Why is the wrong BIMI logo displaying in Yahoo and AOL and how can I fix it?

Summary

The wrong BIMI logo displaying in Yahoo and AOL is a multifaceted issue potentially caused by caching at the mailbox provider level, existing logos already on file with Yahoo/AOL, unmet sender reputation or authentication requirements, improper SVG formatting or accessibility, VMC validity problems, incorrect DNS record configuration, subdomain setup issues, or simply the time needed for updates to propagate. Addressing the problem requires ensuring the correct SVG format, accessibility, DNS record setup, VMC validity, proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and potentially contacting Yahoo/AOL to 'kick the box'. Caching is a significant factor, and sufficient time should be allowed for updates to appear.

Key findings

  • Caching and Existing Logos: Yahoo/AOL may cache logos, or show logos already on file if traffic is trusted, causing delays or incorrect logos. Updates can take days or even a week to propagate.
  • SVG Issues: The SVG file must adhere to specific formatting guidelines (vector graphic, size limits, no external links), be accessible via HTTPS, and properly optimized.
  • Authentication Requirements: Sender reputation and proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC with 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject') are crucial. Failures can prevent the logo from displaying.
  • VMC Necessity: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is typically required and must be valid from an approved provider.
  • DNS Record Accuracy: BIMI DNS records must be correctly formatted, placed, and contain the accurate selector and SVG URL. Errors here will halt logo display.
  • Subdomain Complications: Setting up BIMI on a subdomain can cause issues; BIMI records should be established for the root domain.

Key considerations

  • Thorough Validation: Validate SVG formatting, VMC validity, and DNS record accuracy using testing tools.
  • Check Image accessibility: Ensure that the SVG url is accessible over HTTPS.
  • Allow Propagation Time: Allow sufficient time for changes to propagate due to caching. Periodic re-checking is recommended.
  • Contact Support: If issues persist after these steps, contact Yahoo/AOL support to 'kick the box' and force an update.

What email marketers say
9Marketer opinions

The wrong BIMI logo displaying in Yahoo and AOL can be attributed to several factors, including caching issues at the mailbox provider, unmet sender reputation or authentication requirements, improper SVG formatting, lack of VMC, incorrect DNS record setup, SVG accessibility problems, issues related to sending from a subdomain, or simply the time it takes for updates to propagate. Addressing these issues requires patience, careful configuration, and potentially contacting the mailbox provider directly.

Key opinions

  • Caching: Yahoo and AOL may cache the BIMI logo, so changes might not be immediately visible. Allow up to a week for updates to propagate.
  • Sender Reputation: Failing to meet Yahoo/AOL's sender reputation requirements can prevent the correct logo from displaying. Ensure a good sender score and consistent email volume.
  • Authentication: Correctly implemented SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are essential. DMARC policy should be set to 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject'.
  • SVG Formatting: The SVG logo must be properly formatted, optimized, and publicly accessible via HTTPS. Use an SVG optimizer to reduce file size and complexity.
  • VMC Requirement: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an authorized provider is typically required.
  • DNS Record Setup: Ensure the BIMI DNS record is correctly configured, using a proper BIMI record generator and providing the correct selector and SVG URL.
  • Accessibility: The SVG URL must be directly accessible over HTTPS without redirects or authentication.
  • Subdomain Issues: Setting up BIMI on a subdomain might cause problems. The BIMI record should be set up for the root domain.

Key considerations

  • Check Caching Delays: Be aware that caching delays can obscure the results of a BIMI configuration, leading to false diagnosis.
  • Verify SVG URL: Ensure the SVG is publicly accessible before diagnosing further.
  • Contact Provider: If the issue persists after addressing the above points, contact Yahoo/AOL directly.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests that the BIMI logo issue may stem from not fully meeting Yahoo/AOL's requirements for sender reputation or authentication. They propose checking sender score, ensuring consistent email volume, and verifying that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly implemented and passing authentication checks.

August 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailVendorSelection Blog shares that a frequent issue is the SVG logo not being properly optimized, leading to rendering problems. They recommend using an SVG optimizer tool to reduce file size and complexity while maintaining visual quality.

January 2023 - EmailVendorSelection Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from an email marketing forum suggests making sure that the URL provided in the BIMI record for the SVG image is directly accessible over HTTPS and doesn't require any authentication or redirects. A broken or inaccessible link will prevent the logo from displaying.

December 2021 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from mailhardener.com shares that using a subdomain for email sending, and setting up BIMI on that subdomain might cause problems, as mailbox providers look at the root domain for BIMI records. BIMI record should be set up for the root domain to fix logo display issues.

