TechCrunch reports that Gmail is now showing Favicons (the small square icon you see in your web browser next to the URL) next to email messages from Netflix. 

I'm guessing that they have some sort of internal whitelist for deciding who to show the favicon for. Or maybe they could start charging for it! We've discussed this kind of functionality for OtherInbox for a while so I'm glad to see Gmail paving the way here.

I bet you wish you had a favicon. If you hear any rumors about how this will be handled please 

Is this a standard that should be developed and tied to email reputation? Should we be including an X-Favicon URL in email messages? Please add your comments and suggestions!

Comments

The question you're forgetting to ask (as usual) is whether the recipients want it...and whether they'll still want it after their inbox is full of different icons.

I am curious about those favicons if it's a header or again, a private whitelist Google is maintaining to test it.

I think the icons are a great visual cue for me to see what brand sent me something, given they maintain an accurate representation of their favicon.

However, much like anything else, it's open to being abused with animated favicons, bright red or yellow (or worse, security lock) icons.

Thanks for keeping us posted. Would love to see how a legitimate company could get in on the favicon awesomeness. ;-)

~Joseph

Thanks for the constructive criticism JD. I applaud your focus on the recipient.

This blog is read primarily by marketers, so the posts that I make here are from that perspective. If you're interested in reading my comments from the consumer perspective, I'd take a look at the OtherInbox blog or give it a try. You'll see that everything about OtherInbox starts from the recipients perspective.

I think your comment "as usual" is a little unfair considering that I've spent the past 2 years at OtherInbox focused 100% on improving the email experience for recipients and you and I haven't had any interaction during that time.

But hey, its the Internet so you can say anything you want. I know your heart is in the right place... just not sure why your guns are pointed at me.