Are you planning to upload your product listing to Amazon? But first, you should understand the image requirements to create a successful listing.
Amazon is strict about its image listing policies to maintain a uniform appearance across the platform, build trust with customers and ensure a positive shopping experience. These requirements ensure that product images are high-quality and help customers make informed decisions.
In this blog, we will provide you with cheat sheets for Amazon product image requirements. You will learn about the different guidelines related to the main image, additional image and technical aspects. We will also share some best practices you can try to improve your image quality for better engagement.
Let’s explore!
Amazon is one of the top eCommerce platforms in the world. This platform is popular with its customers for its consistent and professional shopping experience. One of the reasons for its positive shopping experience is its strict product image requirements.
Image dimensions
Amazon has specific image dimension requirements to improve the customer’s shopping experience. This dimension standard ensures that product images are clear, detailed and professional. Amazon prefers images that have more than 1000 pixels on each side but within 10,000 pixels. The recommended standard dimension is 2000 by 2000 pixels.
File Formats
Amazon accepts a variety of image file formats, including JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg), TIFF (.tif), PNG (.png) and or GIF (.gif). However, the GIF images should be non-animated. Among all these formats, JPEG is the most preferred one.
Resolution and DPI requirements
Amazon prefers high resolution images so that customers can zoom in on the images to see the details clearly. It helps customers to make informed purchasing decisions. The minimum standard DPI for Amazon images is 72.
Product Image Rules
The following are a few rules related to product images:
Image Quality Standards
Amazon has set specific standards for images to ensure every customer receives a consistent and high-quality shopping experience. As per the Amazon standard, product images should be professionally photographed, especially the main image. The background should be white with no distracting elements. And, color mode should be RGB or CMYK.
Allowed and Prohibited Content
Let’s check out the following chart to understand the content you are allowed and prohibited to use as Amazon product images:
Allowed Content | Prohibited Content |
Pure white background | Image containing text, logo, watermark, etc. (for the main image) |
Objects that demonstrate the measurement of the product | Drawings or illustrations instead of the original image |
Cropped or close-up images (except for the main image) | Items that don't directly relate to the main product |
Backgrounds and environments (except for the main image) | Pornographic and offensive materials |
Compliant vs. Non-Compliant Images
Let’s check out some of the examples to understand which images are acceptable on Amazon:
Example 1:
You can tell right away from the first image that the product is a single clothing item. But in the second image, the dress has other items that are not for sale with this item. This image is a bit confusing, as you can’t tell whether it is a single item or not. Among these, obviously the first one is an acceptable one.
Example 2:
Among these two images, the first one is acceptable and the second one is a non-compliant image. The only reason for it is the background color. The first image met the background color requirement, which is a pure white. It’s only applicable for the main image.
Example 3:
In these two images, the background of the first one is clean. But the second one has a logo as well as a watermark. Among these, the first one is a complaint, and the second one is a non-complaint for the main image.
Amazon’s Main Image Requirements
The first image that your customers see on the detail page is your main product image. As this image is the most important one to drive customers to your store, Amazon has special requirements for it. The following are the product image guidelines:
- The image should be real and of professional quality.
- It should have a pure white background (RGB color values: 255, 255, 255).
- Your product should contain 85% of the image.
- Text, logos, borders, color blocks, watermarks or other graphics cannot be present on the product or background.
- The entire product should be visible within the frame.
- Don’t use items or accessories that are not included with the product.
- Show only one side of the product. Don’t use collage images of different angles.
- Packaging like boxes, bags and cases should not be in the image except for packaged items.
- Mannequins should not be visible for clothing and accessory items. No matter whether it is clear, solid-color, flesh-toned, framework, or on a hanger.
- The shoe product image should have only one shoe positioned at a 45-degree angle.
- Kids & baby clothing, multipack clothing items and accessories should be flat lay images.
- Human models should be used for both men and women clothing.
- Images containing models should only have standing poses. Sitting, kneeling, leaning or lying down is not allowed except for showing physical mobility with assistive technology such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, etc.
Amazon Additional Images Requirement
You can use a total of 9 images for your product listing. Among these, 8 images are additional photos that help to explain the product better. Here are the requirements for these images:
- You can use lifestyle images to give customers realistic expectations.
- Images can have different background and environments.
- Infographics with text, logo, chart and other graphic elements can be used.
- Close up shots and cropped images to show the details are allowed.
Amazon Technical Images Requirement
Here are the technical image specifications you must maintain:
- Images have to be 500 pixels to 10,000 pixels on their longest side.
- File formats should be JPEG, TIFF, PNG , or non-animated GIF.
- Photos must be clear, unpixelated and without jagged edges.
- The maximum supported image size is 10 MB.
