A data feed organizes all your product information—such as titles, descriptions, prices, availability, multicurrency pricing, and more, into a structured format that platforms like Google Shopping, Amazon, Facebook, TikTok, and similar platforms can understand. Optimizing your product feed ensures that your listings are accurate, compliant with platform guidelines, and appealing to potential buyers.
In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about data feeds—what they are, why they matter, the essential attributes to include, and how to create and upload them across major e-commerce platforms. Whether you’re just starting or managing thousands of SKUs, this guide will help you build a strong foundation for scalable, feed-driven growth.
Table of Contents
What is a Data Feed?
A data feed or product data feed is a structured digital file that contains information about your products. The product file has various columns, each carrying vital information about the product. These are usually referred to as product attributes. They include:
- Product Title
- Product ID
- Product Description
- Price
- Gender
- Shipping and Tax Information
- Availability
- Condition
- Sale price, etc
The data feed stores the product information in specific formats, such as CSV, Sheets, Excel, JSON, and XML.
What Makes a Good Product Feed?
- A good product feed must contain accurate data, up-to-date information, and consistent formatting.
- You should maintain accurate data for all attributes such as price, availability, etc. Showing incorrect values may damage your brand reputation.
- A product feed must be updated frequently.
- When you change product details on your store (price, availability, descriptions), update the product feed immediately so the feed and landing page stay consistent.
- Consistent formatting helps you seamlessly integrate with multiple channels, such as Google Shopping, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more, without causing feed errors. Therefore, merchants must adhere to platform-specific guidelines to avoid issues.
Why Do You Need a Data Feed?
- A product data feed helps you organize information in a centralized location.
- A product feed is essential to list your products in Facebook, TikTok, Google Shopping ads, and more.
- Feeds allow you to manage extensive catalogs at scale through scheduled uploads or the Content API method, reducing manual work.
- Product feed enables better product-level reporting and optimization.
- A product data feed makes it easier to distribute product feeds across various channels, such as Google Shopping, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.
Note 1: Each channel has its requirements and guidelines for formatting product data. Ensure you follow their product data feed specifications thoroughly to avoid product disapprovals. For example, TikTok allows you to limit product titles to 255 characters. Therefore, you should stick to this limit to prevent rejection from TikTok.
Note 2: Many platforms require a product feed not only for running ads but also for selling products directly on their marketplaces. For instance, Google Shopping uses feeds for ads, while platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Meta rely on feeds for both listings and ads.
What are Data Feed Attributes?
Data feed attributes are specific characteristics or properties of a product that contain essential information about a product.
Important: In this section, I am using attributes specific to Facebook. For channels like Google Shopping, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, attributes might differ.
For more information on product feed specifications for specific platforms, refer to these articles, Google Shopping, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter(X), Pinterest.
Note: Also, each platform has their own terminology when referring to product feed/data feed. For Google Shopping, it is product feed, for Facebook, it is product catalog, likewise it varies from one platform to the other.
These attributes are classified as follows:
- Required attributes: Required attributes are a set of product attributes that must be included in a product feed. For example, required attributes for Facebook include ID, title, description, price, availability, condition, brand, and so on. These attributes are mandatory to comply with channel-specific guidelines.
- Optional attributes: These attributes are not mandatory. However, adding them lets you provide additional information about your products, such as color, pattern, material, etc. When your ad appears in search results, the additional information helps customers make informed decisions.
- Recommended attributes: These attributes help in increasing product visibility.
Let’s look at each of these attributes.
Required Attributes
The following attributes must be included in your Facebook’s product catalog.
