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

Summary

BIMI logo display inconsistencies across email providers stem from a confluence of factors, primarily revolving around provider-specific requirements, sender reputation, and technical implementation. Gmail largely mandates a VMC for consistent display. Yahoo might require a manual prompting via a support ticket for smaller senders and considers volume and reputation. Generally, BIMI relies on valid SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records with a strict DMARC policy, correct SVG formatting (avoiding bitmaps), sufficient email volume, and a positive sender reputation. Testing, monitoring, and adherence to individual provider guidelines are essential for successful BIMI implementation.

Key findings

  • Provider Diversity: Each mailbox provider has its own rules and algorithms for BIMI logo display.
  • VMC Importance: Gmail often necessitates a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate).
  • Authentication Imperative: Valid SPF, DKIM, and DMARC with 'quarantine' or 'reject' DMARC policy are critical.
  • Reputation's Role: Positive sender reputation and sufficient email volume are key factors.
  • SVG Strictness: Correct SVG formatting, excluding bitmaps, is mandatory.
  • Yahoo's Nuances: Yahoo might require a support ticket for smaller senders to be noticed.

Key considerations

  • VMC Acquisition: Acquire a VMC if Gmail users are a significant target audience.
  • Authentication Validation: Thoroughly validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations.
  • DMARC Enforcement: Set DMARC policy to 'quarantine' or 'reject.'
  • Volume Assessment: Ensure email volume meets provider-specific thresholds.
  • Reputation Management: Actively monitor and manage sender reputation.
  • SVG Compliance: Ensure the SVG logo adheres to BIMI specifications.
  • Yahoo Support: Consider contacting Yahoo support for smaller senders if the logo is not displaying.
  • Testing and Monitoring: Test BIMI implementation across multiple email clients and monitor results.
  • Feedback Loops: Use feedback loops with mailbox providers to identify any deliverability issues.
  • Consult resources: Consult resources for help with BIMI implementaiton and debugging.

What email marketers say
12Marketer opinions

BIMI logo display inconsistencies across email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and AOL stem from variations in implementation policies, sender reputation, and technical requirements. Gmail often mandates a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), while other providers consider factors like sender volume, authentication records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and logo formatting. Proper testing, monitoring, and adherence to specific provider guidelines are crucial for consistent BIMI implementation.

Key opinions

  • Provider Variations: Each mailbox provider (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL) has its own specific requirements and algorithms for deciding whether to display a BIMI logo.
  • VMC Requirement: Gmail typically requires a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for BIMI logos to be displayed, while other providers may not.
  • Authentication: Proper setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is essential for BIMI to work, but it is not always sufficient for logo display across all providers.
  • Sender Reputation: Sender reputation and email volume can influence whether a mailbox provider displays the BIMI logo.
  • Logo Formatting: Incorrect SVG formatting (e.g., including bitmap images) can prevent the BIMI logo from displaying.

Key considerations

  • VMC Acquisition: Consider obtaining a VMC if targeting Gmail users to ensure BIMI logo display.
  • Authentication Verification: Thoroughly verify SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to ensure proper email authentication.
  • Volume Assessment: Assess email sending volume to determine if it meets the minimum thresholds for certain mailbox providers.
  • Reputation Monitoring: Monitor sender reputation using tools like MXToolbox to identify and address any deliverability issues.
  • Testing Across Clients: Test BIMI implementation across various email clients (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL) to ensure consistent display.
  • SVG Validation: Validate the SVG logo file to ensure it meets the BIMI specifications and does not contain any errors.
  • Feedback Loops: Implement and actively monitor feedback loops provided by mailbox providers to identify deliverability issues.
  • Provider Documentation: Consult specific documentation of each mailbox provider
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares a link to Yahoo's BIMI requirements and support options: <https://senders.yahooinc.com/bimi>

January 2025 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid answers that issues with BIMI logo display can arise from incorrect SVG formatting or validation problems. The SVG file must adhere to specific requirements, such as being a vector graphic and not containing any embedded bitmaps.

