Implement structured data for preferred large images in Discover.
- Implement structured data for preferred large images in Discover2 cited sources1 category
Save for later 0
Use × to move an item here. You can restore it when you’re ready.
Your checks and saved items stay in this browser. Nothing is submitted.
Why this matters
Specifying large, high quality images with schema.org markup or og:image meta tag increases the chance Google selects your preferred image as Discover thumbnail, improving click potential.
Hypothetical standard operating procedure
Adapt this example to your site, access, tools, and change process. It is our suggested procedure, informed by the sources below.
- Audit key pages to identify main images that meet at least 1200px width and 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Add or update schema.org ImageObject markup or og:image meta tags to specify these images as preferred large images.
- Ensure images are high resolution (>300,000 total pixels) and do not contain heavy text overlays.
- Avoid including generic logos or unrelated images in markup on pages.
- Test image markup with Google Rich Results Test and monitor Discover thumbnail selection via Search Console.
Watch for
Avoid generic images such as site logos or those with excessive text in markup, as these reduce Discover visibility.
Definition of done
A high-resolution, landscape-oriented image is shown as Discover thumbnail matching your specified markup.
Sources & attribution
Original checklist wording and example SOP by Best SEO Checklist, using source-grounded AI assistance. Editorial contact: Ted Kubaitis, @tedkubaitis on Teams. Check current source guidance before implementation.