BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification)
BIMI lets some mailbox providers show your brand logo next to your emails, if your domain has strong DMARC and a valid logo file.
BIMI is a DNS record at 'default._bimi.yourdomain.com' that points to your logo, a special SVG file. Mailbox providers that support it can show that logo next to your message in the inbox. Some providers also ask for a certificate that proves you own the logo.
BIMI has a hard requirement: your domain must enforce DMARC with a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject'. A domain stuck on 'p=none' cannot use it.
BIMI does not improve inbox placement. It is a branding feature, and it only shows once the message is already in the inbox. For cold email it is a low priority. Spend your time on SPF, DKIM, DMARC, list quality and sending volume first. Look at BIMI later, for your main brand domain, once DMARC is at enforcement and stable. Do not add it to short-lived secondary sending domains.
Free tools
Related terms
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance)
- DMARC alignment
- Sender reputation