| Attribute | Specification | Example |
| id | A unique product identifier, ideally the SKU or internal product code. Format:Case-sensitive (e.g., “abc123” ≠ “ABC123”). | SKU12345, ABC789, blue-shirt-01 |
| title | A clear, descriptive product name written in title case. Format:Keep it under 65 characters for best visibility. | Men’s Classic Denim Jacket |
| description | A detailed summary of the product, highlighting unique features or materials. Format:Avoid all caps, links, or HTML (unless using the rich_text_description field). | Soft, breathable denim jacket with adjustable cuffs and button closure. Ideal for layering. |
| availability | Indicates whether the item is currently available for purchase. Accepted values: in stock or out of stock. | in stock |
| condition | Specifies the item’s physical condition. Accepted values: new, used, or refurbished. | new |
| price | The product’s price, formatted as a number + space + 3-letter currency code (ISO 4217). Use a period (.) for decimals. Do not include symbols like $, €, or £. | 39.99 USD, 45.00 GBP |
| link | The URL of the product page on your website. Format:Must begin with http:// or https://. | https://www.trendstore.com/products/denim-jacket |
| image_link | The URL of the main product image. Format:Must be JPEG or PNG, at least 500×500 px, and under 8 MB. Update the image URL when changing the image. | https://www.trendstore.com/images/denim-jacket.jpg |
| brand | The brand or manufacturer name. Format:Keep it under 100 characters. | TrendStore Apparel |
| size | Required only for clothing, shoes, and related categories when selling via Shops. Format:Use clear size labels or numbers (e.g., “M”, “US 10”, “One Size”). | Large, US 8, One Size |
Optional Attributes
Below are the attributes that are recommended to add but not mandatory in your Facebook’s product catalog.
| Attribute | Specification | Example |
| sale_price | The product’s discounted price. Format:Use the same format as the price field (number + space + ISO currency code). | 19.99 USD |
| sale_price_effective_date | The start and end date/time for when the sale price is valid. Format: YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm±hh:mm/YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm±hh:mm. | 2025-11-24T09:30-08:00/2025-11-30T23:59-08:00 |
| item_group_id | Groups product variants (by color or size variations) under one parent. Format:Use the same ID for all variants. Case-sensitive. | Sneaker_001 |
| status | Indicates whether a product is active or archived. | active |
| additional_image_link | Up to 20 additional image URLs, separated by commas, spaces, or semicolons. | https://store.com/img1.jpg, https://store.com/img2.jpg |
| gtin | The Global Trade Item Number (barcode). | 4011200296908 |
| mpn | The Manufacturer Part Number. Use if no GTIN is available. Format:Case-sensitive alphanumeric code. | TSH7890BLU |
| google_product_category | The Google product category (name or ID) from Google’s taxonomy list. | Apparel & Accessories > Shoes > Sneakers or 187 |
| fb_product_category | The Facebook product category (name or ID). | Clothing & Accessories > Women’s Clothing > Dresses or 320 |
| quantity_to_sell_on_facebook | The available inventory quantity for Shops on Facebook/Instagram. Format:Whole numbers only. | 120 |
| color | The main color of the item. Format:Use plain text | Emerald Green |
| gender | The intended gender for the product. Supported values: male, female, unisex. | unisex |
| size | The size of the product, written as a word or number. | Small, US 10 |
| age_group | The target age range for the product. Supported values: newborn, infant, toddler, kids, teen, adult, all ages. | adult |
| material | The main material used to make the product. | 100% Linen |
| pattern | The pattern or print on the product. | Polka Dots |
| rich_text_description | A formatted product description using basic HTML (<p>, <ul>, <li>, <b>, <i>). | <p>Soft organic cotton T-shirt with logo print.</p><ul><li>Machine washable</li><li>Relaxed fit</li></ul> |
| video[0].url … video[19].url | Up to 20 product video URLs showing the product in use. Recommended ratio: 4:5. | https://store.com/videos/product_demo.mp4 |
| shipping | Shipping cost details, Format: Country:Region:Service:Price. Multiple options can be comma-separated. | US:CA:Ground:0.00 USD, UK::Air:10.00 GBP |
| shipping_weight | The product’s shipping weight. | 0.5 kg |
| internal_label | Internal tags for catalog organization or promotions. Format: Wrap each in single quotes and separate by commas. | [‘new-arrival’,’winter-sale’] |
| custom_label_0 – custom_label_4 | Up to five custom text fields to highlight product attributes. | custom_label_0: Summer Sale |
| custom_number_0 – custom_number_4 | Up to five numeric fields for product categorization by numbers Format:Whole numbers only. | custom_number_1: 2025 |
These are all the attributes a product feed contains. Although some of these attributes are not mandatory, adding them provides additional information to buyers, helping them make an informed decision.
How to Create a Data Feed for Your E-Commerce Store?
