AI-Generated Product Imagery, Done Properly
Using generative AI to create product backgrounds, scenes or entire product images for online stores and ads.
Imogen Clarke
What is at stake
AI imagery can cut costs, but platforms have disclosure rules and images must still show the real product accurately.
The playbook
- Keep the real product photographed, not generated
- Embed AI metadata where required
- Check details such as logos and text
- Disclose AI use where platforms require it
- Review every image before publishing
Where it goes wrong
Avoid:
- Generating products that differ from reality
- Stripping AI metadata
- Distorted text and labels
- Using AI images without platform checks
The numbers behind it
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Google Merchant Center | requires metadata in images created with generative AI |
| IPTC | the Digital Source Type field can mark AI-generated media |
| Deception | the FTC treats misleading product representations as deceptive |
| Content Credentials | can record how an image was made |
Getting outside help
When to hand it over: Bring in help before using AI imagery in shopping feeds.
Where this comes from
- Google Merchant Center Help — Image link attribute
- IPTC — Photo Metadata Standard
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
Working on something like this?
We take on Photography & Product Visuals work for teams who want it done once, properly. Tell us what you are building and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right studio for it. Start a project.
Where to go next
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page. We correct on the page and say what changed.
