What is Image link [image_link] Product Attribute? Google Free Listings (2025)

High-quality visuals can make or break a sale. Online shoppers often judge a product’s credibility by its imagery before even reading the description. The Image link [image_link] attribute ensures that potential customers see an accurate, appealing photo of your product in Google’s free listings.

Getting your product image right is more critical than ever—especially when consumers have endless choices at their fingertips.

What is Image link [image_link] Product Attribute?

The Image link [image_link] attribute points to your product’s main image. It’s the URL that Google crawls to display your product visually in free listings or ads. A compelling, clear image can grab attention and set you apart from competitors. Conversely, a low-resolution or irrelevant image can deter potential buyers from clicking through or learning more.

What are Free Listings? Google’s free listings, available through Google Merchant Center, let you showcase products across surfaces like Search, Maps, YouTube, and the Shopping tab—without paying for ads. When your feed meets specific criteria, your product images can appear organically for relevant searches. This gives a solid product photo (submitted via the image link [image_link] attribute) an invaluable role in drawing the right audience.

Since Google’s systems rely heavily on visual information to match products with relevant user queries, ensuring your image link works correctly helps you stand out. For instance, a crisp photo of a “Red Women’s Running Shoe” sets shopper expectations more effectively than a generic or placeholder image.

Where Does Google Merchant Center Fit In?

Google Merchant Center is the hub for uploading and managing product data for both free and paid listings. It’s where you submit attributes like image link [image_link], keep your URLs up to date, and ensure your content follows policies and best practices.

Minimum Requirements for Image link [image_link]

Like other attributes, image link [image_link] must comply with Google’s feed rules to appear in free listings. Falling short of these could lead to disapprovals or policy warnings. Below are some key essentials:

1. Submit a Valid URL: It must begin with http or https, and shouldn’t contain any spaces or special characters that aren’t URL-encoded (e.g., replace “&” with “%26”).
2. Use a Supported File Format: Acceptable formats include JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg), WebP (.webp), PNG (.png), GIF (.gif), BMP (.bmp), or TIFF (.tif/.tiff).
3. Ensure Accessibility: Google must be able to crawl your URL. Check your robots.txt configuration so your images aren’t blocked.
4. Match the Product: The image should accurately depict the exact item you’re selling, showing all components if it’s a bundle.
5. Keep Sizing & File Size Within Limits: At minimum, non-apparel images should be 100 x 100 pixels, apparel images 250 x 250 pixels, and none should exceed 64 megapixels or 16MB in size.

Image link [image_link] vs. Additional image link [additional_image_link]

When it comes to displaying multiple images, these two attributes serve distinct purposes:

A) Image link [image_link]

This is your primary or “main” product image. It’s usually the first image shoppers see, so it should showcase the product clearly with minimal distractions.

B) Additional image link [additional_image_link]

Supplementary views of your product belong here—alternate angles, close-ups, or lifestyle photos. Use additional_image_link [additional_image_link] if you want to provide multiple images that enhance customer understanding but don’t necessarily need to be the featured image.

Keeping these two attributes separate helps Google present the most relevant image first while still letting curious shoppers explore more photos of your product.

Best Practices

Elevate your product listings by adhering to these best practices:

• Opt for High-Resolution Images: Crisp, detailed photos better demonstrate your product’s quality and features. While smaller images pass basic requirements, images of at least 1500 x 1500 pixels often perform better in search.
• Avoid Promotional Text or Watermarks: Messages like “50% OFF” or a brand watermark can clutter your image and risk policy violations. Keep your main photo clean to appear professional.
• Show the Correct Variant: If you sell multiple colors or sizes, the featured image should match the product variant in that specific listing. A shopper interested in the “Blue, Medium” version shouldn’t see a red variant.
• Maintain a Stable URL: Don’t change your image URL frequently, as Google will need to recrawl each time. Fluctuating URLs could delay updated images from appearing in free listings.
• Disclose AI-Generated Imagery: In 2025, any generative AI image must contain metadata indicating that the image was AI-created (e.g., IPTC DigitalSourceTypeTrainedAlgorithmicMedia). Removing embedded metadata can lead to policy enforcement.