February 2023 - Email on Acid
Marketer view

Email marketer from MXToolbox shares that monitoring sender reputation using tools like MXToolbox helps identify potential deliverability issues that could impact BIMI logo display. Maintaining a good sender reputation is essential for consistent BIMI performance.

March 2025 - MXToolbox
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Experts forum shares that actively using feedback loops provided by mailbox providers can help identify deliverability issues that might affect BIMI logo display. Feedback loops provide valuable insights into how mailbox providers are handling emails and can help address potential problems.

March 2022 - Email Experts Forum
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that each mailbox provider has their own rules regarding reputation, volume, and other secret sauce when deciding whether or not to display a BIMI logo.

May 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus answers that testing BIMI implementation across different email clients is crucial to identify display issues. Using email testing tools can help ensure that the BIMI logo is rendering correctly in various environments, including Gmail, Yahoo, and AOL.

November 2021 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailhardener explains that verifying the BIMI record using online tools helps ensure the record is correctly formatted and published in DNS. These tools can identify errors or inconsistencies in the BIMI record that may prevent the logo from displaying.

April 2024 - Mailhardener
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains that BIMI display can be affected by multiple factors. These include proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setup, a valid VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for some providers (like Gmail), and the sender's reputation with the receiving mail server. Some mailbox providers may have volume requirements or specific authentication policies that need to be met.

March 2024 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from Gmass shares that troubleshooting BIMI implementation involves checking SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, validating the SVG logo, and monitoring sender reputation. Consistent testing and monitoring are essential for successful BIMI implementation.

December 2021 - Gmass
Marketer view

Email marketer from Word to the Wise explains that some mailbox providers have minimum email volume thresholds for BIMI logo display. If a sender's email volume is too low, the provider may not display the BIMI logo.

September 2022 - Word to the Wise
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit answers that Gmail typically requires a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for BIMI logos to be displayed. Without a VMC, the BIMI logo may not show up in Gmail.

January 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares a link about Gmail's BIMI behavior if a VMC is not in place: <https://www.spamresource.com/2022/04/bimi-fake-it-til-you-make-it.html>

November 2023 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
4Expert opinions

Inconsistent BIMI logo display across email providers arises from varying requirements and sender characteristics. Gmail often necessitates a VMC for proper display, while other providers like Yahoo may require a support ticket for smaller senders or are influenced by sender volume and reputation. Proper implementation, SVG formatting, and consulting resources are crucial for troubleshooting.

Key opinions

  • VMC Requirement: Gmail requires a VMC for reliable BIMI logo display.
  • Yahoo's System: Yahoo's system might not automatically notice smaller senders, requiring a support ticket to prompt the logo display.
  • Volume and Reputation: Lower email volume or sender reputation can negatively impact BIMI logo display across various providers.
  • Implementation Resources: A range of resources exists to assist with proper BIMI implementation, SVG formatting, and troubleshooting.

Key considerations

  • Obtain VMC: If Gmail is a primary target, consider acquiring a VMC to ensure consistent BIMI logo display.
  • Contact Yahoo Support: For Yahoo, consider contacting sender support if the logo isn't displaying despite meeting other criteria.
  • Improve Volume/Reputation: Focus on improving email volume and sender reputation to enhance BIMI display across providers.
  • Use Implementation Guides: Utilize available BIMI implementation guides and tools to ensure proper setup and validation.
  • Check SVG: Ensure SVG has the correct format and doesn't contain bitmaps
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests that the sender might be too small for Yahoo's system to notice by default, but they can ask about it via a sender support ticket, assuming all other criteria are met (no bitmap in the SVG, appropriate DMARC policy, etc.).

