Intro
Google has clarified that its AI image generation tools for Google Ads are restricted from creating branded product visuals. Instead, these tools will generate only generic lifestyle and product images. This move aims to help advertisers use AI image generation responsibly while avoiding potential legal and brand misuse issues.
Capabilities and Restrictions of Google's AI Image Generation Tools
Google Ads' AI tools are designed to generate generic product images without depicting branded items or logos. When prompts mention specific brands or logos, an error notification will be triggered, instructing users to remove such references.
Branded Content Off-Limits
Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin emphasized that while the AI tools can create product images, they are not programmed to include brand names or logos. For example, a prompt like “a dog in a pet stroller in a park” will work, but adding “with a Doggo logo” will result in an error message.
Guidelines and Safety Measures
Google's support documentation outlines detailed guidelines on using AI image generation tools. Users attempting to create branded product images will receive error messages advising them to remove branded terms.
Google's support page specifies that the generative AI tools are designed to limit the creation of certain content, such as:
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Faces, children, or specific individuals
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Branded items and logos
Restricted Verticals
Google also addresses safety and responsible AI development by restricting AI-generated image suggestions in sensitive advertising verticals, such as politics and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, AI-generated images will include digital watermarking to identify their AI-generated nature and prevent misuse.
Why Ranktracker Cares
As generative AI capabilities expand, clear guidelines from Google help mitigate potential risks while allowing advertisers to experiment. Understanding the limitations, such as restrictions around branded visuals, is crucial for marketers looking to incorporate AI image generation into their workflows.
How This Can Help You
Google’s AI image generation tools can help advertisers produce large volumes of high-quality, generic product and lifestyle images efficiently. By adhering to the guidelines that avoid branded references, marketers can generate a variety of visual assets for ecommerce product listings, display ads, social media marketing, and more. This approach streamlines 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.
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The tool generates generic product images.
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It excludes brand names and logos.
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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, including:
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Faces, children, specific individuals
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Branded items and logos
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Sensitive verticals like politics and pharmaceuticals
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 various applications, such as ecommerce product listings, display ads, and social media marketing, without risking legal issues related to brand misuse.
