Photos and videos: what to upload and what Google allows
Upload a logo, a cover photo and real, well-lit photos of your place, team and work. Google accepts JPG or PNG photos from 10 KB to 5 MB, and videos up to 30 seconds and 75 MB. You can't delete photos customers post, but you can report ones that break Google's rules using Report a problem.
The short version
- Start with a logo, a cover photo, the outside, the inside, your team and your work.
- Photos: JPG or PNG, 10 KB to 5 MB, 720 × 720 px recommended.
- Videos: up to 30 seconds, up to 75 MB, 720p or higher.
- Add photos with Photos, then Add photos. They show only after verification.
- Bad customer photo? Use Report a problem. You can’t delete it yourself.
How do I add photos and videos?
On a computer:
- Open Google Search or Maps and search for your business name and city.
- Click Photos, then Add photos.
- Select one or more photos or videos.
To set your logo or cover, click Photos, then Add a cover photo or Add a logo. To replace one, click Change cover or Change logo. To remove your own upload, select it, click Delete, then Delete again to confirm.
These steps come from Google’s photos and videos page, along with these limits:
| Photos | Videos | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | JPG or PNG | Not stated by Google |
| File size | 10 KB to 5 MB | Up to 75 MB |
| Size or resolution | 720 × 720 px recommended, 250 × 250 px minimum | 720p or higher |
| Length | Up to 30 seconds |
Google also says photos should be in focus and well lit, not heavily altered or filtered, and should “represent reality.” Phone photos are fine: shoot in daylight, hold the phone level and wipe the lens.
What to upload first
- Logo. Your real logo, square, on a plain background.
- Cover photo. The single best image of your business, like the storefront or a finished job.
- Outside. The entrance as it looks from the street.
- Inside. The waiting area, counter or showroom.
- Team. Real people at work. Ask each person first.
- Work. Before and after shots, finished jobs, popular products.
Short videos work too: a 20-second walk from the parking lot to your door, or a quick before and after. Keep them under 30 seconds, and skip any music you don’t have the rights to.
Why do photos matter?
Photos answer questions before people ask them. What does the place look like? Is there parking? Who’s coming to my house? Google’s local ranking page lists adding photos and videos as one of its tips. They’re also the easiest part of the profile to keep fresh.
What shouldn’t I post?
Google’s content policy points to its prohibited and restricted content rules. In plain terms, avoid:
- Photos you don’t have the rights to. Our answer on using photos found on Google explains why.
- People who haven’t agreed to appear, and especially children.
- Screens, paperwork or job tickets showing customer details, addresses on packages, or car plates.
- Images with big text overlays, prices or phone numbers. Use posts for offers.
- Heavily edited images that make the place look different from real life.
You’re responsible for making sure what you post follows the law. A few real photos beat dozens of near-copies.
What if a photo is a problem?
A customer posted a bad photo
Anyone can add photos to your profile. These steps come from Google’s reporting page:
- Go to your Business Profile.
- Select Photos, then View all photos.
- Select the photo or video.
- At the bottom right, select Report a problem.
- Choose a reason, such as “Privacy concern” or “Not a photo or video of the place.”
- Select Submit.
In the Google Maps app, tap Business, then See Business Profile, then Photos. Select the photo, tap More, then Report, and choose a reason.
Google warns that reporting the same photo many times can slow the review, so report it once and wait. A photo that’s simply unflattering usually stays; the best answer is to add better photos of your own.
Your upload isn’t showing
Each upload shows a status: Pending, Not approved or Live. Photos only appear after your profile is verified. If one isn’t approved, check it against the rules above.
Your verification video
The video you record for verification is separate from these. You can delete it under More, then Business Profile settings, then Advanced settings.
How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
Uploading is free. Google says live media can take 24 to 48 hours to appear, and reviewing a reported photo can take several business days.
How does E-3 handle this?
Photos are part of the profile care in our SEO and AI search service. Nothing is uploaded until a person has checked it and the client has approved it.
Related questions
Sources
- Manage your Business Profile photos & videos (Google Business Profile Help)
- Report inappropriate photos or videos on your Business Profile (Google Business Profile Help)
- Business Profile photos, videos & posts content policy (Google Business Profile Help)
- Tips to improve your local ranking on Google (Google Business Profile Help)
Next step
- Next: Posts, offers and events on your Business ProfileThe next guide in Google Business Profile.
- Google Business Profile checklistA free printable checklist (PDF).
Still stuck? Ask E-3 for an answer from our help guides.
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