Why photos are worth an hour of your time
Photos answer the questions customers don’t want to call about. Where’s the entrance? Is it clean? What does the finished work look like? Who will show up at my door? Google’s own tips are built around that idea: show the place truthfully, from the angles customers see.
One thing to know first. Google says your photos show up only after your Business Profile is verified. If you’re still waiting on verification, you can upload, but the photos stay Pending and hidden.
The file rules
Google’s requirements are modest:
- JPG or PNG
- between 10 KB and 5 MB
- at least 250 x 250 pixels, with 720 x 720 recommended
- in focus, well lit, and not significantly altered or heavily filtered
Most phone photos meet these without any editing. If a file is over 5 MB, export a smaller copy rather than cropping hard.
What to shoot, by type
Google’s photo tips break it down by category, with a minimum of three each:
- Exterior. Shoot from each direction customers approach, and consider different times of day. This is what helps a first-time visitor spot you.
- Interior. Stand where a customer stands and photograph what they’d see. Capture the feel of the room.
- Products. Your most popular items, evenly lit.
- Team. Management and staff, in a less formal style, so customers get a sense of the people.
Service-area trades without a storefront can swap interior shots for photos of finished jobs, vehicles and equipment.
What gets photos rejected
Google applies its content policy to every upload. Its Maps contribution guidance spells out what to avoid: screenshots, stock photos, GIFs, collages, heavy edits, borders, text overlays, and images made by someone else. It also asks that the place, not people, be the main subject. Low-quality photos can be removed, and Google says removals for quality can’t be appealed.
Light fixes are fine. Straightening a crooked shot or brightening a dark room is allowed as long as the photo still shows the place accurately.
When new photos appear
Google says new photos and videos can take 24 to 48 hours to appear. If they’re still missing after that, the photos-not-showing guide walks through each status.
If it doesn't work
- Photos stuck as Pending: your profile may not be verified yet, or processing isn't finished. Google keeps pending media hidden.
- Photo marked Not approved: it was flagged under Google's content policy. Replace it with a clear, unfiltered photo taken at the business.
- Upload failed: check whether you already uploaded the same photo, then try again.
- You have 10 or more locations: use Google's spreadsheet bulk upload instead of adding photos one profile at a time.
Questions owners ask
Can I use stock photos or AI images?
Google's photo tips say photos should show reality, with no heavy filters or AI. Its Maps contribution guidance also tells people to avoid stock photos, screenshots, collages and imagery made by others. Photograph your own place and work.
Can I put my logo or a sale banner on photos?
Google's contribution guidance lists text overlays, borders and collages among things to avoid, and says promotional superimposed content should relate to the place. Keep text off the photos and use posts for offers.
How many photos should I add?
Google doesn't set a maximum in its help. Its tips suggest at least three exterior, three interior, three product and three team photos. Exterior photos taken from the directions customers approach help them recognize the building.
Can I add photos from my phone?
Google's instructions for adding photos are written for a computer. Use a computer for uploads if the option isn't obvious in the app.
Sources
- Manage your Business Profile photos & videos (support.google.com)
- Tips for business-specific photos on your Business Profile (support.google.com)
- Maps user contributed content policy: photos and videos (support.google.com)
Checked 13 Nov 2026. When the platform changes its process we update this page and log it in What changed.