Add real, well-lit photos of your outside, inside, work and team as JPG or PNG files between 10 KB and 5 MB. Google says photos show only once the business is verified. Set a logo and a cover photo first, then add a few of each type.
Google's photo and video rules
- Photos: JPG or PNG, between 10 KB and 5 MB.
- Size: at least 250 × 250 px. Google recommends 720 × 720 px.
- Videos: up to 30 seconds, up to 75 MB, and 720p or higher.
- Quality: in focus, well lit and without heavy edits or filters. Google says the image should represent reality.
Logo and cover photo
Your logo identifies the business, and the cover photo is the one you'd like shown first. On Google Search or Maps on a computer, select Photos, then Add a logo or Add a cover photo.
Google says that if your cover photo is low quality, or other sources suggest it isn't the best photo of the business, a customer's photo may be shown instead.
What to photograph
Google suggests at least three photos of each type that applies, such as exterior, interior, at work and team, and exterior shots from each direction customers approach. Then add what your customers look for:
- Clinic: the entrance and sign, reception, a treatment room, equipment in use, the team in uniform.
- Salon: the shopfront, the chairs and basins, finished cuts and colour work, the team at work.
- Cafe: the front and the seating, the counter, your most popular dishes and drinks.
- Gym: the entrance, the main floor, each equipment area, a class in progress.
How to add photos on Google
- On a computer, open Google Search or Maps and search for your business name and city.
- Select Photos, then Add photos.
- Choose one or more photos or videos to upload.
- Check each status: Pending, Not approved (it broke a policy) or Live.
Why photos get rejected
Google marks a photo Not approved when it breaks its policies. Google's criteria for photos on Maps ask you to avoid:
- Stock photos, screenshots, GIFs and collages.
- Blurry, very dark or rotated images.
- Added borders, text or distracting overlays.
- Photos where the place isn't the main subject.
Photos customers add
Customers can add photos to your profile, and you can't delete them yourself. You can report one that breaks Google's policies:
- On Google Search, open your Business Profile, select Photos, then View all photos.
- Select the photo or video, then select Report a problem at the bottom right.
- Choose a reason and select Submit.
Google reviews the report, which it says can take several business days, and decides whether to remove the photo.
Common problems
- Why is my photo stuck on Pending?
- Google says Pending means the photo is still uploading or processing, or the profile isn't verified. Photos show only on verified profiles.
- Why isn't my chosen cover photo showing?
- Google says it may show a customer's photo instead if your cover is low quality or other sources suggest a better one.
- Can I delete a bad photo a customer posted?
- No. You can report it with Report a problem, and Google reviews it and decides whether to remove it.
- My photo was Not approved. What now?
- Check it against the list above, then upload a sharper, unedited photo of the place itself.
Keep fresh photos going to Google from one library
With Reach
The Profile page in Reach holds your logo, cover photo and a photo library. You pick a Google photo category for each upload, such as exterior or team, and everything goes to Google when you save.
If Google rejects an upload, Reach tells you on the same page.