This section will walk you through each step of creating a product data feed. For demonstration purposes, we will discuss creating the Google Shopping feed. Google recommends creating a tab-delimited spreadsheet or XML file to store and upload your feed to Google Merchant Center. Therefore, we will be talking about these two methods.
Note: To create an XML feed, you must have technical knowledge of how to structure it.
Creating Product Feed in Google Sheets
Let’s discuss creating a product file using Google Sheets. The good news is that you don’t have to start from scratch when using Google Sheets.
Google provides a template to get started with creating a product feed. You can access this template in your Google Merchant Center account. Go to products >> add new product >> select the ‘Google Sheets’ option >> click on ‘Use template’ >> and you will see a sheet with instructions in your Google Sheets.
Ensure to follow these instructions. As you can see, the file has all the attributes, including required, optional, and recommended. Your job is to fill in the information. Each row corresponds to the information of one product. This template also has product feed specifications to help create an error-free Google Shopping feed.
Start filling in the information. Here’s an example of what your product feed would look like:
After filling in the required information, such as product ID, title, description, price, condition, availability, image_url, etc, you can also use an AI-powered tool to help you craft titles and descriptions faster. Here’s a guide you can refer to on AI-feed optimization tools that enable you to generate titles and descriptions for several products.
After filling in the information, save the file. Remember to do so in accepted filename extensions.
These include:
- .txt (TSV), .xml (XML),
- .gz (Gnu zip, compressed TSV or XML),
- .zip (Zip, compressed TSV or XML),
- .bz2 (Compressed TSV or XML)
Here’s how to save your product file:
In Google Sheets >> go to file >> click ‘Share’ >> select ‘Publish to web.’
Next, select the file settings. These include:
- Select the sheet
- Format of the file
- Ensure to check the ‘Always republish when changes are made.’
- Provide access (optional)
- Select ‘Publish.’
Upon publishing, you will see a pop-up with the URL generated for your product feed. Use this URL to upload it to Google Merchant Center.
Platforms like Google Shopping, Facebook, and others accept Feed URLs. With these URLs, you are required to configure some settings inside Google Merchant Center or Facebook Commerce Manager initially, post that you don’t have to upload the feed every time you make changes; the feed is updated automatically when these platforms fetch the information from the product feed.
Creating Product Feed in XML Format
Let’s discuss how to create a Google Shopping product feed in XML format.
- Your XML file should contain the XML version, encoding, and a root element. The root element uses a namespace for Google Shopping.
- As we have seen for the XML example above:
- <?xml version=”1.0″ encoding=”UTF-8″?>
- <rss version=”2.0″ xmlns:g=”http://base.google.com/ns/1.0“>
- The XML structure contains individual product entries encapsulated within their own element, like <item>. For each product, fill in the values for all attributes within the <item> element.
Similar to this:
<item>
<g:id>1001</g:id>
<title>Classic Cotton T-Shirt</title>
<description>100% cotton tee, regular fit</description>
<link>https://www.example.com/products/1001</link>
<g:image_link>https://www.example.com/images/1001_main.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:additional_image_link>https://www.example.com/images/1001_2.jpg</g:additional_image_link>
<g:availability>in stock</g:availability>
<g:price>19.99 USD</g:price>
<g:sale_price>15.99 USD</g:sale_price>
<g:brand>Acme</g:brand>
<g:gtin>0001234567890</g:gtin>
</item>
- Ensure the data types and formats adhere to Google’s specifications. Before submitting it to the Google Merchant Center, ensure it is well-structured and follows the Google Shopping schema.
- You can also use XML validator tools available online to verify the structure.
- Host this file on a server accessible via HTTP or HTTPS and provide the URL in the Google Merchant Center.
Before we upload the file to Google Merchant Center, you can use product feed management tools that support advanced methods like Content API to automatically sync your product feed from your store to Google Merchant Center.
Upload Product Feed to Google Merchant Center
The next step is uploading the feed URL to Google Merchant Center. To do so, go to Products >> Add a new product >> Select the Google Sheets option >> and provide the URL.
Note: This method is one of the many ways to upload a data feed to your Google Merchant Center. The other methods include:
- Uploading through a physical file on your computer
- Uploading a file through SFTP or Google Cloud Storage
- Through FeedURL
- Uploading a new/existing Google Sheets
- Through the Merchant API method
- Content API method
- Adding products one after the other manually.
