Meta has rolled out a significant update affecting how product images are displayed in Advantage+ Catalog Ads using the carousel format. The platform now automatically resizes original product images to either 1:1 or 4:5 aspect ratios, with no option to disable this feature.

Key Changes in Image Handling

Aspect Ratio Determination

• The aspect ratio of the first carousel card determines the format for all subsequent cards
• If the first image is portrait, all cards will be resized to 4:5
• If the first image is square or landscape, cards will be resized to 1:1

Important Considerations

• Advertisers cannot control which image appears as the first card
• Meta automatically selects the first image based on predicted performance
• Mixed aspect ratio uploads (both 1:1 and 4:5) will be standardized based on the first card

New Image Cropping Controls

Advertisers can manage image resizing preferences through Commerce Manager's Catalog Settings. Three options are available:

1. Fill Frame (Default Setting)

• Zooms in on images to fill entire 1:1 or 4:5 frame
• May crop parts of the original image

2. Show Entire Image

• Displays complete image within frame
• May add white space to maintain aspect ratio

3. Crop and Resize

• Adjusts image to show full product
• Maintains product integrity while fitting frame requirements

Implementation Steps

To configure these settings:

1. Access Commerce Manager
2. Navigate to 'Catalogs'
3. Select 'Settings'
4. Modify 'Image cropping' preferences

These changes require advertisers to review their catalog settings and ensure their product images are optimized for both potential aspect ratios.