Uploading the wrong size photos to your Google Business Profile results in stretched, cropped, or blurry images that damage your first impression in Google Maps. This complete guide gives you the exact specifications for every photo type.
Why This Matters in 2026
Businesses that rank in the top 3 of Google Maps for their primary search terms receive the majority of local search traffic. Whether you are dealing with a specific GBP challenge or building your local search presence from the ground up, having the right information and the right tools makes the difference between growing through Google and being invisible to the customers who need you.
Complete Photo Size Reference Guide
| Photo Type | Minimum Size | Ideal Size | Aspect Ratio | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profile photo | 250x250px | 1000x1000px | 1:1 (square) | JPG or PNG |
| Cover photo | 1024x575px | 2048x1152px | 16:9 (landscape) | JPG or PNG |
| Post image | 400x300px | 1200x900px | 4:3 | JPG or PNG |
| Product photo | 250x250px | 1000x1000px | 1:1 (square) | JPG or PNG |
| Interior/Exterior | 250x250px | 1200x900px | Any | JPG or PNG |
| Video | 480p minimum | 1080p ideal | Any | MP4 (under 75MB) |
Profile Photo Best Practices
Your profile photo appears as your business icon in Google Maps searches and in the local pack. It should be: your business logo on a clean white or coloured background; clearly legible at very small sizes (it appears as small as 40x40px); no text overlay that becomes unreadable when scaled down.
Cover Photo Best Practices
Your cover photo is the hero image that appears at the top of your full Google Business Profile. It is the first visual impression customers see. Best practice: use a photo that shows your premises, team, or signature product in action. Avoid: stock images, text-heavy graphics, blurry photos, or images that do not represent your actual business.
Post Image Best Practices
Post images appear in the Updates section of your listing and in the overview. They should be: high-quality, real photos of your business (not stock images); 1200x900px for sharpest display; include a subtle brand element (logo or colour palette) for consistency; and show the content of the post visually, not just be a decorative placeholder.
File Size and Format
Google accepts photos up to 5MB. Photos below 75KB may not display in full resolution. For best results, save JPGs at 80–90% quality compression — this balances file size and display quality. PNG is appropriate for logos with transparent backgrounds; JPG is better for photographs.
Next Steps and How Ampli5 Pulse Helps
The information in this guide gives you the strategy. Ampli5 Pulse gives you the platform to execute it — rank tracking, AI review management, post scheduling, competitor intelligence, and automated reporting all in one place, designed for local businesses managing from 1 to 100+ locations.