Go through this article for a detailed step-by-step process of uploading feeds to Google Merchant Center.
Common Types of Formats Used To Represent Data Feed
Each marketplace supports certain formats to store your data feed. For Pinterest, the preferred format type is CSV, for Google Shopping it is XML, and so on. In this section, let’s discuss the common types of formats such as CSV, XML, JSON, or APIs.
CSV
A CSV file represents the data in plain text, where each line corresponds to a row and commas separate the values.
Here’s what a product feed in CSV format looks like:
id,title,description,link,image_link,additional_image_link,availability,price,sale_price,brand,gtin,mpn,condition,google_product_category,product_type,item_group_id,color,size,age_group,gender,shipping_weight,custom_label_0
1001,”Classic Cotton T-Shirt”,”100% cotton tee, regular fit”,”https://www.example.com/products/1001″,”https://www.example.com/images/1001_main.jpg”,”https://www.example.com/images/1001_2.jpg”,”in stock”,”19.99 USD”,”15.99 USD”,”Acme”,”0001234567890″,”ACM-TS-1001″,”new”,”Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops”,”Clothing > T-Shirts”,”TS1001″,”Blue”,”M”,”all”,”male”,”0.3 kg”,”summer-sale”
The CSV file displays the product information separated by commas. In the example above, the product is a cotton T-shirt with details such as an image link, price, color, size, age, condition, etc., all separated by commas.
XML
XML format is the common type of data feed used to structure and organize product data. It uses tags to define the data elements and their relationships and follows a hierarchical format. It is ideal for representing complex and nested data.
Here’s what a product feed in XML format looks like:
<?xml version=”1.0″ encoding=”UTF-8″?>
<rss version=”2.0″ xmlns:g=”http://base.google.com/ns/1.0″>
<channel>
<title>Example Store</title>
<link>https://www.example.com/</link>
<description>Example product feed</description>
<item>
<g:id>1001</g:id>
<title>Classic Cotton T-Shirt</title>
<description>100% cotton tee, regular fit</description>
<link>https://www.example.com/products/1001</link>
<g:image_link>https://www.example.com/images/1001_main.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:additional_image_link>https://www.example.com/images/1001_2.jpg</g:additional_image_link>
<g:availability>in stock</g:availability>
<g:price>19.99 USD</g:price>
<g:sale_price>15.99 USD</g:sale_price>
<g:brand>Acme</g:brand>
<g:gtin>0001234567890</g:gtin>
<g:mpn>ACM-TS-1001</g:mpn>
<g:condition>new</g:condition>
<g:google_product_category>Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops</g:google_product_category>
<g:product_type>Clothing > T-Shirts</g:product_type>
<g:item_group_id>TS1001</g:item_group_id>
<g:color>Blue</g:color>
<g:size>M</g:size>
<g:age_group>all</g:age_group>
<g:gender>male</g:gender>
<g:shipping_weight>0.3 kg</g:shipping_weight>
<g:custom_label_0>summer-sale</g:custom_label_0>
</item>
The XML file uses tags with the g: prefix (Google namespace); each tag holds a product attribute. The example shows one product; repeat the structure for each product in the feed.
Read more: Example of Facebook product feed XML
XLS/XLSX
Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets with rows and columns.
Here’s what a product feed within a Google Sheet/Excel looks like:
As you can see, each row corresponds to a product, and each column acts as a product attribute. These attributes are product ID, product title, description, price, etc. Depending on the platform, you must modify the file. Although most sales channels and marketplaces have similar attributes, you might have to add/remove a few to adhere to the platform’s guidelines.
JSON
JSON is also a highly preferred data format due to its readability, light weight, and ease of parsing.
