Fix: image too small or invalid image link in Merchant Center
5 min read
Image errors are one of the most common reasons products don't show in Google Shopping, and they come in a few flavours: the image is too small, it has text or logos burned in, or the link Google is given simply doesn't load.
Here's each one and the fix.
Image too small
Google has minimum sizes: at least 100 x 100 pixels for most products, and 250 x 250 for apparel. Tiny thumbnails get rejected.
Send the largest clean version you have. Don't upscale a small image to hit the minimum — a blurry stretched image can still be rejected for low quality.
Promotional text and overlays
Images with 'Sale', 'Free shipping', watermarks, logos, or call-to-action badges burned into them get disapproved. Google wants the product, not an ad.
Use the clean product shot as your image_link. If you need promo creative for other channels, keep it in a separate field, not the main image.
The image link doesn't load
This is the silent killer. If the image_link returns a 404, sits behind a login, is rate-limited, or blocks Google's crawler, the product fails even though the image looks fine in your store.
Test the raw image URL in a private browser window. If it doesn't load there with no cookies, Google can't load it either.
Keeping images valid as your catalog changes
Image URLs drift — products get re-uploaded, CDNs change paths, variants get new shots. A feed that regenerates on a schedule pulls the current image URL every time, so a renamed file doesn't quietly break a listing for weeks.
Common questions
What image size does Google Shopping require?
At least 100 x 100 pixels for non-apparel products and 250 x 250 for apparel. Larger is better for quality — aim for at least 800 pixels on the longest side where you can.
Why is my image rejected when it looks fine?
Usually the link itself: a 404, a login wall, a CDN that blocks bots, or rate limiting. Open the raw image URL in a private window with no login — if it doesn't load there, Google can't load it either.
Can I use images with my logo or a sale badge?
No. Promotional text, watermarks, and logos burned into the image get the product disapproved. Use a clean product-only shot for image_link.
Rather not deal with this yourself?
On our Pro plan, our team builds, configures and runs your feeds for you — zero touch. Or start free and do it yourself with the tools above.