Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) cover photo is one of the most important images in local SEO. It appears prominently in Google Search and Google Maps results, giving potential customers a first impression of your business. Getting the right image size and following best practices can make a significant difference in how your listing appears. This guide covers everything for 2026.
Google Business Profile Cover Photo Size Requirements
The recommended cover photo size for Google Business Profile is 1080×608 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Google also accepts other sizes, but 16:9 is the safest and most consistent choice.
Key specifications:
- Recommended size: 1080×608 px
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Minimum size: 480×270 px
- Maximum file size: 5 MB
- Supported formats: JPG, PNG
- Minimum resolution: 250 px on the shortest side
How Google Displays Your Cover Photo
Google displays your business cover photo in several contexts:
- Google Search Knowledge Panel: Appears as the main image when someone searches for your business name — typically shown at a wide, slightly cropped view
- Google Maps listing: Appears as the thumbnail in map search results and the full-width image at the top of your business listing
- Google Maps Street View panel: Can appear alongside Street View if the user has opened your listing
Google may automatically apply different crops depending on the context, so designing with the center of the image as the focal point is always the safest approach.
What Makes a Good Cover Photo
Your cover photo should represent your business authentically and attractively:
- Show your storefront or interior — a clear photo of your physical location builds trust and helps customers recognize you when they arrive
- Use good lighting — bright, natural lighting makes photos look professional and welcoming
- Show people and activity — photos with staff, customers, or activity look more engaging than empty rooms
- Keep it current — update your cover photo seasonally or when major changes happen (renovation, new branding)
- Avoid text overlays — Google's guidelines discourage promotional text, phone numbers, or URLs on photos
Cover Photo vs. Logo: What Goes Where
Google Business Profile uses several images in different positions:
- Cover photo (1080×608 px): The main image displayed at the top of your listing
- Profile logo (250×250 px): Your business logo, displayed as a small circular image
- Additional photos: Extra images of your products, team, and location that appear in the photo gallery
Do not use your cover photo slot for your logo — the logo has its own designated field.
How to Resize and Optimize Your Cover Photo
To prepare the perfect Google Business Profile cover photo:
- Use the Image Resizer to set the dimensions to 1080×608 px
- If your original photo has a different aspect ratio, use the Image Cropper to crop to 16:9 before resizing
- After resizing, check the file size — if it exceeds 5 MB, use the Image Compressor to reduce it
- Save as JPG for photographs and PNG for graphics or logos
Google Business Profile Photo Quality Guidelines
Google has guidelines for business photo quality beyond just file size and dimensions:
- Photos must be clear and in focus — blurry or dark photos will be flagged or may be automatically removed
- No heavy filters or digitally altered images
- No adult, offensive, or irrelevant content
- Photos should accurately represent your business — misleading photos can result in removal
- No promotional overlays (prices, logos, contact info)
Why Your Cover Photo Matters for Local SEO
Your cover photo directly influences click-through rates on your Google Business Profile. Studies show that profiles with high-quality photos receive significantly more views and direction requests than those with poor or missing photos. A professional cover photo signals trust and legitimacy to both Google's algorithm and potential customers.
Adding and regularly updating photos — especially a well-cropped, properly sized cover photo — is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your local search visibility.
Quick Reference: Google Business Profile Cover Photo Specs 2026
- Recommended size: 1080×608 px
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Minimum size: 480×270 px
- Max file size: 5 MB
- Formats: JPG, PNG
- Best practice: Center your focal point to avoid cropping issues