Understanding the Erotic Category (ID 773)
The Erotic category, identified by the Google product taxonomy ID 773, is a specific classification under the broader 'Mature' parent category. It is designed for items specifically intended for adult entertainment, sexual wellness, or intimate apparel that does not fall into standard 'Apparel & Accessories' classifications. When optimizing your Google Merchant Center feed, you should use this category for products that are strictly intended for an adult audience, ensuring that your items are categorized with the precision required by Google's automated systems.
What Belongs in This Category
This category is intended for goods that are explicitly designed for adult-oriented activities, bedroom play, or intimate entertainment. Examples from the US market include items such as sex toys, erotic literature, adult-themed board games, and specialized equipment for pole dancing, such as high-end dance poles intended for home use. You will also find various forms of erotic media, including adult DVDs, videos, and magazines. Furthermore, this category encompasses intimate clothing items that are marketed specifically for erotic purposes, such as lingerie bodysuits or thematic erotic costume pieces. Additionally, certain adult-focused lifestyle items, like erotic games designed for couples, are correctly classified here. It is important to note that these items often carry specific restrictions in terms of ad serving and policy, which makes accurate categorization essential for your store's compliance health.
What Does Not Belong Here
It is vital to distinguish this category from neighbouring classifications and subcategories to avoid miscategorization. Products that fall under 'Weapons' do not belong in the Erotic category, even if they are marketed in a way that suggests a 'niche' interest; these must be routed through their appropriate taxonomy paths. If you are selling standard clothing that happens to be lingerie, but is not marketed with an erotic focus, ensure it is classified under the correct 'Apparel & Accessories' category to utilize required attributes like size, color, gender, and age_group. Items that do not fit the definition of adult-specific, such as general-purpose fitness equipment or standard fiction novels, should also not be placed here. Always check if a product fits a more specific subcategory before defaulting to the general 'Erotic' path.
When to Choose a Subcategory
You should prioritize the subcategories within the 'Erotic' parent structure whenever your product fits one of the specific sub-paths. These include Erotic Clothing, Erotic DVDs & Videos, Sex Toys, Erotic Books, Erotic Magazines, Erotic Food & Edibles, Erotic Games, and Pole Dancing Kits. By selecting a subcategory, you provide Google with more granular data, which can lead to better matching with relevant search queries. For instance, if you are selling a specific board game for couples, classify it under 'Erotic Games' rather than the top-level 'Erotic' category. Similarly, all adult-specific clothing should be categorized under 'Erotic Clothing' to separate it from other types of adult media or devices. Following this hierarchical approach ensures your feed remains clean and accurately categorized.
How to Update Your Feed
To implement this in your feed, you can use either the numeric ID 773 or the full path: 'Mature > Erotic'. The 'google_product_category' attribute is optional, meaning Google will auto-assign a value if you leave it blank, but we strongly recommend manual assignment to prevent classification errors. Remember that 'product_type' is a separate, free-form field that you should use for your internal taxonomy; it does not replace the Google-mandated 'google_product_category'. While apparel-specific attributes like size and color are vital for standard clothing, be aware that adult products have unique visibility policies that are tied to their categorization. Always aim for the most specific path available to ensure the highest level of data quality and adherence to platform standards.