Google Business Profile Cover Photo Specifications
Complete guide to Google Business Profile cover photo dimensions. Create the perfect banner image for your business listing on Google Search and Maps. Updated for 2026.
Quick Specs
Dimensions & Resolution
Best fit for the wide banner display area on Search and Maps
Maximum clarity on high-DPI displays, within 5 MB for most photos
Google's official recommended resolution for all business photos
Important Notes
The cover photo appears at the top of your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) on Google Search and Maps. Google's official documentation recommends 720×720px for all business photos, but the cover photo displays in a wide landscape format. For best results, use a 16:9 image at 1024×576px or higher. Google may auto-select a different image as the primary photo if user-submitted photos or Street View images are deemed more relevant. The COVER category may have stricter minimum requirements than the standard 250px, though exact values are not publicly documented by Google.
Optimization Tips
- ✓Use landscape orientation (16:9) as cover photos display in a wide banner format
- ✓Choose an image that represents your business at its best (storefront, team, signature product)
- ✓Keep the image simple and uncluttered since it displays at various crop ratios
- ✓Avoid text on the cover photo as it may be cut off or become unreadable at small sizes
- ✓Use natural lighting and avoid heavy filters — Google may reject overly processed images
- ✓Update your cover photo seasonally or when your business appearance changes
- ✓Test how the image looks on both Google Search and Google Maps as the crop differs
- ✓File size sweet spot is 200 KB–1 MB for fast loading with good quality
Sources & Verification
Last verified: 2026-04-08
Google's official docs recommend 720×720px for all photos. The 1024×576px (16:9) recommendation is based on the cover photo's wide display format across Search and Maps. API docs note COVER category has different requirements from standard photos.
Display Behavior
Google crops the cover photo differently across surfaces — keep key elements centered
Schedule Google Business Profile posts with auto-optimization
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should a Google Business Profile cover photo be?
The recommended size is 1024×576 pixels in 16:9 aspect ratio. For maximum clarity, upload at 1920×1080 pixels. The image must be JPG or PNG and under 5 MB. Google's general recommendation for all photos is 720×720px, but the cover photo displays in a wide format where 16:9 works best.
Why is my Google Business Profile cover photo not showing?
Google does not guarantee your chosen cover photo will display as the primary image. If Google determines that user-submitted photos or Street View images are more relevant or higher quality, those may be shown instead. Upload the highest quality image you can and ensure it accurately represents your business.
Can I change my Google Business Profile cover photo?
Yes. Upload a new cover photo through your Google Business Profile dashboard at any time. Changes may take 24–48 hours to appear across Google Search and Maps.
What is the difference between a cover photo and a logo on Google Business Profile?
The cover photo is a wide banner displayed at the top of your profile (16:9 landscape). The logo is a small square image (1:1) that appears next to your business name in search results and Maps. Both should be high quality but serve different purposes.
Recent Updates
Initial publication. Specifications based on Google's official photo guidelines and observed display behavior.
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