Adding photos and videos to your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a straightforward process that can significantly boost your online visibility and customer engagement. The process has evolved in 2023, with uploads now primarily handled through Google Search rather than a dedicated dashboard. Businesses must ensure their profile is verified and that all visual content meets Google’s strict guidelines for format, size, and quality. Photos should be high-resolution (720x720 pixels minimum) and in JPG or PNG format, while videos must not exceed 30 seconds or 75 MB. Strategic use of visuals—such as exterior/interior shots, product highlights, and team photos—can improve local search rankings and attract more customers.

Key takeaways from the sources:

• Uploads are now done through Google Search, not a separate dashboard or app ^[1].
• Businesses must be verified to display photos, with at least three images recommended per category (exterior, interior, products, etc.) ^[2].
• Videos must be ≤30 seconds, ≤75 MB, and in 720p resolution to autoplay in search results ^[3].
• Regular updates and high-quality visuals drive 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks ^[8].

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Photos and Videos

How to Upload Photos to Google Business Profile

The process for uploading photos has changed in 2023, requiring users to access their profile directly through Google Search. Businesses should prioritize high-quality, relevant images that showcase their offerings and atmosphere. Google’s guidelines specify file formats, resolutions, and quantity recommendations to maximize engagement.

To upload photos, start by logging into the Gmail account associated with your Google Business Profile. Search for your business name on Google, and your profile will appear in the knowledge panel on the right side of the search results. Click the "Add Photos" button, which allows you to upload images directly from your device. This method applies to both desktop and mobile devices, though the interface may vary slightly ^[1]. For mobile users, the "Add Photos" option appears after tapping the "Photos" tab in the business profile.

Google enforces specific requirements for photos to ensure consistency and quality:

• Format: JPG or PNG only ^[2].
• Size: Between 10 KB and 5 MB ^[2][8].
• Resolution: Minimum 720x720 pixels, with 1024x576 pixels recommended for cover photos ^[8].
• Quantity: At least three photos per category (exterior, interior, products, team, etc.) ^[2][7].

Categories for photos include:

• Exterior: Three angles of the building, including entrances and signage ^[2].
• Interior: Three shots of key areas like seating, checkout counters, or reception ^[2][5].
• Products/Services: Three high-quality images of best-selling items or services in action ^[2].
• Team: Three photos of staff to humanize the business ^[7].

Businesses that regularly update their photos see higher engagement, with Google reporting a 42% increase in direction requests and 35% more website clicks for profiles with active visual content ^[8]. To maintain relevance, remove outdated images and replace them with current ones, especially for seasonal products or renovations ^[5].

How to Add Videos to Google Business Profile

Videos are a powerful tool for showcasing your business dynamically, as they autoplay in search results and can significantly improve visibility. However, they must meet strict technical requirements to be accepted. The upload process mirrors that of photos, accessed through the "Add Photos" button in your profile, despite the option being labeled for photos ^[3].

Key requirements for videos include:

• Duration: Maximum 30 seconds ^[3][9].
• File Size: Up to 75 MB ^[3].
• Resolution: 720p or higher ^[3].
• Format: MP4 or other widely supported formats ^[9].

To upload a video, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the Gmail account linked to your Google Business Profile.
2. Search for your business on Google and open the profile.
3. Click "Add Photos" (this is also where videos are uploaded) ^[3].
4. Select the "Video" tab and click the "+" icon to choose a file from your device.
5. Add a title and description to optimize for search and accessibility ^[9].
6. Publish the video and monitor its performance through Google Business Profile insights.

Videos should focus on:

• Behind-the-scenes content to build trust ^[3].
• Product demonstrations or service highlights ^[5].
• Customer testimonials (with permission) ^[9].
• Business personality, such as staff introductions or event coverage ^[5].

Google prioritizes fresh content, so businesses should update videos regularly. Short, engaging videos with clear messaging perform best, as they autoplay without sound in search results, capturing user attention quickly ^[3]. Including captions or text overlays can improve accessibility and comprehension ^[5].