Here’s what product feed within JSON looks like:
[{
“id”: “sku-1001”,
“title”: “Men’s Crew Neck T-Shirt”,
“description”: “100% cotton, breathable crew neck T-shirt. Available in multiple colors.”,
“link”: “https://www.example.com/products/sku-1001”,
“image_link”: “https://www.example.com/images/sku-1001-main.jpg”,
“additional_image_links”: [
“https://www.example.com/images/sku-1001-1.jpg”,
“https://www.example.com/images/sku-1001-2.jpg”
],
“brand”: “ExampleBrand”,
“gtin”: “0123456789012”,
“mpn”: “EB-TS-001”,
“condition”: “new”,
“availability”: “in stock”,
“price”: {
“amount”: 19.99,
“currency”: “USD”
},
“sale_price”: {
“amount”: 14.99,
“currency”: “USD”,
“start_date”: “2025-09-01”,
“end_date”: “2025-09-07”
},
“shipping”: {
“country”: “US”,
“service”: “Standard”,
“price”: {
“amount”: 4.99,
“currency”: “USD”
}
},
“google_product_category”: “Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops”,
“product_type”: “Clothing > T-Shirts”,
“custom_label_0”: “summer-collection”,
“inventory”: 120
},
{
“id”: “sku-2002”,
“title”: “Bluetooth Wireless Headphones”,
“description”: “Over-ear Bluetooth 5.2 headphones with noise cancellation and 30h battery.”,
“link”: “https://www.example.com/products/sku-2002”,
“image_link”: “https://www.example.com/images/sku-2002-main.jpg”,
“brand”: “SoundCo”,
“condition”: “new”,
“availability”: “out of stock”,
“price”: {
“amount”: 79.00,
“currency”: “USD”
},
“shipping”: {
“country”: “US”,
“service”: “Express”,
“price”: {
“amount”: 0.00,
“currency”: “USD”
}
},
“product_type”: “Electronics > Audio > Headphones”,
“inventory”: 0
}
]
Content API
Through the Application Programming Interface (API), you can connect product feeds to your Google Merchant Center or other platforms. Content API is a programmatic method of connecting product information from your store to another platform or marketplace. Unlike traditional data feeds like Excel, CSV, etc., API data feeds are automatic, which means changes happen in real time without manual intervention.
Content API uses JSON or XML formats, requiring technical skills. You can also use a product feed management solution that supports the Content API Method. For example, if you’re a Shopify merchant, you can use tools like AdNabu, which uses the Content API method to upload and sync your product feeds from your Shopify store to Google Merchant Center.
Content API is the most effective method for uploading feed to Google Merchant Center. Why?
- The Content API method allows real-time updates
- Ideal for extensive product catalogs requiring frequent updates
- The API method also enables targeted updates to specific product attributes
- The API method also provides automation of product feed management by integrating directly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.
Real-Time Sync with Google Shopping
AdNabu uses Content API to send product data updates instantly. Every change: title, price, availability is reflected without delay or manual intervention
Where Can You Use Your Data Feed?
This section will discuss all the primary channels and platforms for which you must provide a data feed.
E-Commerce Platforms
In this section, let’s look at a few e-commerce platforms, their required attributes, and ways to upload product feeds.
Shopify
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that enables businesses, retailers, and brands to build an online store, sell their products, and reach customers worldwide. It provides advanced features like website creation, product and inventory management, Shopify payments, SEO tools, analytics, and more.
To start selling on Shopify, you should create a product feed. While Shopify allows you to add products manually, having a structured product feed streamlines your operations. Let’s discuss the mandatory product attributes for your Shopify product feed.
Required Attributes:
- Unique ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Image URL
- Price
- Availability
- Product Link in Shopify Store
Note: Required attributes and their specifications may differ from one platform to another. Depending on the platform, ensure you add or remove a few product attributes.
How to Upload Product Feeds to Shopify?
Shopify, a giant e-commerce platform, allows merchants to upload products in several ways.
These include:
- Manual Upload Method: Add products to the Shopify admin or mobile app. To do so, go to products in your Shopify store > and click ‘Add products.’
- CSV Import/Export: Use the Shopify CSV template to fill in the product information and import it to Shopify. To get the CSV template, go to Products >> You will find the ‘Export’ button on the top page menu.
- Third-party apps: You can use third-party apps available in the Shopify store to handle large/bulk imports.
- Shopify Admin API: A method to create/upload products programmatically.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source e-commerce platform that acts as a plugin in WordPress. It helps merchants transform their WordPress website into an online store. Like Shopify, you will need a product feed for WooCommerce that allows you to distribute feeds across multiple marketplaces and sales channels.
