.svg; a=;"`

April 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Valimail.com shares that to implement BIMI, you need to authenticate your email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Then, obtain a VMC for your logo and publish the BIMI record in your DNS.

December 2023 - Valimail.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailhardener.com highlights that although BIMI adoption is growing, it's essential to verify support from different email providers.

January 2022 - Mailhardener.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailGeek Forums explains that Yahoo Mail supports BIMI without a VMC, meaning you only need DMARC set up and a published BIMI record to display your logo.

December 2023 - EmailGeek Forums

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

Implementing BIMI involves email authentication via SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), publishing a BIMI record in your DNS, and understanding that BIMI records are DNS entries that guide email providers to your logo, which can improve deliverability and open rates.

Key opinions

  • Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are prerequisites for BIMI implementation.
  • VMC Requirement: Obtaining a VMC is a key step in the BIMI implementation process.
  • BIMI Record Purpose: BIMI records direct email providers to your logo.
  • Deliverability Benefits: BIMI can potentially enhance email deliverability and improve open rates.

Key considerations

  • DNS Record Management: Properly managing DNS records, specifically the BIMI record, is crucial for BIMI to function correctly.
  • VMC Acquisition: The process of obtaining a VMC can be complex and might require a registered trademark.
  • Authentication Configuration: Correct configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is essential before implementing BIMI.
Expert view

Expert from Spamresource explains that implementing BIMI involves authenticating your email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, obtaining a VMC, and publishing a BIMI record in your DNS.

April 2022 - Spamresource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise Staff explains that BIMI records are DNS records that tell email providers where to find your brand's logo. The guide explains what it is and how it can increase deliverability and open rates.

July 2022 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Implementing BIMI involves setting up a DMARC policy to 'quarantine' or 'reject,' which is essential for BIMI compliance. For Gmail, a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is also necessary, requiring a registered trademark and a verification process handled by a Certificate Authority. VMC issuance includes trademark verification, logo validation, and organizational authentication. The BIMI implementation process and specifications cover record syntax, logo requirements, and security considerations, as outlined by the AuthIndicators Working Group.

Key findings

  • DMARC Requirement: BIMI necessitates a DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject'.
  • VMC for Gmail: Gmail requires a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for logo display via BIMI.
  • Trademark Needed: Obtaining a VMC requires a registered trademark for your logo.
  • Specification Guidelines: AuthIndicators Working Group provides technical specifications for BIMI.

Key considerations

  • DMARC Impact: Changing DMARC policy to 'quarantine' or 'reject' can impact email delivery; careful monitoring is crucial.
  • VMC Complexity: The VMC acquisition process requires navigating Certificate Authorities and meeting specific verification requirements.
  • Trademarking Costs: If you don't already have one, trademarking a logo may incur significant costs.
  • Technical Expertise: Correct interpretation and application of BIMI specifications are essential for successful implementation.
Technical article

Documentation from BIMIGroup.org explains that BIMI requires a Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC) policy set to “quarantine” or “reject.” For Gmail, a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is also required to display your logo.

October 2024 - BIMIGroup.org
Technical article

Documentation from AuthIndicators Working Group provides technical specifications for BIMI implementation, covering record syntax, logo requirements, and security considerations.

April 2022 - AuthIndicators.org
Technical article

Documentation from DigiCert outlines the steps for VMC issuance, including trademark verification, logo validation, and organizational authentication.

October 2024 - DigiCert.com
Technical article

Documentation from Entrust.com explains that to get a VMC, you must have a registered trademark for your logo and go through a verification process with a Certificate Authority.

March 2025 - Entrust.com
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC Analyzer clarifies that your DMARC policy must be set to either `p=quarantine` or `p=reject` for BIMI to work effectively.

October 2023 - DMARC Analyzer