Bing Visual Search API never returns "_type" as "ImageShoppingSourcesAction"

Mara Salem 20 Reputation points
2025-01-16T00:56:32.44+00:00

The JSON never returns the "ImageShoppingSourcesAction" or actionType "ShoppingSources" as it says it will have according to the guide:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/bing/search-apis/bing-visual-search/how-to/search-response

Could this be a potential resource issue? Or something not provided with a free plan?

Bing Visual Search
Bing Visual Search
A Bing service that gives you rich insights to help build compelling image applications on the device of your choice.
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  1. santoshkc 12,190 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2025-01-17T08:16:08.89+00:00

    Hi @Mara Salem,

    Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum!

    The Bing Visual Search API offers different tiers with varying features and transaction limits. Advanced functionalities like ImageShoppingSourcesAction or shopping-related insights might only be available in specific paid tiers, such as S9, while the free plan may have limitations and might not include these features.

    Key points:

    1. Free Tier Limitations: The free plan supports Bing Visual Search but may lack advanced features like shopping-related insights.
    2. S9 Tier for Advanced Visual Search: To access advanced insights such as shopping sources, you may need a dedicated plan that supports these features.
    3. Focus of Other Plans: Tiers like S1–S8 primarily focus on web, image, and video searches, not advanced visual search capabilities.

    To confirm if this is a tier-specific limitation, check your current subscription and review the available offerings in your plan. If needed, upgrading to a tier designed for advanced visual search could resolve the issue.

    For clarification, refer to: Bing Search API Pricing.

    I hope you understand. Do let us know if you any further queries.


    If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful.

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