This update marks a shift in the use of AI-generated images, moving them from being primarily decorative to more functional applications in business and communication.
While websites can utilise AI-generated visuals, it’s essential to keep key considerations in mind. Google’s guidelines do not explicitly ban AI-generated content, placing more emphasis on whether the images provide genuine value, regardless of how they are created.
To maximise the effectiveness of AI-generated visuals, it’s advisable to follow some best practices. These include utilising C2PA metadata, which GPT-4o adds automatically, to ensure transparency. Adding alt text is also crucial for improving accessibility and aiding image indexing. Furthermore, it’s recommended that images align with user intent, offering relevance rather than simply filling empty spaces. To stand out, creating unique visuals rather than relying on generic AI templates is also encouraged.
(Images I created using chat GPT)
Despite these practical applications, there are differing opinions about AI-generated images. John Mueller, a Google Search Advocate, has expressed a somewhat negative personal view on their use. Although his personal stance does not influence Google’s ranking algorithms, it may reflect how some professionals perceive AI-generated visuals.
It is also worth noting that Google has started implementing measures to label AI-generated images within search results, which could impact how such content is viewed and utilised online.