April 2024 - Mailhardener
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet Blog explains that incorrect BIMI logo display might be due to caching issues at the mailbox provider level, suggesting that it can take time for changes to propagate across systems. They recommend ensuring the SVG file is correctly formatted, publicly accessible, and that the DNS records are properly configured. Contacting the mailbox provider directly is also advised if the issue persists.

April 2022 - Mailjet Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that sometimes Yahoo/AOL needs to 'kick the box' to ensure everything is updated and that it might take a week or so for changes to reflect, advising to set client expectations accordingly.

May 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from GMass explains that a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is typically needed, and it needs to be from an authorized provider.

August 2021 - GMass
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus suggests using BIMI testing tools and BIMI record generators to check for errors. This ensures the validity of the record before submitting it.

September 2022 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from SparkPost Blog emphasizes that a DMARC policy of 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject' is essential for BIMI to function. They recommend carefully reviewing DMARC reports to identify and address any authentication failures that could prevent the logo from displaying.

June 2024 - SparkPost Blog

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

The wrong BIMI logo displaying in Yahoo and AOL can be due to caching or the mailbox provider displaying a logo already on file. If the traffic is trusted and all BIMI criteria are met, the correct logo should eventually appear, but this process takes time. If the correct logo doesn't display after a reasonable period, it's recommended to contact the mailbox provider.

Key opinions

  • Existing Logo: If a logo is already displaying, it indicates Yahoo/AOL trusts the traffic and is showing a logo they have on file.
  • Automatic Update: Once all BIMI criteria are met, the correct logo should be pulled automatically.
  • Time Delay: The update process takes time (days or even a week) due to caching and processing by Yahoo/AOL.
  • Caching Issue: The wrong logo might be appearing due to caching issues at the mailbox provider level.

Key considerations

  • Patience: Allow sufficient time for the correct logo to appear after implementing BIMI and making changes.
  • Re-Check: Periodically re-check to see if the correct logo is displaying.
  • Contact Provider: If the correct logo doesn't appear after a reasonable time, contact Yahoo/AOL directly for assistance.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that if an image is already showing, it means Yahoo/AOL already trusts the traffic and is displaying a logo on file. If all BIMI criteria are met, the correct logo will be pulled automatically, but this takes time. If the correct logo doesn't appear after a while, the user should reach out to the provided email address.

October 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that sometimes the wrong BIMI logo appears due to caching at the mailbox provider level. He advises that after making changes, it can take time (days or even a week) for Yahoo and AOL to update their cache and display the correct logo. He suggests patience and periodic re-checking.

December 2022 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

The wrong BIMI logo may display due to issues with SVG file formatting, VMC validity, or incorrect DNS record configuration. The SVG must adhere to BIMI's guidelines, be accessible over HTTPS, and free of external links/scripts. The VMC must be valid and from an approved authority. The DNS record must be correctly formatted and contain the right selector and SVG URL. Caching by Yahoo can also delay updates.

Key findings

  • SVG Formatting: SVG file must be a vector graphic, adhere to file size limits, contain no external links/scripts, and be accessible via HTTPS.
  • VMC Validity: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) must be valid and issued by an approved certification authority.
  • DNS Configuration: BIMI DNS record must be correctly formatted, placed in DNS settings, and contain the accurate selector and SVG URL.
  • Caching: Yahoo may cache logos, delaying updates by up to 72 hours or longer.

Key considerations

  • SVG Compliance: Thoroughly review the SVG file against BIMI's formatting guidelines.
  • VMC Verification: Ensure the VMC is valid and issued by a trusted certificate authority.
  • DNS Accuracy: Double-check the BIMI DNS record for correct syntax, selector, and SVG URL.
  • Allow Time: Allow sufficient time for changes to propagate due to caching by Yahoo and other providers.
Technical article

Documentation from Yahoo Sender Hub suggests ensuring the VMC is valid and issued by an approved certification authority, as well as making sure that the BIMI DNS record is published correctly with the right selector and SVG URL. It notes that Yahoo may cache logos and advises waiting up to 72 hours for changes to propagate.

June 2022 - Yahoo Sender Hub
Technical article

Documentation from Cloudflare explains that BIMI records must be correctly formatted and placed in the DNS settings. It needs the correct syntax, including the selector and the URL of the SVG image. Any errors in the record can prevent the BIMI logo from displaying.

October 2023 - Cloudflare Support
Technical article

Documentation from BIMI Group explains that the SVG file must adhere to specific formatting guidelines, including being a vector graphic, not exceeding a certain file size, and containing no external links or scripts. It also needs to be accessible over HTTPS.

August 2024 - BIMI Group Documentation