Required Attributes:
- Unique ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Image URL
- Price
How to Upload Product Feeds to WooCommerce?
- Manual Upload: You can manually upload products to WooCommerce.
- Built-in Product CSV Importer/Exporter: Use the export option in WooCommerce to get the template and fill in the product information. Next, use the import option to upload product feeds to WooCommerce.
- Product CSV Import Suite Extension: This extension allows you to handle large/complex catalogs with extra fields.
- Upload via CSV, XML, or Google Sheets using WooCommerce add-ons.
In addition to these methods, the WooCommerce REST API, third-party plugins or integrations, and some scripts for uploading product feeds are also available.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is an e-commerce website builder suitable for managing larger inventories. It allows merchants to integrate with multiple online marketplaces and offers features such as payment options, analytics tools, and more. To leverage all these features, you need a product feed.
Required Attributes:
- Unique ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Image URL
- Price
- Product Page URL
How to Upload Product Feed to BigCommerce?
- Manual Upload Method: Add products manually in your BigCommerce admin >> go to Products >> Add.
- Import/Export CSV: This option lets you upload a product feed(CSV file) to BigCommerce.
- WebDAV: WebDAV lets you upload images or files directly to your store server.
API and third-party apps are additional methods to upload product feeds to WooCommerce.
These are a few examples of e-commerce platforms you can choose to build your online store, upload a product feed, integrate with multiple sales channels, and use their advanced features and tools to expand your online store functionalities. Wix and Big Cartel are other examples of e-commerce platforms from which you can choose.
Comparison Shopping Engines
In this section, let’s look at Google and Bing Shopping.
Google Shopping
Google Shopping is a service from Google that allows buyers to research, compare, and shop for various products from various retailers and e-commerce stores. It is also a comparison shopping service that enables buyers to discover, research, and purchase a product.
Google Merchant Center is a platform for uploading the Google Shopping feed/Google Merchant Feed. Google Shopping uses this data to create and display product listing ads/Shopping ads.
Required Attributes
- Product ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Price
- Availability
- Image_link
- GTIN
Bing Shopping
Bing Shopping is also considered a comparison shopping website or engine. It is a Microsoft product ad service that allows buyers to find, research, and purchase products. Bing Shopping ads are displayed in Bing search results.
Required Attributes:
- Unique ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Image URL
- Price
- Availability
- GTIN
- Brand
- MPN
You can upload Bing product feed to Microsoft Merchant Center.
Marketplaces
Amazon
Amazon is a marketplace for merchants looking to list and advertise their products via Amazon. Amazon offers various features to e-commerce merchants, including Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA), product management, promotion tools, advertising and marketing tools, customer service, etc.
You need a product feed file to list products on Amazon. You can upload the product feed file to Amazon Seller Central.
Required Attributes:
- Product ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Image URL
- Price
How to Upload Product Feed File to Amazon?
- To upload product feeds to Amazon, you can download a category-specific inventory file template from Amazon Seller Central.
- Fill in your product information.
- Upload the file to Amazon Seller Central to process the data.
Here’s how to upload an Amazon product feed file: In your Amazon Seller Central account, go to Catalog >> Add products via Upload >> and select a spreadsheet or file to upload data.
Etsy
Etsy doesn’t require its sellers to create a product feed to sell on its platform. Sellers can directly create one using the Etsy Shop Manager. However, if you wish to expand to other channels like Google Shopping, Facebook, Instagram, etc., you must create a product data feed.
This section will discuss required attributes for data feed and how to upload them across social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest and more.
Facebook & Instagram
Facebook & Instagram allow merchants to sell their products in multiple ways. One common avenue is Facebook Shops, a free, integrated store on Facebook & Instagram where e-commerce merchants can list their products and accept orders. To list products on Facebook & Instagram, you need a Facebook product catalog. Let’s look at attributes:
Required Attributes:
- Unique ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Image URL
- Price
- Availability
- GTIN
- Brand
- MPN
- Condition
- Size
Explore more about Facebook product feed specifications.
How to Upload a Product Catalog to Facebook & Instagram?
- You can upload product feeds in Meta Commerce Manager. To do so, go to your catalog >> select Data Sources >> Add/Update feed via a URL or file.
- You can create a catalog by adding products in Meta Commerce Manager.
