Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business / GMB) continues to be one of the most powerful tools for local visibility in Google Search and Google Maps. And in 2025–2026, post images play a major role in how your business appears in the Google Knowledge Panel and the Local 3-Pack.
To help your posts look sharp across all devices, here is the most accurate, updated, and Google-aligned guide to GMB/GBP post image size in 2025 & 2026.
Table Of Contents
Recommended Google Post Image Size (2025–2026)
| Image Type | Recommended Size | Minimum Size | Maximum Size | Aspect Ratio | File Format | Safe Display Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Business Profile Post Image | 1200 × 900 px | 480 × 270 px | 2120 × 1192 px | 4:3 | JPG or PNG | Center all important elements within 900 × 900 px |
| Older Supported Size (Legacy) | 720 × 540 px | 400 × 300 px | — | 4:3 | JPG/PNG | Not safe for 2025+ cropping |
| Square Variant (Optional) | 1080 × 1080 px | 600 × 600 px | 1500 × 1500 px | 1:1 | JPG/PNG | Center elements |
Why 1200 × 900 Is Still the Gold Standard
Google increasingly crops post images into a square when displayed in the Knowledge Panel and Maps. Using 1200 × 900 px (with a 4:3 ratio) ensures:
Higher clarity on mobile devices
Better visibility in Local Finder
Reduced distortion or pixelation
Full support across Google’s 2025 display formats
Need help creating perfectly-sized GBP images? Our Google Business Profile Optimization Service can design and optimize them for you.
GBP Safe Zone (900 × 900 px) – Avoid Cropping
Google often crops the sides of post images when converting them into square previews.
To avoid losing important elements:
Safe Zone Rule (2025–2026):
Keep all text, logos, faces, and core visuals inside a central 900 × 900 px area when creating a 1200 × 900 px image.
This ensures your image displays correctly regardless of:
Mobile responsive square crops
Desktop rectangular previews
Google Search vs Google Maps view
Local Pack thumbnail appearance
Want ready-made post images already aligned to the safe zone? Get our 30 GMB Posts package designed with perfect 1200×900 px dimensions.
What’s New in Google Business Profile Image Guidelines
Here’s what changed in 2025:
Google now prioritizes high-resolution images (1200 px width minimum)
Cropping is more aggressive on mobile
More emphasis on image clarity, lighting, and subject focus
Square cropping is automatically applied in certain search layouts
File size limit remains ≤ 5 MB
What to Expect in 2026 (GBP Image Size Trends)
2026 is expected to bring:
1. Increased Importance of Higher Resolution (1500 px+)
Newer phones and high-DPI screens will require sharper images.
2. More Uniform Square Cropping
Google is testing square previews for all business posts.
3. Preference for Bright, Clear, Authentic Images
AI-powered image quality scoring may impact visibility.
4. Faster Load Requirements
Large images may be auto-compressed more aggressively.
Suggested 2026-ready size:
- 1500 × 1125 px (same 4:3 ratio but sharper)
- Safe zone remains 900 × 900 px
Google Business Profile Post Image Size Breakdown
1. Recommended Size (Most Accurate):
1200 × 900 px (4:3 ratio)
2. Minimum Accepted Size:
480 × 270 px
(avoid — extremely low clarity)
3. Maximum Recognized Size:
2120 × 1192 px
4. Legacy Size Still Recognized:
720 × 540 px
Why Image Size Matters (Local SEO & CTR Impact)
Correct GBP/GMB post image size improves:
✔ Click-Through Rates (CTR)
Attractive thumbnails bring more profile interactions.
✔ Local SEO Signals
Consistent, high-quality post publishing improves engagement — a ranking factor.
✔ User Trust
Clear, bright images build credibility faster.
✔ Conversions
Better visuals = more store visits, calls, bookings.
Best Practices for Google Post Images (2025–2026)
✓ Use 1200 × 900 px
Google prefers high-resolution 4:3 ratio images.
✓ Keep text minimal
Text often gets cut during square cropping.
✓ Center the subject
Ensure the main object is inside the safe 900 × 900 px zone.
✓ Use JPG or PNG
JPEG is best for photos; PNG for graphics or text.
✓ Avoid heavy filters
AI sometimes flags filtered images as non-authentic.
✓ Use bright, high-contrast visuals
Dark images reduce engagement.
✓ Ensure brand consistency
Use consistent colors, style, and angles.
How to Create a Perfect GBP Post Image (Step-by-Step)
Using Canva
Open Canva → “Create Custom Design”
Enter 1200 × 900 px
Upload your photo
Keep important elements within the central grid
Export as JPG (high quality)
Using Adobe Photoshop
File → New → 1200 × 900 px
Add guidelines marking the safe 900 × 900 px area
Add your image → adjust composition
Save as JPG (Quality 9–10)
Using GIMP (Free Tool)
File → New → 1200 × 900 px
Add rule-of-thirds guides
Export as PNG or JPG
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Uploading low-resolution images
Anything below 720 × 540 px usually looks blurry.
🚫 Adding too much text
Google crops unpredictably; readability suffers.
🚫 Using stock images
Google prefers authentic business photos.
🚫 Wrong aspect ratio (e.g., wide 16:9)
Causes major cropping.
🚫 Overly dark or filtered images
Decreases engagement and trust.
Conclusion
Optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly GBP) post image size is essential for better visibility, engagement, and local search performance. Following the 1200 × 900 px recommendation with a 900 × 900 px safe zone ensures your images look great across all Google surfaces.
And with 2026 approaching, preparing your assets using sharper, higher-resolution formats will keep your listing ahead of competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the best Google Business Profile post image size?
Ans: 1200 × 900 px (4:3 ratio) — perfect for 2025–2026.
Q2. Does Google crop GBP post images?
Ans: Yes. Square cropping occurs in many layouts. Keep subjects inside 900 × 900 px.
Q3. What size should I use for 2026?
Ans: Use 1500 × 1125 px for higher clarity but stay within 5 MB.
Q4. Can I use square images for GBP posts?
Ans: Yes, 1080 × 1080 px, but 4:3 performs better.
Q5. Does image size affect ranking?
Ans: Indirectly better images → more engagement → stronger local signals.
Make Your Google Business Profile Stand Out – Perfect Post Images, Every Time
Use the recommended 1200×900 px (4:3) template and the 900×900 safe zone so Google never crops your message. Get pro optimization or ready-to-post images fast.
I am the founder of Citation Builder Pro. I have been in the SEO and content marketing industry for 15 years and have a lot of experience in public relations and online marketing.
I started Citation Builder Bro to help businesses of all sizes create high-quality citations for their websites. My team and I are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible services.
