7StartUp Team
Short answer: since 24 September 2026, Google Search Console has a Multimodal filter in the Performance report (Search type → Web → Multimodal). It shows clicks and impressions from image-based searches — Google Lens, Circle to Search, image uploads to Google and Chrome's "Search this image". It shows pages, not queries. To grow this traffic, use original, high-quality product and place photos with good file names, alt text, structured data and fast pages.
Last updated: 30 October 2026.
Why visual search matters now
People increasingly search with their camera instead of typing: pointing Google Lens at a product, a plant, a dish or a shop sign, or circling something on their screen with Circle to Search on Android. For shops, restaurants, fashion, furniture, home décor and local businesses, that is buying intent you could not measure before.
How to find the Multimodal filter
- Open Google Search Console and select your property.
- Go to Performance → Search results.
- Click the Search type filter.
- Under Web, choose Multimodal (the other option is Text-based).
- Look at the Pages tab to see which pages visual searches reach.
If the report is empty, your site may not get visual search traffic yet — it is not a broken setting.
What the report does not show
- No query data — you see pages, not what the photo contained.
- No split by product — Lens, Circle to Search and image uploads are combined.
- It may also appear in the separate report for generative AI features.
Tip: compare Multimodal pages with your top product and category pages. Pages missing from the list are your biggest opportunities.
8 ways to get more traffic from Google Lens and Circle to Search
1. Use original photos
Stock photos match thousands of other sites. Your own product, shop, team and project photos give Google a reason to show your page.
2. Shoot clear, well-lit images
Lens matches objects. Use a plain background, multiple angles and close-ups of details like labels, patterns and textures.
3. Name files and write alt text properly
red-banarasi-silk-saree.jpg beats IMG_2045.jpg. Write descriptive alt text that says what the image shows.
4. Add Product and LocalBusiness structured data
Product schema with price, availability and reviews, and LocalBusiness schema for your location, help Google connect your image to a buyable product or a real place. See our e-commerce SEO service.
5. Connect Google Merchant Center
Free product listings from Merchant Center feed shopping results that often appear in Lens. Keep your feed prices and stock accurate.
6. Upload photos to your Google Business Profile
Lens and Maps use business photos to recognise shop fronts, menus and products. Add fresh photos every month — read how to create a Google Business Profile.
7. Keep images fast and large enough
Use WebP, compress files, lazy-load below the fold and keep a large version (at least 1200 px wide). Our website speed optimization service handles this.
8. Put images near helpful text
Place each image beside its product name, price, description and FAQs. Google understands images through the text around them.
Who benefits most
- E-commerce and D2C brands — fashion, jewellery, furniture, décor, electronics
- Restaurants and cafés — dishes and menus
- Local shops and showrooms — shop fronts and products
- Real estate and interiors — project photos
- Tourism and hotels — places and rooms
Frequently asked questions
What is the Multimodal filter in Google Search Console?
A Search type option under Web in the Performance report that shows clicks and impressions from image-based searches such as Google Lens, Circle to Search and image uploads to Google.
When was the Multimodal filter launched?
Google started rolling it out on 24 September 2026.
Why can't I see search queries in the Multimodal report?
Image-based searches don't have typed queries, so the report only shows which pages received the visits.
Can I see Google Lens and Circle to Search separately?
No. The filter combines all multimodal search experiences in one number.
How do I rank in Google Lens?
Use original, clear photos, descriptive file names and alt text, Product or LocalBusiness structured data, Merchant Center for products, and fast pages with helpful text around each image.
Can you optimise our product images for visual search?
Yes. Our SEO services and e-commerce SEO cover image SEO, structured data, Merchant Center and speed. Contact us for a free audit.
