Google unveils AI-powered solution to enhance product visibility in online stores

Google is aiming to revolutionize product images for ecommerce stores with the introduction of generative AI in its latest Merchant Center tool, Product Studio. By leveraging AI technology, Google hopes to assist merchants in creating visually appealing and attention-grabbing product images that stand out in the crowded online marketplace.

According to Google’s own data, including multiple images in an online listing can significantly boost impressions by 76% and clicks by 32%, ultimately driving increased exposure and revenue. However, businesses often face the challenge of investing substantial sums in professional photography to differentiate their products from competitors. The integration of AI-enhanced images aims to address this issue and transform the e-commerce landscape.

One of the standout features of Product Studio is its ability to add custom backgrounds, offering an affordable alternative to expensive lifestyle images. The tool effectively removes the original background and replaces it with new details based on the user’s preferences. Additionally, users can adjust image resolution and scale up directly within the platform, streamlining the image enhancement process.

The rollout of Product Studio will occur gradually over the next few months, with US-based merchants using Merchant Center Next expected to gain early access. The generative AI-powered image-enhancing tools will also be integrated into the Google & YouTube app on the popular e-commerce platform Shopify.

Merchant Center Next is a simplified version of Merchant Center specifically designed for small businesses and startups. It aims to facilitate easier listing processes by automatically detecting store information from existing websites, encouraging more users to choose Google’s platform for their e-commerce needs.

While Product Studio is already being deployed, a full global rollout is not expected until 2024. Competitor companies are also keeping a close eye on developments and are likely to introduce rivalling solutions in response to Google’s latest offering. More announcements regarding Product Studio are anticipated in the coming months, further solidifying Google’s commitment to enhancing the e-commerce experience for both merchants and consumers.