What Google asks for
Your main image is the first thing a shopper sees in a Shopping ad, and Google checks it before the product can show. Most image disapprovals come down to a handful of rules about size, format and what the picture contains.
- Size: at least 500 x 500 pixels. Google has announced this applies to all products from 31 January 2027, and it recommends about 1500 x 1500 or more.
- Limits: no larger than 64 megapixels or 16 MB.
- Formats: JPEG, WebP, PNG, GIF, BMP or TIFF, with a file extension that matches the real format.
- Access: your robots.txt must let Googlebot and Googlebot-Image fetch the images.
- The main image shows the product itself. Use additional_image_link for other angles and lifestyle_image_link for in-context photos.
Why images get rejected
Google wants the image to show the product, not an advert for it. These are the problems that come up most often:
- Promotional text, logos, watermarks or borders on the image.
- Placeholder, generic or "image coming soon" pictures.
- Images too small, scaled up from a thumbnail, or a variant photo that doesn't match the color in the feed.
- Links that redirect, expire or point to a file in the wrong format.
How to fix it
Fix the image at its source, usually the product's photos in Shopify, so the next feed fetch carries the new link. Editing the link only in Google Merchant Center can be undone by that fetch.
- In Products, then Needs attention, filter to the image issue and open the examples.
- Replace overlaid or watermarked images with a clean product photo, ideally on a plain background.
- Upload a larger original where the image is below 500 x 500 pixels, rather than enlarging a small file.
- Check variant images match the variant's color and pattern.
- Consider turning on automatic image improvements in Google Merchant Center, which Google says can fix minor issues such as promotional overlays.
How UltraROAS.ai does this for you
UltraROAS.ai flags products with no main image or no additional images in Google Merchant Center, ranked by the spend they affect. It doesn't replace your photos: images come from your store.
Try it freeFree plan, no card: see everything Optimize would change before you pay.
Questions
What is the minimum image size for Google Shopping?
Google asks for at least 500 x 500 pixels and has announced it applies to all products from 31 January 2027. It recommends about 1500 x 1500 or larger.
Can I add a sale badge to my product image?
No. Promotional text and overlays are not allowed on product images. Use Google Merchant Center promotions or a sale price instead.
Can I use lifestyle photos?
Yes, as additional or lifestyle images. The main image should show the product you are selling.