Is there a minimum email volume required for BIMI logo display in Gmail?

Summary

The consensus across email marketers, experts, and official documentation is that there is no explicitly stated minimum email volume required for BIMI logo display in Gmail. While volume can contribute to building sender reputation, factors such as proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), consistent sending habits, good list hygiene, and achieving a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) are considered more crucial. Some have successfully implemented BIMI with low-volume sending, while others suggest that maintaining a consistent and substantial email flow aids in building a reliable sender reputation, which is essential for BIMI to function correctly. Low volume may result in a longer period for Google to ascertain sender reputation.

Key findings

  • No Explicit Volume Requirement: Neither Gmail nor official documentation explicitly state a minimum email volume for BIMI logo display.
  • Sender Reputation is Paramount: A strong sender reputation is consistently highlighted as the most critical factor for BIMI success.
  • Authentication and VMC are Essential: Properly configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, as well as obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), are crucial prerequisites for BIMI implementation.
  • Low Volume BIMI is Possible: Several marketers have successfully implemented BIMI with low email volumes, demonstrating that it's achievable with the right setup and practices.
  • Consistency Over Quantity: Consistent sending habits, good list hygiene, and engagement are valued more than simply sending a large volume of emails.

Key considerations

  • Implement Robust Authentication: Ensure your sending domain is properly authenticated with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
  • Obtain a VMC: Secure a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an authorized Certification Authority.
  • Maintain Consistent Sending Practices: Establish a regular and predictable sending schedule to build trust with mailbox providers.
  • Practice Good List Hygiene: Regularly clean your email lists to remove inactive or invalid addresses to minimize bounces and spam complaints.
  • Monitor Sender Reputation: Use tools like Google Postmaster Tools to monitor your sender reputation and identify any potential issues.
  • Be Patient with Low Volume: If you send low volumes of email, be patient as it may take longer for Google to establish a positive sender reputation.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

While Gmail does not explicitly state a minimum email volume requirement for BIMI logo display, the consensus among email marketers and experts suggests that factors such as sender reputation, consistent sending habits, and proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are more crucial. Some experience success with low volume sending, while others suggest a larger volume is needed to build sender reputation.

Key opinions

  • No Explicit Volume Requirement: Gmail's documentation and many marketers report no officially stated minimum email volume required for BIMI logo display.
  • Sender Reputation is Key: A good sender reputation is considered crucial for BIMI, often developed through consistent sending practices and adherence to email authentication standards.
  • Low Volume Success Possible: Some marketers have successfully implemented BIMI for low-volume transactional email services by prioritizing strict email authentication.
  • Consistency Matters More Than Volume: Consistent sending habits and adherence to best practices are believed to be more important to Gmail than the raw number of emails sent.

Key considerations

  • Email Authentication: Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for establishing a positive sender reputation and increasing the chances of BIMI logo display, regardless of email volume.
  • Sender Reputation Building: Even without a minimum volume, consistent sending habits and engagement can help build a positive sender reputation, which can improve BIMI logo display.
  • Volume and Reputation Correlation: While not a direct requirement, a higher email volume can contribute to building a sender reputation faster, although this is not always necessary.
  • Domain Verification and Setup: Properly setting up domain verification and adhering to BIMI guidelines is essential for BIMI to function correctly.
Marketer view

Email marketer from ZeroBounce states that while volume is not officially mentioned as a hard requirement for BIMI, a good sender reputation is. Sender reputation is often build on consistency over time, so while not stated there may be a correlation to volume

March 2022 - ZeroBounce
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailhardener reports that they are unaware of any documented minimum sending volume requirement for BIMI to function in Gmail. They stress the importance of domain verification and proper setup

December 2021 - Mailhardener
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares they don't think there's any volume requirement. In their case, BIMI (VMC-enabled) began to work just after 2-3 minutes of implementing (w/ direct emails).

February 2025 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from OnlyB2B explains that while there is no officially stated minimum volume, his personal experience suggests that BIMI implementation is more effective for senders with a significant and consistent email flow, due to its reliance on sender reputation.

July 2022 - OnlyB2B
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks forum explains that they implemented BIMI for a client sending only a few thousand emails a month and saw the logo appear without issues, suggesting that volume is not the primary deciding factor.

