Google Shopping Feed Requirements 2026 - Complete Specifications

20 min read min read

Ensure your product feed meets all Google Shopping requirements. This comprehensive guide covers mandatory fields, recommended attributes, and technical specifications for feed compliance.

Required Fields for Google Shopping

Google Shopping requires specific product attributes to display your products in search results. These mandatory fields must be present and correctly formatted in every product item. Products missing any required field will be automatically disapproved and won't appear in Google Shopping.

Key Points

  • id - Unique product identifier (max 50 characters)
  • title - Product name (70-150 characters recommended)
  • price - Product price with currency (e.g., 29.99 USD)

The 7 Mandatory Product Fields

Every product in your feed must include these seven fields: id (unique identifier), title (product name), description (detailed text), link (product page URL), image_link (main product image), price (with currency), and availability (in stock/out of stock/preorder).

1

Verify Required Fields

Check that all products include the 7 mandatory fields with correct formatting.

2

Add Product Identifiers

Include GTIN or Brand+MPN for all applicable products.

3

Validate Feed

Use Feed Inspect or Google Merchant Center to verify compliance.

Product Identifiers: GTIN, Brand, MPN

Product identifiers are required for most categories. You must provide either GTIN alone, or the combination of Brand + MPN. For custom or handmade products, you can request an identifier exemption.

Feature Free Tool Paid Tool
id: SKU-12345 (max 50 chars, alphanumeric) ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
title: Nike Air Max 90 Running Shoes (70-150 chars) ✗ No ✓ Yes
price: 29.99 USD (value + ISO currency code) ✓ Limited ✓ Unlimited

Image and Link Requirements

Images must be minimum 100x100 pixels (800x800+ recommended). Links must be valid, return 200 status, and lead directly to the product page. Both must use HTTPS protocol.

💡 Pro Tip

Check if your products require identifiers in Google Merchant Center

⚠️ Common Mistake

Using made-up GTINs - this violates Google policies

✅ Best Practice

Use GTIN (barcode) when available - it improves product matching

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I submit products without required fields?

Products missing required fields will be automatically disapproved by Google Merchant Center and won't appear in Shopping results. You'll receive error notifications in your account dashboard.

Do I need GTIN for all products?

GTIN is required for products with an assigned barcode. For products without GTIN, you must provide Brand + MPN. Custom or handmade products can request an identifier exemption.

Can I use the same title for multiple product variants?

No, each variant (size, color, etc.) must have a unique title that describes the specific variant. Example: "Nike Shoes Red Size 10" vs "Nike Shoes Blue Size 10".

What is the minimum image resolution required?

Minimum 100x100 pixels, but Google recommends at least 800x800 pixels. Higher resolution (1200x1200+) significantly improves click-through rates.

How often should I update my product feed?

Update prices and availability daily at minimum. Full feed updates including titles, descriptions, and images should be done weekly or whenever product information changes.

Ready to Optimize Your Product Feed?

Analyze your product feed in 30 seconds and get instant recommendations to improve quality and boost Google Shopping performance.

Try Free Feed Analyzer