Not all image rules are enforced equally. Here are the ones that cause disapprovals vs. the ones that just reduce performance.

Google has dozens of image requirements for Shopping ads. Not all are enforced the same way. Some cause instant disapproval. Others reduce your ad quality without pulling the product. Here's what matters.

Instant disapproval triggers

Text on images: Any promotional text ("SALE", "FREE SHIPPING", price tags) on product images causes disapproval. Google uses OCR to detect this automatically. Even small text in a corner triggers it.

Image too small: Below 100x100px for non-apparel, 250x250px for apparel. The image file must be this size. CSS scaling doesn't count.

Placeholder images: "Coming soon" images, stock category photos, or blank squares. Every product needs an image of the actual product being sold.

Warning: Google's OCR is aggressive. Even text that's part of the product packaging (like nutritional information on food) can trigger false positives. If you sell packaged goods, use images that minimize visible text.

Reduced performance (no disapproval)

These won't kill your products but will hurt your results:

Issue	Impact
Watermarks	Reduced ad quality, lower click-through rate
Low resolution (above minimum, below 800x800)	Blurry on high-DPI screens, looks worse than competitors
Non-white background	White backgrounds perform better, but lifestyle images are allowed

Best practices for high-performing images

Aim for 800x800px or larger
Use white or neutral background for the main image
Show the entire product clearly, no cropping of key features
No text, logos, watermarks, or borders
Use additional_image_link for lifestyle and alternate angle shots

Tip: Lifestyle images (product in use, on a model) often outperform white-background shots for apparel and home goods. Use them as additional images alongside a clean primary photo.

Check your product images for compliance issues

Our audit scans every image for size, text overlays, and quality problems.

Start Free Audit

Google Shopping image requirements: the rules that actually matter

Instant disapproval triggers

Reduced performance (no disapproval)

Best practices for high-performing images

Check your store's GMC compliance