promotion_id
A reference identifier linking the item to an account-level promotion (defined separately via Merchant Center's promotions feed). Lets you attach 'free shipping over £50' or '10% off code SUMMER' to specific items.
Also known as: promo_id
Channel support
| Channel | Status | Field name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Merchant Center | Optional | promotion_id | — Docs → |
| Meta Commerce Manager | Not supported | — | — |
| TikTok Shop | Not supported | — | — |
| Pinterest Catalog | Not supported | — | — |
| Amazon | Not supported | — | Amazon uses its own promotions system. |
| Bing Merchant Center | Optional | promotion_id | — |
Why it matters
Promotions show up in Shopping placements as 'special offer' tags. Items with promotion_id linked to active promotions get visible promotional badges, increasing click-through. Without it, you have to rely on sale_price alone for promotional signalling.
Promotion_id links catalog items to account-level promotion definitions (set up separately via the promotions feed). The promotion has its own dates, discount mechanics, and qualifying conditions; the catalog item just references the promotion's ID. Channels surface "special offer" tags in placements, lifting CTR materially.
The separation of concerns is the value: promotion details (free shipping over £50, 10% off code SUMMER, buy-one-get-one) live in the promotion definition. Items reference promotions they qualify for via promotion_id. Promotional changes happen in one place (the promotion feed); applicability changes in the catalog (which items get the tag).
Multiple promotion_ids per item via comma-separated values let you stack promotions. An item could qualify for "free shipping over £50" AND "10% off summer collection" simultaneously. Channels surface the most compelling combination in placements.
Format rules
-
Free-form string matching an active promotion in your account's promotions feed
Applies to: Google Merchant Center, Bing Merchant Center
-
Multiple promotion_ids per item — comma-separated
Applies to: Google Merchant Center
Valid examples
summer-2026-10pct Promo ID matching account-level promotion
Common mistakes
10% off Promotional text, not an ID
Related fields
sale_price The discounted price for promotional periods, alongside `sale_price_effective_date` for the start/end window. Only set during actual promotions — a permanent sale_price tells the algorithm this is always discounted, dampening the urgency signal.
Read moresale_price_effective_date The start and end timestamps for a promotional sale_price. Lets you schedule discounts in advance — the discount activates at start, deactivates at end, without manual intervention.
Read moreFAQ
Where do I define the actual promotion?
Merchant Center → Marketing → Promotions. Set up the promotion there (type, discount, dates), get an ID, then reference that ID in your feed via promotion_id.
Last reviewed: 26 May 2026
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