- The maximum image aspect ratio is 5:1.
- The minimum resolution should be 72 DPI.
- The product identifier code should be included with the file name.
Creative Guidelines for Amazon Images
Let’s explore a few non-technical standards that can help to make your images look professional and improve sales:
Focus on Image Quality
You need to use high quality camera and lighting equipment to create high-resolution images. Make sure your images are sharp and appear exactly as they do in real life. Especially the colors of your product should be given more attention.
Use real Images in Your Listing
You should use the actual photos of your products. It is the only acceptable form of your product’s visual representation. Your customers will develop expectations after seeing your product images. So, using real images can make them satisfied with your brand.
Keep Your Images Simple
You should keep your product images simple by removing every possible distracting elements. It is better not to use any additional props that are not related to your product.
Maintain Professionalism
Amazon is strict about pornographic or offensive content. Make sure your images don’t contain any of them. There are guidelines for some specific products, such as adult clothing, children clothing, shoes and so on mentioned above. Make sure you follow them to avoid potential issues or penalties.
Best Practices For Your Amazon Product Images
So far, you have learned details about the rules and guidelines for the Amazon product images. Now let’s walk you through some of the best practices for following Amazon product image requirements to enhance your listings and boost sales.
Focus on Your Main Image
Your main product image is the one that will make your potential customers click on your product. You need to put the majority of your focus into making this image as attractive and compelling as possible. The main image should be clear and of high quality. This will make the customers feel interested in checking out the products when browsing product categories or getting recommendations in search results and featured deals.
You have to show the product exactly how it looks in real life. Also, you need to show the best features while maintaining an extremely high zoom quality. It’s best if you hire a professional photographer to shoot your main images. They have experience in capturing images of a wide range of products. They can help you present your products in a more compelling way than your competitors. This way, it can make your listings stand out and capture more attention.
Use Lifestyle Images
You should use lifestyle product images to enhance the strength of your listing. Customers prefer to see the use of products before purchasing them. Lifestyle images help customers build practical expectations for the products. However, at first, you should have a better understanding of the needs and desires of your target audience.
You can show the fit of your clothing item or different uses of a product. Suppose your product is a high performance blender. You can use images that show the blender in action. You can capture blending tasks, such as making smoothies, crushing ice, grinding grains or blending hot soups. You can use these lifestyle photos to show the durability and versatility of the blender.
Although it is recommended to use high quality professional shots, you can capture these images with your smartphones as well. But make sure you maintain the guidelines for Amazon image format, size and other rules.
Add Text to Your Images
Infographics are another popular Amazon image category that customers value when making their purchasing decisions. It contains various types of illustrations, charts, information, and graphic elements. These images are used to highlight features and important details that customers need to know to understand the benefits and functionalities of the products in a snapshot.
Here are some tips to make your infographics engaging and creative:
- Use strong and attention-grabbing headlines to attract customers.
- Make sure to use high-quality graphics, illustrations, and icons to improve readability and give it a professional look.
- Keep the texts brief and use easy-to-read fonts and bullet points to improve readability.
- Highlight unique features, specifications and benefits with contrasting colors, bold fonts, checkboxes and other icons.
- Organize content with sections, arrows and numbers to make it easy to follow.
- Using a comparison chart with similar products or competitors can make the product stand out and enhance engagement.
- Integrate customer reviews or testimonials into your images as social proof.
- Make the image accessible to users on various devices.
- Incorporate your brand’s colors, fonts, and logo to strengthen your brand identity.
- Mention the materials used in your product to inform customers about its quality and durability.
Zoom In on Product Features
Customers can explore product details when they purchase from a physical store. You can provide your customers with a similar experience for online shopping through zoomed-in images. You can highlight the unique features of your products through close up shots. Customers can see the intricate details, textures, and other necessary information they consider when finalizing their purchase.
Zooming in on product features is an excellent way to make your brand trustworthy to customers. They will place the order after having a clear understanding of what they are purchasing. Moreover, it will help in reducing returns and complaints. Your store will receive more positive reviews from satisfied customers, which will lead to more customers.
Use 3D Rendered Images
Some products have complex shapes or features that are hard to showcase with 2D images. You can use 3D images for these products. This type of image can provide a clearer and more detailed view and highlight their unique characteristics. For example, your product is a water-resistant smartwatch. You can use 3D rendered photos to show the waterproof casing, battery and sensors. This can help customers understand the advanced technology and durability of the watch.
This image technique is best for products that have complex mechanisms, like electronic gadgets and large sized products, including furniture, home appliances, fitness equipment and many more. Also, you need a professional photo editor to create 3D-rendered images.
