How to Post Pictures On Google

It's complicated, but it can (sort of) be done

What to Know

  • One option: Make photos on Google Drive public.
  • Alternatively, upload photos to your website.
  • For uploaded images, use strategic keywords, appropriate naming, constant sharing, and frequent updates to increase visibility in search.

There's no way to upload your photos directly to the Google search engine; instead, upload them someplace that Google indexes. This article offers tips on using Google Drive, your website, Blogger, social media, and blogs to help your photos appear in Google search results.

Making Photos in Google Drive Public

Images you make public in Google Drive are visible to the search engines.

  1. Open Google Drive in your web browser.

  2. Go to the folder containing the photo you want to share publicly and select the picture file.

    how to upload image on Google using Google Drive
  3. Select View details, represented as a round icon with the letter 'i' inside.

    Selecting "i" for more info.
  4. In the Details pane, select the Details tab, then select the the pencil icon next to Add a description.

    how to add a description to upload image on Google
  5. In the text box, enter keywords to describe the picture and press Enter when you’re finished.

    an example description used to upload image on Google online
  6. With the photo selected, select Share, represented by the icon of a person.

    how to upload pictures to Google using Google Drive
  7. In the Share with others dialog box, select Advanced.

    how to make a picture public to upload image on Google
  8. In the Who has access section, select Change.

    how to make an image stored on Google Drive public for Google images upload
  9. In the Link sharing dialog box, select On - Public on the web.

    how to make a file public in Google Drive
  10. Set the Access option to Can view.

    Selecting Can View.
  11. Select Save.

    Selecting Save.
  12. In the Sharing settings dialog box, copy the sharing link.

    a sharing link to copy and use in social media to upload image on Google online

    Share this link on your social media networks, in your email signature, on your website, and in your e-newsletter to increase the chances your public Google images will appear in search results.

  13. Select Done.

    Selecting Done.

Upload Photos to Your Website

When Google indexes your website, it finds your pictures and adds them to its search database.

If you don’t have your own website, start a blog at Blogger or create your own site using Google Sites.

Using Blogger

  1. Open the page where you want to insert the photo.

    An About page is a great place to add your profile picture and descriptive text that includes your name as keywords.

  2. Select Insert image, represented as small picture icon.

    how to upload image on Google using Blogger
  3. In the Add Images dialog box, find and select your photo.

  4. Select Add selected to insert the photo into the page.

    how to insert an image in a Blogger page to upload image on Google Online
  5. Select the photo to display a menu of commands.

    A screenshot showing how to add alt text to upload image on Google
  6. Select Properties.

    Selecting Properties in Blogger.
  7. In the Image Properties dialog box, enter the title text and the alt text. Be sure to use your keywords in the descriptions.

    how to add alt text in Blogger to upload image on Google
  8. Select OK when finished.

    Selecting Ok in Image Properties.
  9. Select the photo again to display a menu of commands.

    To change the photo size, select Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large. To change the position of the photo on the page, select Left, Center, or Right.

  10. Select Add caption to display default caption text below the image.

    how to add a caption in Blogger to upload image on Google
  11. Delete the default text and enter a new caption. Be sure to use your keywords in the caption.

    an example caption with keywords to upload image on Google
  12. Select a blank area of the page when finished.

  13. Share your web page while you wait for Google to index your website and add your photo to its search index.

Use Social Media to Upload Image on Google Online

Add your profile picture to your social media accounts to convince Google to show a picture of you in the search results. If you have other pictures you want found in the Google search results, share those pictures with your social media circles.

Google’s own websites, such as YouTube, Blogger, and Google Sites are good places to add your profile picture. Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn also rank well in Google’s search results.

When creating your profile and adding your profile picture to social media websites, use the same name across all social media. For example, if you're known by a couple of names, choose one name and always use that name, making it easier for Google to associate you with your various accounts.

Publish Articles on Blogs and Information Sites

Websites that accept guest posts may provide their authors a profile page with space for a bio and profile picture. Use this space wisely and include your keywords in the bio, alt text, and captions.

General Tips

Follow these guidelines and best practices to upload images on Google:

  • Before you post your image on the web and make it public, make sure it contains all the information Google looks for when determining what to include in its search results.
  • Use your keywords in the image file name. If you want your pictures to show up when people type your name into a Google search, use your name as your keywords.
  • Add your keywords to the alt text when uploading your picture to websites.
  • Use your keywords in photo captions.
  • Upload quality photographs with a small file size.

It takes time to get your photos to appear in Google's search results. While you’re waiting for your photos to appear, don’t sit back and relax. Keep posting new pictures, share them through your social media accounts, create new blog posts for your website, and put your name out on the web.

FAQ
  • How do I search for a picture on Google?

    To use Google's reverse image search, go to Google Images and drag the downloaded image into the browser window. If the image is online, right-click the image > Copy Image Address > on Google Images select Search By Image (the camera icon) > paste URL into search field.

  • How do I change my Google profile picture?

    To change your Google account profile picture, go to myaccount.google.com in your web browser and sign in. Next, select Personal info > Photo > Upload photos > Select a photo from your computer. Choose and adjust the photo you want to use, then select Set as profile photo.

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