Short answer. image_link is the URL of the product’s main image: JPEG, WebP, PNG, GIF, BMP or TIFF, at least 500×500 pixels from 31 January 2027 (100×100 today, 250×250 for apparel) and no larger than 64 megapixels or 16 MB, showing the product itself with no promotional text, watermarks or borders, at a URL Google can crawl. A product without a usable image is disapproved.
| Attribute | image_link |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Required for each product. |
| Format |
|
Google’s rules for image_link
- Show the principal product; no placeholder, logo or “no image available” graphic.
- No promotional elements, calls to action, price information, watermarks, barcodes or borders on the image.
- The URL must be crawlable by Google and stable; a changed image at the same URL is picked up on re-crawl.
- Variants that differ in colour should carry an image showing that colour.
Common mistakes, and the error each one becomes
- Photos under the minimum size. → Image too small
- Sale badges or watermarks on the photo. → Promotional overlay on image [image_link]
- A placeholder or logo where the photo should be. → Generic image
- No image at all on variant rows. → Missing value [image_link]
- A URL Google cannot fetch or decode. → Invalid image [image_link]
- robots.txt blocking the image host. → Image not crawlable due to robots.txt
Where the value comes from on a connected store
| Shopify | The variant’s image when one is set, otherwise the product’s featured image, on Shopify’s CDN, with its pixel size read for the check. |
|---|---|
| WooCommerce | The variation image when set, otherwise the product image, at its full-size upload URL. |
The free feed check reads this attribute from any feed file and reports the defects above; every check is listed.
Questions merchants ask
Is 500×500 required today?
From 31 January 2027 for every product. Until then the minimum is 100×100, or 250×250 for apparel, and images between the old and new minimum show a warning so they can be fixed before the date.
Can the main image be a lifestyle shot?
It should clearly show the principal product on its own; lifestyle images belong in additional_image_link.
Does WebP work?
Yes, it is on Google’s list. SVG, AVIF and HEIC are not.
Sources
- Image link [image_link] — Google Merchant Center Help
- How to fix: Image too small — Google Merchant Center Help
- Product data specification — Google Merchant Center Help