Should I use the numeric ID or the full path for the google_product_category attribute?

You can use either the numeric ID 387 or the full path Electronics > Video > Video Players & Recorders. Using the numeric ID is often preferred as it is language-independent and less prone to formatting errors.

Is the google_product_category attribute mandatory for my feed?

No, it is optional. However, if you omit it, Google will attempt to assign a category automatically, which may not always be accurate for your specific product type.

Does this category affect the visibility of my ads?

The category does not limit who sees your ads. Instead, it informs Google's systems about your product type, which helps determine relevant search queries and applicable policies.

Google product category

Video Players & Recorders

Category ID387

Full path for the feedElectronics > Video > Video Players & Recorders

All deeper subcategories

Digital Video Recorders390
DVD & Blu-ray Players388
DVD Recorders389
Streaming & Home Media Players5276
VCRs391

Product examples in this category (US market)

Real products found in Google Shopping, shown as examples.

Onn. HDMI DVD Player
Sony DVD Player
Panasonic Blu-ray DVD Player
QFX DVD/CD Multimedia Player
iLive Blu-Ray DVD Player
Sony Blu-ray Player
Majority Multi Regional HDMI DVD Player
Memorex Portable DVD Player
Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Player
LG DVD Player
Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
Trexonic Portable DVD Player
PHILCO DVD Player

Video Players & Recorders (ID: 387)

The Video Players & Recorders category, identified by ID 387 and the path Electronics > Video > Video Players & Recorders, is specifically designed for devices used to play back or record physical and digital video media. Proper classification ensures your products appear in the most relevant Google Shopping search results.

This category includes a variety of home entertainment hardware. Based on examples from the US market, typical items found here include standard HDMI DVD players, portable DVD players, and high-definition Blu-ray players. Multimedia players that support both DVD and CD playback also belong here. These devices are intended for personal or home cinema use to view stored media content.

Items that do not belong in this category include professional equipment like Video Editing Hardware & Production Equipment or Video Servers. Additionally, display devices such as Computer Monitors, Projectors, and Televisions have their own distinct categories. Items used for signal management, such as Video Multiplexers, Video Transmitters, or general Video Accessories, should also be placed in their respective neighbouring categories rather than here.

You must choose a subcategory if your product falls under DVD & Blu-ray Players, DVD Recorders, Digital Video Recorders, VCRs, or Streaming & Home Media Players. Always select the most granular category available to improve data accuracy.

To categorize your items, use the numeric ID 387 or the full string Electronics > Video > Video Players & Recorders in your google_product_category attribute. While this attribute is optional, providing it prevents Google from misclassifying your products automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use the numeric ID or the full path for the google_product_category attribute?: You can use either the numeric ID 387 or the full path Electronics > Video > Video Players & Recorders. Using the numeric ID is often preferred as it is language-independent and less prone to formatting errors.
Is the google_product_category attribute mandatory for my feed?: No, it is optional. However, if you omit it, Google will attempt to assign a category automatically, which may not always be accurate for your specific product type.
Does this category affect the visibility of my ads?: The category does not limit who sees your ads. Instead, it informs Google's systems about your product type, which helps determine relevant search queries and applicable policies.

This category in other languages

ru: Электроника > Видеоаппаратура > Видеоплееры и рекордеры
uk: Електроніка > Відеоапаратура > Відеоплеєри та рекордери