Introduction
As email marketing evolves, businesses are constantly looking for new ways to build trust and stand out in crowded inboxes. BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) and VMC (Verified Mark Certificates) are two powerful tools that help brands achieve this goal. While both are closely related, they are not the same. Understanding the difference between BIMI and VMC is crucial for any company considering implementation.
What is BIMI?
BIMI is an email specification that allows brands to publish a DNS record pointing to their official logo. When properly configured with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, BIMI enables supported inbox providers to display the brand logo alongside authenticated emails.
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Pros of BIMI: Improves brand visibility, boosts customer trust, and creates a more professional inbox presence.
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Limitation: Not all email providers display logos without a VMC.
What is a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC)?
A VMC is a digital certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) such as DigiCert. It works in tandem with BIMI but adds an extra layer of validation by verifying the legal trademark of the logo and the legitimacy of the brand.
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Pros of VMC: Guarantees authenticity of the brand logo, required by major providers (Gmail, Yahoo), and adds security against impersonation.
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Limitation: Requires trademark registration and an official validation process.
Key Differences Between BIMI and VMC
| Feature | BIMI (Without VMC) | VMC (With BIMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Logo Display | Not guaranteed, limited inbox support | Guaranteed in Gmail, Yahoo, and major providers |
| Validation | Domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) | Domain + trademark + organization validation |
| Trust Level | Medium – shows alignment but not verified | High – logo is officially certified and trusted |
| Requirements | SPF, DKIM, DMARC, DNS BIMI record | All BIMI requirements + registered trademark + VMC certificate |
| Cost | Free to publish DNS record | Paid certificate issued by a CA |
Why VMC Matters More Than Standard BIMI
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Visibility Across Platforms: Without a VMC, your BIMI logo may never appear in Gmail or Yahoo inboxes.
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Verified Brand Protection: VMC ensures only trademark owners can display their logos.
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Higher Engagement: Customers trust verified brands, leading to improved open rates and stronger campaign ROI.
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Future-Proof Investment: As more providers adopt BIMI + VMC, early adopters secure long-term benefits.
When to Use BIMI vs. VMC
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BIMI Only: Suitable for early adopters testing BIMI or brands on a budget.
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BIMI + VMC: Best for businesses that prioritize trust, brand security, and visibility across major inbox providers.
Why Get Your VMC from PLiKhost
PLiKhost partners with DigiCert to deliver trusted VMC solutions. With local billing, implementation support, and expert guidance, we make the adoption of BIMI + VMC simple for businesses in Indonesia and beyond.
Conclusion
BIMI is the foundation, but VMC is the key that unlocks its full potential. While BIMI improves visibility, only a VMC guarantees verified logos in inboxes, stronger protection, and higher trust.
👉 Secure your brand identity today with DigiCert VMC from PLiKhost.