Pro tip: Use an AI tool to optimize your product feed

Examples

Below are typical image scenarios illustrating Before (common mistakes) and After (optimized solutions). This table shows how crucial it is to present the most accurate and visually appealing photo:

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Pro tip: See two Google product feed examples (from 2 different online stores)

Why the Right Image Matters for Free Listings

In Google’s ecosystem, your main image often appears next to your product title and price—sometimes even before the description. A visually striking, accurate image instantly reassures potential buyers that they’re looking at a legitimate product. Skimping on image quality can risk losing curious shoppers to competitors with more professional-looking photos.

Moreover, correct imagery helps your listings surface for relevant searches. If you’re selling a “Teal Ceramic Vase,” an image that actually showcases that teal color is far more likely to generate clicks from users specifically seeking a teal home accessory. With so many products competing for attention, a high-quality, on-point image is a massive competitive edge.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Even well-meaning merchants can fall into avoidable mistakes:

• Using Logos or Text Instead of the Product: This is not allowed for the main image. Actual product photos are crucial for building trust.
• Misrepresenting Product Variants: Uploading a photo of a different model, color, or size than what you’re offering confuses shoppers and can lead to disapproval.
• Adding Borders or Overlays: Borders, promotional banners, or brand watermarks can be distracting and may not meet Google’s editorial guidelines.
• Replacing the URL Too Often: Constantly changing your image URL can slow down updates. Every new URL triggers a fresh crawl, leading to possible delays or disruptions in your listing.
• Removing AI Metadata: If your product image is generated by AI, you must keep IPTC data intact to confirm compliance with policy rules.

Related Attributes

Your overall product feed relies on multiple product attributes to appear in Google’s free listings. These attributes can be managed in Merchant Center’s “Products” page, helping you maintain consistent, policy-compliant data. Below is a table of attributes—those marked Required are mandatory for free listings, while “recommended” ones are optional but beneficial.

FAQs About Image link [image_link]

How does the image link affect my search rankings?

Having a valid, high-quality image URL that loads quickly and meets Google’s guidelines can boost your visibility in free listings. While an image link alone doesn’t guarantee top placement, it’s a crucial part of ensuring Google’s algorithms can correctly identify and present your product.

Can I submit multiple images for the same product?

Yes, but only one main image is accepted for the image link [image_link] attribute. Additional angles or variants should go under additional_image_link [additional_image_link]. Providing varied views can boost user engagement, but the primary photo remains the most influential in capturing attention.

Do I need to specify if the image was AI-generated?

Yes. Google requires that all AI-generated images maintain embedded IPTC metadata indicating they are algorithmically produced. Failing to include or preserve these tags when you submit your images may result in disapprovals or policy-related issues.

Should I include promotional text in the image?

No. Title cards like “Best Deal!” or “Buy Now” are considered promotional text and violate Google’s editorial guidelines for the main product image. Such elements may disqualify your listing from free search results or trigger warnings in Merchant Center.

Can I show multiple variants (colors, sizes) in one main image?

It’s discouraged, especially if you’re trying to showcase a single product variant. An image with various color options might confuse shoppers or appear like a bundle when it isn’t. Your best bet is to show only the specific variant in the main image, then use additional_image_link [additional_image_link] for extra visuals.

How large or small can my image file be?

Files shouldn’t exceed 64 megapixels or 16MB in size. Apparel images must be at least 250 x 250 pixels; non-apparel images at least 100 x 100 pixels. Larger, high-resolution images generally perform better—aim for at least 1500 x 1500 pixels for the main photo if possible.

What if I can’t remove a watermark or logo from my image?

In general, watermarks and logos are not permitted in your main image. If you must show brand identity, use minimal branding that doesn’t obscure the product. Otherwise, the listing may face disapproval. Consider placing brand elements in additional images if they’re necessary for context.

Conclusion

Securing a perfect image link [image_link] can have a major impact on your product’s performance in Google’s free listings. A clean, high-quality image conveys trust and invites clicks, while a subpar or misleading one can drive potential buyers away.

Ensure compliance with guidelines—from valid URLs to accurate content—and keep your image stable unless you’re genuinely updating the photo. Remember to store and submit generative AI metadata if applicable. By giving your product imagery the attention it deserves, you’ll stand out among competing listings and pave the way for higher engagement and conversions.

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