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    Field: image_link

    Invalid Image URL in Google Shopping Feed

    Your product has an invalid or inaccessible image URL. Image links must point to publicly accessible images in supported formats.

    Use our free Feed Validator to check for this and other errors automatically.

    What This Error Means

    The image_link field in your feed contains a URL that Google cannot access or doesn't meet image requirements. This prevents your product images from displaying in ads.

    Common issues include broken links, images behind authentication, unsupported formats, or URLs that don't point directly to image files.

    Products without valid images will be rejected from Shopping ads since images are required for all Shopping listings.

    How to Fix It

    1. Use HTTPS URLs — Image URLs must use HTTPS for security. HTTP image links may be rejected.
    2. Ensure public accessibility — Images must be accessible without authentication or special headers.
    3. Use supported formats — Supported formats are JPEG, PNG, GIF (non-animated), WebP, and BMP. JPEG is most common.
    4. Link directly to the image — The URL should end with the image file extension or directly serve an image.

    Examples

    Incorrect
    <!-- All of these may cause issues: -->
<g:image_link>http://example.com/image.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:image_link>example.com/image.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:image_link>https://example.com/products/123</g:image_link>
<g:image_link>https://example.com/image.psd</g:image_link>
<g:image_link>https://private.example.com/secure/image.jpg</g:image_link>
    Correct
    <!-- Correct format: -->
<g:image_link>https://example.com/images/product-123.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:image_link>https://cdn.example.com/products/shoe-blue.png</g:image_link>
<g:image_link>https://images.example.com/catalog/item_456.webp</g:image_link>
<g:image_link>https://example.com/media/products/running-shoes-main.jpeg</g:image_link>

    Additional Tips

    • Use a CDN for faster image loading and better reliability
    • Test images by opening the URL directly in an incognito browser window
    • Ensure your server returns proper image Content-Type headers
    • Image URLs should be stable — avoid URLs that change frequently
    • Check that firewalls or bot protection aren't blocking Googlebot
    • Minimum image size is 100x100 pixels (800x800 for apparel)

    Related Issues

    Missing Product ImageInvalid URL FormatHTTP Instead of HTTPS

    Validate Your Feed Now

    Use our free Google Shopping Feed Validator to check for this and other common errors before uploading to Merchant Center.

    Open Feed Validator