# image_link

The image_link attribute is the URL of the single main image a channel shows for an item. On Shopify the correct source is the variant's own image where one is assigned, falling back to the product's featured image, because a feed that shows the wrong colour is worse than one that shows a generic shot.

- **Canonical URL:** https://www.feedlab.io/knowledge/attributes/image-link
- **Last reviewed:** 16 September 2026
- **Source:** feedlab knowledge base
- **Licence:** free to quote and cite with attribution to feedlab


## Specification

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Attribute | `image_link` |
| Plain name | Main product image URL |
| Data type | URL |
| Format | A fully qualified URL to a directly accessible image file, served without login, and stable enough to be re-crawled. Channels require a minimum resolution and reject placeholder or watermarked images, promotional overlays, and images that are mostly text or borders. |


### Example values

- `https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0001/products/merino-navy.jpg`



### Support by channel

| Channel | Requirement | Field name | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Google Shopping | Required | `image_link` | Promotional overlays and watermarks cause disapproval. |
| Meta | Required | `image_link` | Shops surfaces enforce stricter resolution than catalogue ads. |
| Microsoft Advertising | Required | `image_link` |  |
| Pinterest | Required | `image_link` | The image is the listing. Vertical crops perform materially better. |
| OpenAI | Required | `image_url` | Called image_url, and must be a direct JPEG or PNG that is publicly reachable, HTTPS preferred. Further views go in additional_image_urls. |












## Frequently asked questions

### Should image_link use the variant image or the product image?

The variant image where one is assigned, falling back to the product's featured image. If every colour of a jumper shows the navy photograph, shoppers click through expecting navy and bounce, which hurts both conversion and the listing's quality signals.

### Why was my image rejected even though the URL works?

Channels reject images that carry promotional overlays, watermarks, borders or text, fall below a minimum resolution, or are obvious placeholders. The URL resolving is necessary but not sufficient; the image content itself has to meet the policy.

### Can I add more than one image?

Yes, through additional_image_link, which most channels support alongside the single main image_link. The main image is the one shown in the listing, and the additional images appear on the product detail surface.




## Primary sources

- [Google: image_link attribute specification](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6324350)
- [Google: Image guidelines](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6324350)