Originally Posted on Search Engine Journal by Matt G. Southern
Google has provided details about the capabilities and limitations of its AI image generation tools for Google Ads.
The clarification came after search marketer Darcy Burk expressed excitement about the potential for AI to create product images.
This prompted Google’s Ads Liaison, Ginny Marvin, to outline some key restrictions.
Branded Content Off-Limits
Marvin confirmed that while Google’s AI tools can generate generic product images, they are designed to avoid creating visuals that depict branded items or logos.
Marvin stated:
“The tool will generate product images, but it won’t generate product images that include brand names or logos.”
She provided an illustrative example:
“So, for example, you could ask it to generate images of ‘a dog in a pet stroller in a park,’ but if you asked it to generate images of ‘a dog in a pet stroller in a park with a Doggo logo,’ you’ll get an error notification to remove mentions of brands and branded items from your description.”
Guidelines Outlined
Marvin points to Google’s support documentation for more details on using the AI image generation and editing capabilities.
When attempting to generate branded product images, users will likely receive an error message instructing them to remove any branded terms from their prompts.
Google’s support page notes:
“Generative AI tools in Google Ads are designed to automatically limit the creation of certain content.”
It lists “Faces, children, or specific individuals” and “Branded items and logos” as examples of restricted subject matter.
Restricted Verticals
Google’s documentation also addresses concerns around safety and responsible AI development.
Generated images include digital watermarking to identify their AI-generated nature and deter misuse.
Sensitive advertising verticals like politics and pharmaceuticals are also restricted from automatically receiving AI-generated image suggestions.
“As this technology evolves, we’re continuously evaluating and improving our approach to safety,” Google states.
Why SEJ Cares
As generative AI capabilities expand across the advertising ecosystem, clear guidelines from Google help provide guardrails to mitigate potential risks while allowing advertisers to experiment.
Understanding current limitations, such as restrictions around branded visuals, is critical for marketers looking to incorporate AI image generation into their workflows.
How This Can Help You
For advertisers, Google’s AI image generation tools can produce large volumes of high-quality generic product and lifestyle images at scale.
By following the outlined guidelines around avoiding branded references, you can generate a variety of visual assets suited for ecommerce product listings, display ads, social media marketing and more.
This can streamline traditionally time-consuming processes like product photoshoots while maintaining brand safety.
FAQ
How does Google Ads’ AI image generation tool handle branded content?
Google’s AI image generation tool can create generic product images but is designed to exclude any branded items or logos.
If a user tries to generate an image with specific brands or logos, the system will trigger an error notification directing them to remove those references before proceeding.
- The tool generates generic product images
- It excludes brand names and logos
- Users receive error notifications guiding them to correct prompts
What kind of content is restricted when using Google Ads’ AI image generation tools?
Several types of content are restricted when using the AI image generation tools in Google Ads.
Restrictions include creating images featuring faces, children, specific individuals, branded items, and logos.
Sensitive verticals like politics and pharmaceuticals are also barred from receiving AI-generated image suggestions.
How does the restriction on branded content benefit marketers using Google’s AI tools?
By focusing on generating only generic product images, advertisers can utilize the tool for a variety of applications, such as ecommerce product listings, display ads, and social media marketing, without risking any legal issues related to brand misuse.
Featured Image: DANIEL CONSTANTE/Shutterstock