- You can add your products using a data feed URL, XML, a file, or a scheduled upload.
Note: When setting up Dynamic Product Ads on Facebook and Instagram, Meta pulls product information directly from your feed to personalize ads based on user behavior. A well-structured feed ensures accurate targeting and better ad performance across Meta platforms.
TikTok
TikTok provides an integrated shopping platform called TikTok Shop. This platform allows merchants to sell their products directly using the TikTok app. TikTok requires merchants to upload a product catalog feed to populate their shop, run shopping ads, and other campaigns.
Required Attributes:
- Unique SKU ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Image URL
- Price
- Availability
- Product page link
- GTIN
- Brand
- MPN
- Condition
How do you upload a product catalog feed to TikTok?
To add products to TikTok, you must first create a catalog. After creating the catalog, add products by going to the TikTok Business Center. To do so, go to Products >> click ‘Add Products’ >> select ‘Data Feed Schedule’ and paste the feed URL.
Snapchat
Snapchat is another social media platform that engages audiences through visual-first ad formats like Snap Ads, Collection Ads, Interactive AR lenses, and more. These ad formats use data from your product catalog feeds to showcase products to relevant audiences.
Required Attributes:
- Unique ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Image URL
- Price
- Availability
- GTIN
- Brand
- MPN
- Item Group ID
How to Upload a Product Catalog Feed to Snapchat?
- You can upload product feed to Snapchat via Snapchat Ads Manager. In Snapchat Ads Manager >> go to Catalogs >> Create a new catalog >> Add Products. You can add products manually or via a data feed URL.
Twitter (X)
Twitter is a social media platform that offers Twitter shops, shoppable ads, and live shopping events for e-commerce merchants to showcase their products, connect with their audience, and engage with them through hashtags and targeted advertising. Like other platforms, Twitter requires a product catalog to run Twitter ads.
Required Attributes:
- Unique ID
- Product Title
- Product Description
- Image URL
- Price
- Availability
- Product page link
- GTIN
- Brand
- MPN
How to Upload a Product Catalog to Twitter?
You must upload a product feed to Twitter Ads Manager to show your products on Twitter ads. You can upload a CSV file or XML to your Twitter Ads Manager.
Conclusion
A well-structured product data feed ensures your products are discoverable, accurately represented, and eligible for approval across multiple sales channels.
Key Takeaways:
- Attributes like product ID, title, description, price, availability, and image links must be accurate and aligned with each platform’s specifications.
- Add GTINs, product categories, and multiple images to improve product discovery and prevent disapprovals.
- Stick to platform-specific character limits. For example, Google Shopping titles must be under 150 characters, ideally 50–70. Avoid using promotional text.
- Ensure pricing, availability, and promotions match your landing page. Inconsistent data can lead to disapproval and customer dissatisfaction.
- Use Feed URLs or Content API integrations to sync product updates in real-time and reduce manual work.
- Platforms like Google Shopping, Amazon, and TikTok have different product feed requirements. Tailor your feed to meet each platform’s guidelines.
- Validate your feed in Merchant Centers (Google, Microsoft, Meta, etc.), monitor for errors, and fix issues promptly to keep your products live.
- Add color, size, material, and custom labels to improve targeting, segmentation, and campaign performance.
FAQs
What is an example of a data feed?
A data feed in an e-commerce context is a product data feed that contains information about all the products. These include the product ID, title, description, price, availability, etc. The feed can be a CSV or XML file, an Excel file, or a data feed URL submitted to various platforms like Google Shopping, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
What is the difference between a data feed and an API?
API data feeds differ from traditional data feeds like CSV, XML, or Excel sheets, which require human intervention to sync changes from the store to other platforms like Google Merchant Center. API data feeds are an automatic method where real-time changes happen, reducing errors and human intervention.
What is the best data feed management tool?
There are various data feed tools available depending on your business requirements. If you’re a Shopify merchant, you can try AdNabu, DataFeedWatch, GoDataFeed, and other product feed management software.
How do you upload a data feed to Google Merchant Center?
Google offers multiple ways to upload product feed to Google Merchant Center. You can upload a data feed URL or a physical file through Google Sheets, SFTP, or Content API, or you can upload it manually.