Add Before After Images
Customers are most interested in buying products that can solve their problems. You can use before-and-after comparison images to attract your potential customers’ interest. Show your customers what changes and benefits your products can give them. This technique works best for any product that provides a visible positive impact.
For example, your product is a skin care product that can help remove blemishes. You can use lifestyle images of before and after effects to show the results your product gives. These photos can also be combined with other techniques, like close up shots or infographics. Highlighting key ingredients using text and benefits with zoomed in perspective makes images more engaging and informative experience for potential buyers.
Show Different Angles
You should take photographs of your product from multiple angles. Each side of the product contains different information. Customers usually check the back and sides for the ingredient list, nutrition value, price and instructions during offline shopping. You can give them a similar experience by uploading images from different angles in your listing. Moreover, three dimensional products such as shoes, bags and other products look different from different angles. You can compare the images later to determine the best shot.
Hire a Professional Photographer
Hiring a professional photographer for your Amazon listing is a necessity for creating high-quality images. They have the skills and equipment to capture high-resolution and visually appealing images. Besides, they know how to highlight the best features of your product and set it apart from the competition.
Most importantly, professional commercial photographers are familiar with Amazon product image requirements. They can ensure your product photos meet all technical specifications and guidelines. This will help you to avoid potential issues with your listing and make customers more likely to purchase your product.
Editing Your Amazon Product Photos
You need professional quality photos for your main image and additional photos. Whether you need basic photo retouching to make your images flawless or remove mannequins from the images, you will need help from a professional image editing service.
Most importantly, the basic Amazon product image requirement is a pure white background. You will need clipping path service to create this type of background. You can outsource your projects to a renowned photo editing company. They provide various services, including background removal, infographics, ghost mannequins, 3D rendering, color correction and so on.
Things to Avoid in Amazon Images
You should avoid the following to ensure your product images meet Amazon’s guidelines:
Prohibitions for the Main Image
Here are some guidelines to follow for your main image:
- The background of your images should be pure white. Make sure the RGB is not less than 255, 255, 255.
- Don’t use text, logos, borders, watermarks or other graphic elements. You can use them only in your additional images.
- Models should not sit, kneel, lean,or lie down. It’s only permissible for products that are related to physical mobility and assistive technology like wheelchairs, prosthetics, etc.
- Avoid using mannequins except for socks or stockings. Instead, you can use ghost mannequin images.
- Accessories or products that are not part of the selling product. Don’t use them to avoid confusion and unnecessary expectations.
- Don’t use multiple angles of the same product. You can do that in your additional images. It’s best to show only the front angle or the top angle depending on the product.
- Images should not contain swing tags and packaging (only acceptable for packaged items like chips, chocolates, etc.).
General Restriction
You should maintain these restrictions for all your Amazon product images:
- Do not use blurry and low resolution images.
- Avoid using images with uneven or rough edges.
- Your product image should not contain nudity and sexual connotation.
- Don’t use file formats other than JPEG, PNG, TIFF and non-animated GIF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Image is Needed for the Amazon Listing?
The minimum pixel requirement for Amazon product images is 1000 x 1600 pixels. However, the recommended size for best quality is 2000 x 2000 pixels, as it provides a 1:1 aspect ratio. This image size ensures your photographs are clear and of high-resolution. It’s worth mentioning that you should not use images larger than 10,000 pixels.
What are the Requirements for Amazon Product Photos?
The basic requirements for Amazon product photos include the dimensions of the images, which should be between 500 and 10,000 pixels. Besides, you can use specific file formats, such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF and GIF, with each image being a maximum of 10 MB in size. You can use 9 images in your listing. However, your main image should be of high resolution and cannot contain any text or graphic elements.
What are the File Requirements for Amazon Photos?
Amazon supports a wide range of file formats, including JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIFF, HEIF, HEVC, iOS Burst Photos, iOS Live Photos, HEIC, ProRaw, JP2, WEBP, and iOS Live. However, the GIF files should be non-animated.
How Many Images are in an Amazon Listing?
Amazon listings provide room for a maximum of 9 product images. Among these, the first image is considered your main image and the rest of the 8 images will be considered additional images. However, only the first 7 images will be visible on your product page.
Can Amazon Detect Duplicate Photos?
Yes, Amazon has advanced image recognition algorithms to identify and remove duplicate images. The duplicate image detection technology can identify only the exact duplicate images by analyzing the image metadata. Amazon compares file name, file size, creation date, image content and other information to find matches. For this reason, you can upload one image only once.
Conclusion
Product name, keywords, product description, brand popularity and other elements work together to boost your sales. However, it is well optimized product images that often make the first impression and attract customers. Now that you know the rules and guidelines, hopefully it will be easier for you to create your upcoming Amazon listing.
