Google is beta testing a way for websites to show licensing information about content that shows up in image search results

A small badge appears on the image search result which indicates whether the particular image is licensable or not. Google will then show where the image can be licensed from when you click on it.

1. URL to a page that describes the license controlling an image use.
2. URL to a page that offers information on how to license that image.

Changes are not introduced yet, but its a call for the sites to start preparing their content for it and make sure that the images are eligible to display licensing information.

MetaData

Metadata must be added up to every licensable image to show the licensing information. The owners of the site can add up the metadata with the use of structured or IPTC photo metadata.

Impact

Google’s John Mueller instantly clarified that these changes do not affect search rankings.

Do this will help in boosting SEO ranking? Also, this was the only reason behind such high volatility in the past few days?

Awaiting for your thoughts @JohnMu @dannysullivan @searchliaison

— Gaganjain (@gagan_digital) February 20, 2020

Danny Sullivan Statement

Google’s Danny Sullivan states that these changes have nothing to do with the misleading form of link building where people try to falsely claim the image ownership.

Release

Google has not yet released the exact date for launching this feature of displaying licensing information in image search results.