Prohibited Image Content: What Google Won't Accept

Automatic Disapproval Triggers

Google's image quality systems automatically detect certain types of content and disapprove products before they can show in Shopping. Understanding exactly what's prohibited prevents avoidable disapprovals.

Promotional Text and Overlays

Text overlaid on product images is one of the most common disapproval reasons. This includes:

• •Sale badges ("20% OFF," "SALE," "LIMITED OFFER")
• •New arrival or bestseller badges
• •Free shipping callouts
• •Brand or store watermarks
• •Price stickers

The restriction applies to text in any position — corner, center, or bottom strip. Google's detection is sensitive; even small badges trigger disapprovals.

Fix: Remove all text overlays from your main product image. Move promotional messaging to the title, description, or use Google Merchant Promotions for discount callouts.

Borders and Frames

Images with visible borders or decorative frames around the product are disapproved. This includes:

• •Colored borders
• •Drop shadows that create a frame effect
• •Gradient edges

Fix: Export images without borders or shadows. Product on a plain white or neutral background with no framing.

Placeholder Images

Generic placeholder images — the gray box with a camera icon that e-commerce platforms show before a real image is uploaded — will be disapproved. Same for stock silhouettes.

Fix: Ensure every product has a real product photo uploaded before the product goes live in your feed.

Watermarks

Brand or photographer watermarks on product images cause disapprovals. If images are watermarked from a supplier, request non-watermarked versions or photograph the products yourself.

Low Resolution and Blurry Images

While not strictly "prohibited content," images under 100x100px are disapproved. Blurry or pixelated images may also be suppressed through quality filters even if they're technically above minimum size.

Best practice: Use images at 1500x1500px or larger, in focus, with clean backgrounds.