August 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares an ordered list of resources for implementing BIMI and what to expect: • <https://bimigroup.org/implementation-guide/|Implementation Guide> • <https://bimigroup.org/svg-conversion-tools-released/|SVG Conversion Tools Documentation> • <https://bimigroup.org/bimi-generator/|BIMI Validation Tool> • <https://bimigroup.org/i-created-a-bimi-record-now-what/|What to Expect Next> • <https://bimigroup.org/verified-mark-certificates-vmc-and-bimi/|Verified Mark Certificates> • <https://bimigroup.org/where-is-my-bimi-logo-displayed/|Where Logos Are Displayed>

October 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise forum explains that lower email volume and/or sender reputation can impact BIMI logo display in specific mailbox providers. Specifically that a good reputation is still needed even if everything else appears correct with BIMI implementation.

September 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that Gmail requires a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for BIMI to display properly. If the sender doesn't have a VMC, Gmail might still display the logo temporarily, but it's not guaranteed and might stop showing it at any time. Other providers may have different requirements.

September 2024 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says
6Technical articles

Inconsistent BIMI logo display across email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and AOL is due to variations in each provider's implementation policies. These policies consider factors such as sender reputation, email volume, DMARC compliance, authentication standards, and SVG logo specifications. For Gmail, a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is often necessary. Proper BIMI implementation requires adherence to each provider's unique requirements and may involve contacting support.

Key findings

  • Provider-Specific Policies: Each mailbox provider has its own unique criteria for displaying BIMI logos.
  • Gmail and VMC: Gmail often requires a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for BIMI logos to display properly.
  • DMARC Compliance: Proper DMARC configuration, with a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject,' is essential for BIMI to function.
  • Sender Reputation Matters: Sender reputation, email volume, and engagement rates influence BIMI logo display.
  • SVG Requirements: SVG logo specifications and proper formatting are critical for BIMI implementation.

Key considerations

  • Obtain a VMC: If Gmail is a primary target, obtain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) to improve logo display chances.
  • Check DMARC: Ensure DMARC is properly configured and set to 'quarantine' or 'reject.'
  • Improve Reputation: Focus on improving sender reputation and email volume to meet provider requirements.
  • Validate SVG: Carefully check the SVG logo to make sure it meets all specifications.
  • Review Provider Policies: Thoroughly review the specific BIMI implementation policies of each email provider.
  • Contact Support: Contact sender support at specific providers, such as Yahoo, if you meet all criteria, but your logo doesn't appear.
Technical article

Documentation from Port25 explains that understanding the specific BIMI implementation policies of each mailbox provider is crucial. Each provider has its own criteria for displaying BIMI logos, and senders need to adhere to these policies to ensure consistent display.

May 2022 - Port25
Technical article

Documentation from Yahoo answers that it has its own BIMI requirements, including DMARC policies, authentication standards, and SVG logo specifications. In some cases, a support ticket may be required to prompt the system to notice a sender.

February 2022 - Yahoo Sender Hub
Technical article

Documentation from VMC Provider answers that obtaining a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) from a recognized certification authority is necessary for BIMI logo display in Gmail and other supporting clients. The VMC verifies the ownership of the logo and helps build trust with mailbox providers.

August 2021 - VMC Provider Website
Technical article

Documentation from Proofpoint explains that factors like sender reputation, email volume, and engagement rates can impact BIMI logo display. Mailbox providers may prioritize BIMI display for senders with a strong reputation and consistent sending practices.

April 2021 - Proofpoint
Technical article

Documentation from dmarcian explains that BIMI implementation requires valid SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. The DMARC policy must be set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' for BIMI to work effectively. Correct SVG formatting of the logo is also important. The BIMI record itself needs to be published correctly in DNS.

May 2021 - dmarcian
Technical article

Documentation from BIMI Group explains that BIMI logo display depends on the mailbox provider's implementation. Each provider has its own criteria for displaying BIMI logos, taking into account factors like sender reputation, authentication, and spam filtering. Not all providers support BIMI, and even those that do may not display the logo for every email.

June 2021 - BIMI Group