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What are the Image Requirements for Amazon Product Listings?
In the world of e-commerce, images speak louder than words, and on Amazon, product images can make or break a sale. High-quality images that meet Amazon’s specific requirements are essential to creating a professional listing that attracts potential buyers. This guide will walk you through Amazon’s image requirements for product listings and offer tips on how to optimize your images for the best results.
Amazon has a few fundamental rules for product images, aimed at ensuring consistency and professionalism across the platform.
Image Format and File Size
Amazon accepts JPEG, PNG, GIF, and TIFF image formats, with JPEG being the preferred format. Images should be under 10 MB to allow for quick loading. High-quality JPEG images offer a good balance between quality and file size, making them ideal for product listings.
Resolution Standards
Images need to be at least 1,000 pixels in width or height to enable the zoom function, which allows customers to see the details up close. Larger, high-resolution images are encouraged, as they provide a clearer view and make the product look more appealing.
Background Requirements
Amazon requires the primary image to have a pure white background (RGB values 255, 255, 255) to blend seamlessly with the website layout. This creates a clean, consistent look across the platform, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Different types of images serve distinct purposes, from the primary image that appears in search results to additional images that provide a closer look.
The primary image is the most important because it’s the first thing customers see. This image should clearly showcase the product on a plain white background with no additional objects or graphics. The product should fill at least 85% of the image frame.
Secondary images give shoppers a better understanding of the product by showing it from various angles. These images can include close-up shots, different views, and feature highlights. Aim to provide a complete visual story, so customers can make an informed decision.
Lifestyle images show the product in a real-life setting, helping customers imagine how they would use it. For example, a coffee maker might be shown on a kitchen countertop with a fresh pot of coffee. These images make the product more relatable and appealing.
Infographic images add value by highlighting specific features or benefits. Use these images to illustrate key product specifications, like dimensions, materials, and unique functionalities. An infographic for a suitcase might highlight its size, weight, and pocket features.
Each image must meet technical specifications to comply with Amazon’s requirements.
As mentioned, the acceptable file formats are JPEG, PNG, GIF, and TIFF. Amazon recommends JPEG due to its compatibility and quality. The maximum file size allowed is 10 MB, but try to keep images as small as possible without sacrificing quality, to ensure faster load times.
Images need to have a plain white background for the primary image. The product should take up 85% of the frame, with minimal empty space around it. For lifestyle and secondary images, backgrounds can be more flexible and can include relevant props, as long as the product remains the focus.
Amazon suggests using square or 4:3 aspect ratios for optimal display. Images should be at least 1,000 pixels in width or height, but ideally larger for better zoom capability.
Amazon’s zoom feature is triggered by high-resolution images (at least 1,000 pixels on the shortest side). This feature allows customers to see details more clearly, which can lead to better engagement and higher conversions.
Creating effective product images involves following Amazon’s best practices and avoiding common mistakes.
Use high-quality, high-resolution images that show the product clearly.
Include close-ups and detailed shots of the product to build trust with customers.
Make sure colors are accurate, as customers will expect the product to look the same as it does in the images.
Amazon doesn’t allow promotional text, watermarks, or logos on images. Avoid using images with additional objects that aren’t included with the product, as this can lead to confusion or even customer complaints.
Images aren’t just for visual appeal—they also impact search visibility and sales performance.
While Amazon doesn’t show alt text, it’s still useful for off-Amazon SEO. Use descriptive alt text that includes relevant keywords to improve visibility in search engines like Google.
Consider using infographic images to point out specific features. For example, if your product is a set of headphones, you could highlight features like noise cancellation, battery life, and comfort.
Lifestyle images help create an emotional connection, while infographic images clarify features and benefits. Together, these images can give customers a better understanding of the product, making them more likely to purchase.
Amazon has additional guidelines for specific product categories. Here’s a breakdown of common requirements by category.
For clothing, show the garment from multiple angles, and if possible, use a model to help customers understand the fit. High-quality images that show texture, color, and details will help reduce returns.
Electronic products should highlight key features, like ports, buttons, and size. Show the product in use where possible, and include size references (like a hand holding a smartphone) for scale.
Home products should be shown in a relevant setting, like a blender on a kitchen counter or a lamp on a bedside table. This helps customers visualize the product in their own homes.
Here are a few common image-related mistakes that can negatively affect your listing.
Images that don’t meet the resolution requirements won’t trigger Amazon’s zoom feature, making it harder for customers to see product details. Always use high-resolution images to avoid this problem.
Too much text can make images look cluttered. If you’re using infographics, keep text brief and focus on key points. Remember, your product title and bullet points already convey essential details.
Images should accurately represent the product. Avoid using images that include items not sold with the product, as this can lead to disappointed customers and negative reviews.
To make your images stand out, invest in good product photography. Here are some tips.
Good lighting is crucial. Use natural light or softbox lighting to eliminate shadows. For small items, a lightbox can provide a consistent, high-quality background.
Show your product from all relevant angles. Close-ups of important details, like stitching on a leather bag or buttons on a shirt, can help customers make an informed decision.
Including a reference for scale, like showing a hand holding the product or placing it next to a common object, can help customers visualize the product size.
Following Amazon’s image guidelines not only helps keep your listing compliant but also enhances the shopping experience for your customers. Quality images can attract more clicks, build trust, and ultimately drive more sales. By using high-resolution images, accurate representations, and engaging lifestyle photos, you can create an Amazon listing that stands out and effectively showcases your product.
You can use JPEG, PNG, GIF, or TIFF files for Amazon images. JPEG is the most recommended because it offers high quality with a smaller file size.
Images should be at least 1,000 pixels on the longest side. This allows customers to use the zoom feature, which lets them see details up close.
The main image should have a pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255). This keeps it clean and makes the product stand out.
No, Amazon doesn’t allow text, logos, or watermarks on product images. They want images to be clear and focused on the product only.
You can upload up to nine images per product, including the main image. Use these extra slots for different views, close-ups, and lifestyle shots.
Lifestyle images show the product in use in a real-life setting. For example, a chair in a living room or a watch on someone’s wrist. These images help customers imagine using the product themselves.
An infographic image includes visuals and short text to highlight key features. For instance, an image of a backpack might show details like pocket size or material type.
Yes, but only in secondary images. The main image should show just the product on a white background. Secondary images can include models, props, or different backgrounds.
Some categories, like clothing or electronics, have extra rules. For clothing, you may need images from multiple angles. For electronics, show all buttons and ports clearly.
Use good lighting, high resolution, and a clean background. Show the product from multiple angles and use close-ups to highlight details. Investing in professional photography can also help.
Yes, images can affect search rankings. High-quality images that meet Amazon’s requirements can improve your listing’s visibility and attract more customers.
The zoom feature lets customers get a closer look at the product by enlarging the image. For it to work, your images need to be at least 1,000 pixels on the shortest side.
