Does Outlook Support BIMI? Uncover the Truth Today!

BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is an email authentication standard that allows businesses to display their brand logos next to their email addresses in supported email clients. This enhances brand recognition, builds trust, and reduces phishing attacks. With the growing popularity of BIMI, users are wondering if Outlook, one of the most widely used email clients, supports this feature. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the compatibility of Outlook with BIMI and provide detailed instructions on how to implement it.

What is BIMI?

BIMI is a technical specification that combines the existing DMARC and TLS protocols to provide a visual cue to email recipients. It allows businesses to display their brand logos next to their email addresses in supported email clients. This helps users identify legitimate emails from trusted senders, reducing the risk of phishing and spoofing attacks.

Does Outlook Support BIMI?

Yes, Outlook supports BIMI. Microsoft began rolling out BIMI support in Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web in 2023. This means that users of these Outlook versions can now see brand logos next to email addresses from senders who have implemented BIMI.

How to Implement BIMI in Outlook

To implement BIMI in Outlook, you need to:

1. Set up DMARC: Ensure that your domain has a valid DMARC record with the “p” tag set to “reject” or “quarantine.”
2. Obtain an SSL/TLS Certificate: Your email server must have a valid SSL/TLS certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority.
3. Create a BIMI Record: Create a DNS TXT record with the following format:

“`
_bimi.. ..
“`

For example:

“`
_bimi.example.com. example.com. https://example.com/logo.png
“`

4. Publish the Logo: Host the brand logo at the specified URL in the BIMI record. The logo must be in PNG format and meet the following requirements:

• Maximum file size: 32 KB
• Minimum resolution: 128×128 pixels
• Maximum resolution: 256×256 pixels

Troubleshooting BIMI in Outlook

If you have implemented BIMI but are not seeing brand logos in Outlook, check the following:

• Check DMARC Record: Ensure that your DMARC record is valid and has the “p” tag set to “reject” or “quarantine.”
• Verify SSL/TLS Certificate: Confirm that your email server has a valid SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority.
• Check BIMI Record: Make sure that the BIMI record is correctly formatted and published in your DNS.
• Check Logo URL: Verify that the logo URL in the BIMI record is valid and hosts the correct logo file.

Benefits of BIMI in Outlook

Implementing BIMI in Outlook offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Brand Recognition: Displaying brand logos next to email addresses increases brand visibility and recognition.
• Increased Trust and Credibility: BIMI helps users identify legitimate emails from trusted senders, reducing phishing concerns.
• Reduced Phishing Attacks: By providing a visual cue to recipients, BIMI makes it more difficult for phishers to impersonate legitimate businesses.

Final Note

Outlook’s support for BIMI empowers businesses to enhance their email marketing efforts and protect their customers from phishing attacks. By implementing BIMI, businesses can showcase their brand logos, build trust, and improve overall email deliverability.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which versions of Outlook support BIMI?
A: Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web support BIMI.

Q: What is the maximum file size for a BIMI logo?
A: The maximum file size is 32 KB.

Q: What is the minimum resolution for a BIMI logo?
A: The minimum resolution is 128×128 pixels.

Q: How do I troubleshoot BIMI issues in Outlook?
A: Check your DMARC record, SSL/TLS certificate, BIMI record, and logo URL.

Q: What are the benefits of BIMI in Outlook?
A: Enhanced brand recognition, increased trust and credibility, and reduced phishing attacks.