Shopify product image optimisation is not only file compression. Images must clarify the product for shoppers, help search systems connect the image to the product, and load consistently across devices and markets. Validate media with variants, alt text, filenames, structured data, CDN behaviour, speed, and accessibility rather than assuming more images are always better.
Prepare media by buying scenario
Create a list for hero, angle, size, detail, use case, packaging, installation, compatibility, and comparison images. Each image should answer a question and match the variant. Alt text should describe visible content and product relationship, not keyword strings; decorative images can use an appropriate empty alt.
Test performance and variant consistency
Check dimensions, format, responsive loading, lazy loading, LCP, mobile networks, and zoom. When a variant changes, image, price, stock, and alt should change together; missing media needs a clear fallback. Use Shopify SEO and product-page QA for image URL, canonical, structured data, and internal-link checks.
FAQ
Should product images always be as small as possible?
Balance clarity, format, load time, and zoom experience rather than compressing without limit.
Should alt text repeat keywords?
No. Describe visible content and its product relationship.
What commonly goes wrong with variant images?
Image, price, stock, and selected variant disagree, causing wrong purchases or returns.
What should image optimisation measure?
LCP, mobile load, image errors, variant switching, add-to-cart, returns, and accessibility.