Common Reasons Google Rejects Photos on a Business Profile

1. The Photo Violates Google’s Content Policy

Google has strict photo guidelines to maintain quality and trust in search results. If a photo contains any of the following, it may be rejected:

• Inappropriate content such as nudity, violence, or offensive imagery.
• Promotional material that includes phone numbers, website URLs, or excessive text.
• Fake or misleading content such as stock photos or AI-generated images that do not represent the business.
• Third-party logos or watermarks, as images should not have branding from another business.

How to Fix It:

• Only upload authentic, relevant images that represent your business.
• Avoid adding text overlays, logos, or contact details to your photos.

2. Poor Image Quality

Google prefers high-quality photos that clearly represent your business. If an image is blurry, pixelated, or too dark, it may not be accepted.

How to Fix It:

• Use high-resolution images with at least 720×720 pixels.
• Ensure good lighting and clarity before uploading.
• Avoid heavily compressed images that lose quality.

3. The Photo Is Not Relevant to Your Business

Google reviews photos to ensure they accurately represent your business location, products, services, or customer experience. If an image is irrelevant, it may be rejected.

How to Fix It:

• Upload genuine images of your storefront, interior, team, or products.
• Avoid using random stock images that do not reflect your actual business.

4. The File Format or Size is Not Supported

Google only accepts specific file formats and sizes for images on GBP. If your photo does not meet these requirements, it will not upload successfully.
Accepted File Formats: JPEG, PNG
Unsupported Formats: GIFs, BMP, TIFF

How to Fix It:

• Make sure your image is in JPEG or PNG format
• Keep the file size under 5MB for successful uploads

5. The Photo Was Flagged by Users

If customers or competitors report an image as inappropriate or misleading, Google may remove it.

How to Fix It:

• Review check your GBP to ensure your images comply with Google’s guidelines
• If a legitimate photo is removed, contact Google support to request a review

6. The Photo Is Too Similar to Existing Images

If you repeatedly upload duplicate or similar images, Google may reject them to prevent spam.

How to Fix It:

• Upload unique images that provide different angles or perspectives.
• Add new images over time instead of bulk-uploading similar ones.

How to Ensure Your Photos Are Accepted on Google Business Profile

Follow these best practices to improve your chances of successful photo uploads:

• Use high-quality images with good lighting and resolution.
• Upload relevant photos of your storefront, products, and services.
• Avoid promotional text or watermarks on images.
• Follow Google’s content guidelines to prevent rejections.
• Regularly update your photos to keep your profile fresh and engaging.

Why Are Photos Important for Your Google Business Profile?

Adding photos to your Google Business Profile helps:

• Increase customer engagement.
• Improve local search rankings.
• Build trust and credibility.
• Boost click-through rates to your website.

Businesses with photos on their GBP receive 42 percent more requests for directions and 35 percent more website clicks than those without images.

Need Help Managing Your Google Business Profile?

At BizIQ, we specialize in Google Business Profile optimization, including photo management and compliance to help businesses improve their online presence.

Get a free Google Business Profile analysis today.