Google Merchant Center Product Data Specification Updates For 2024

Google Merchant Center has introduced new attributes specifically for AI-Generated content in Shopping ads and free listings. The attributes are:

• structured title [structured_title]: For AI-generated titles.
• structured description [structured_description]: For AI-generated descriptions.

These attributes require merchants to disclose when text content was created using generative AI. This update builds on the February 2024 guidance on using the IPTC DigitalSourceType TrainedAlgorithmicMedia metadata tag to label AI-generated product images.

The new loyalty program [loyalty_program] attribute in Google Merchant Center can be used to set up member prices and loyalty points. This attribute helps Google accurately represent the benefits of your loyalty program across Google properties. It is currently available in the US and Japan.

The minimum price [auto_pricing_min_price] attribute in Google Merchant Center is used to set the lowest or minimum advertised price (MAP) for a product. Google uses this information for features such as sale price suggestions, automated discounts, and dynamic promotions.

The changes to Google Merchant Center's product data specification will take effect on different dates:

• Changes for AI-Generated content attributes and others began on April 9, 2024.
• The expansion of countries requiring shipping cost and enforcement will begin on July 31, 2024.
• Pickup method [pickup_method] becoming optional for Local Inventory Ads and other updates will start on September 1, 2024.

Updates to the installment [installment] attribute in Google Merchant Center include:

• An offer using the installment attribute will be treated as purchasable by paying the full price upfront or in installments.
• A new downpayment [downpayment] sub-attribute is introduced to specify any required partial upfront payment.
• For Vehicle ads, a credit type [credit_type] sub-attribute is added to specify if the installment credit is a lease [lease] or finance [finance] option.

These changes expand the usage and clarity of the installment attribute for merchants and customers.