March 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailVendorSelection suggests that there is no hard minimum volume requirement stated by Gmail for BIMI. However, they note that a substantial sending volume is generally needed to establish a consistent sender reputation, which is crucial for BIMI to function correctly.

January 2025 - EmailVendorSelection.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange suggests that BIMI is more about consistent sending habits and authentication than a specific volume. They believe Gmail assesses the sender's consistency and adherence to best practices over simply the number of emails sent.

August 2022 - StackExchange
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares they have not heard of any volume requirements for BIMI logos in Gmail.

June 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that they successfully implemented BIMI for a low-volume transactional email service (less than 500 emails per month). They emphasize that strict adherence to authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) was key to bypassing any potential volume thresholds.

March 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares anecdotally that they send and receive plenty of low volume B2B mail and consistently see BIMI logo display in Gmail.

June 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares they haven't heard of any stated minimum volume for Gmail (or Yahoo) for BIMI logos.

August 2023 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

Experts agree that while there isn't a strictly defined minimum email volume for BIMI logo display in Gmail, sender reputation is paramount. Consistent sending habits, good list hygiene, and proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are more critical factors. Low volume may prolong the time it takes Google to assess a sender's reputation.

Key opinions

  • No Hard Volume Rule: There is no hard and fast rule for minimum volume concerning BIMI.
  • Sender Reputation Crucial: A good sender reputation is extremely important for BIMI.
  • Importance of Practices: Focusing on consistent sending habits, good list hygiene, and proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are more crucial than email volume.
  • Volume Affects Reputation Timeline: Low email volume may cause Google to take longer to ascertain sender reputation.

Key considerations

  • Prioritize Authentication: Ensure proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to establish trust and a positive sender reputation.
  • Maintain List Hygiene: Practice good list hygiene to minimize bounces and spam complaints, improving sender reputation.
  • Consistent Sending: Establish consistent sending habits to help Google assess sender reputation over time.
  • Patience with Low Volume: If sending low volumes, be patient as it may take longer for Google to establish a positive sender reputation and display the BIMI logo.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource, Steve Jones, explains that there's no hard and fast rule for minimum volume concerning BIMI. He emphasizes focusing on consistent sending habits, good list hygiene, and proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) as being more crucial than just the raw number of emails sent.

September 2021 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, responds that while not explicitly stated, a good sender reputation is extremely important for BIMI. Maintaining sender reputation requires consistent sending practices over time. While volume is not mentioned, low volume may cause Google to take longer to ascertain reputation.

May 2022 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

Official documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help, dmarcian, and VMC Authority confirms there is no explicitly stated minimum email volume requirement for BIMI logo display in Gmail. Instead, they emphasize the importance of proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), a positive sender reputation, and having a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC). Consistent sending practices, while not a direct requirement, are often associated with building a strong sender reputation.

Key findings

  • No Explicit Volume Requirement: Official documentation does not specify a minimum email volume for BIMI in Gmail.
  • Authentication is Key: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for BIMI implementation.
  • Sender Reputation Matters: A positive sender reputation is paramount for BIMI logo display.
  • VMC Requirement: Having a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is often required, particularly for Gmail.

Key considerations

  • Implement Authentication: Prioritize setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records correctly for your sending domain.
  • Monitor Sender Reputation: Regularly monitor your sender reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools.
  • Obtain a VMC: Acquire a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an authorized provider to ensure your logo meets BIMI requirements.
  • Consistency in Sending: Maintain consistent sending practices to contribute to a stable and positive sender reputation, which may indirectly impact BIMI eligibility.
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help does not specify a minimum email volume requirement for BIMI logo display in Gmail's official documentation. They emphasize proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and a positive sender reputation.

August 2024 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article

Documentation from VMC Authority explains there's no direct mention of a required minimum volume for BIMI eligibility, and that it focuses on authentication, VMC (Verified Mark Certificate), and a clean sending reputation above all.

February 2022 - VMC Authority
Technical article

Documentation from dmarcian emphasizes that while volume isn't explicitly stated, a strong sender reputation is paramount for BIMI. Achieving a solid reputation usually correlates with consistent sending practices, which often implies a certain level of volume.

June 2021 - dmarcian