Amazon’s image policies and troubleshooting tips are invaluable resources for sellers. By ensuring high resolution, compliance, and SEO optimization, you can transform your product listings into powerful sales tools that attract and convert customers on the Amazon platform.
In this blog post, we will discuss the essentials in the world of Amazon selling, product images can make or break your success. It’s not just about snapping a picture and uploading it – there are specific guidelines and policies you need to follow to maximize your product’s appeal and avoid any potential hiccups.
Why Should Sellers Adhere to Amazon Image Policies
In recent news, Amazon has updated its image policy for calendars, magazines, books, and adult DVDs. Sellers of these items must not show any explicit sexual content in their product detail page images.
Failure to comply can lead to the listing becoming restricted or search suppressed. This emphasizes why sellers need to adhere to the policies and requirements that Amazon implements on product images.
Sellers should adhere to Amazon image policies for these other important reasons:
- Improve Product Visibility: High-quality images can attract potential buyers and boost your product’s visibility on the platform.
- Boost Sales: Customers are less likely to buy your product if they can’t see it clearly. High-quality images can increase your product’s appeal and potentially boost sales.
- Maintain Professionalism: Blurry or low-quality images can make your product listing look unprofessional. On the other hand, high-quality images can enhance your brand’s reputation.
- Enhance Customer Experience: Clear product images can help customers make informed purchasing decisions, enhancing their overall shopping experience.
Here are some videos that you can watch to learn more about product listing images:
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Technical Image Requirements
What are some technical image requirements I should meet?
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How many product images should you have?
Every product must have at least one image, and we recommend having at least six images and one video.
Amazon product detail pages have two types of images: main images and image variants.
- Main images are the most important images on a product detail page. They are displayed in search results and are the first images displayed on the page. Main images should be clear, high-quality images that accurately represent the product.
- Image variants or secondary images are additional images that can be added to a product detail page. They can be used to show the product in use, in different angles, or with different features. Image variants are not displayed in search results, but they can be seen by customers when they click on the product detail page.
Why are these requirements important?
- High-quality images help customers visualize the product and make a purchase decision.
- Zooming in on images can help customers see details that they might not be able to see from the product listing.
- JPEG is the most common image format and is supported by most devices.
- The other file formats mentioned are also high-quality and supported by most devices.
- Clear, unpixellated images make the product look more professional and appealing.
- Jagged edges can make the product look blurry and unprofessional.
- Multiple images and a video can help customers get a better understanding of the product.
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Image Content
Can I use stock photos to sell on Amazon?
The photo must be of the actual item being sold. This means that you cannot use stock photos or photos of other items.
Can I use blurry photos?
The photo must be in focus and well-lit. The item should be clearly visible and the details should be easy to see.
The photo should have realistic color. The colors of the item should be accurate and not oversaturated or undersaturated.
Are Amazon photos in full resolution?
The photo should have smooth edges. The item should not have any jagged or blurry edges.
A pure white background is preferred. This will help to make the item stand out and make it easier to see the details.
What can I add to my images?
The photo should not contain gratuitous or confusing additional objects. This means that you should not include any objects in the photo that are not related to the item being sold.
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Image Variants
Below are the image variants that sellers can use for their listings:
Main Image – It is the most important image on a product detail page. It is displayed in search results and is the first image displayed on the page. The main image should be a clear, high-quality image that accurately represents the product.
Swatch shots – These are small thumbnail images that are displayed below or to the right of the main image on a product detail page. They are used to show the different colors or variations of the product.
Swatch shots are important for products that come in multiple colors or variations. They allow customers to see the different options available to them and make a more informed purchase decision.
Part shots – They are additional images that are used to show different angles of the product, the product in use, screenshots, accessories, or product details. They are not displayed in search results, but they can be seen by customers when they click on the product detail page.
Interior shots – These images are used for showing the sample pages of books.
Angle shots – They help feature the different sides or angles of an item.
Pair shots – These are images for showcasing products sold in pairs, such as shoes.
Fact shots – These are the images that show ingredient labels or nutritional facts.
Awards – These include test results, awards, and certificates associated with the product. Including award images helps build trust, enhance reputation, increase customer confidence, attract attention, and give you a competitive edge.
Laydown or flat apparel images – They are used to show the full view of an apparel item off-figure in a flat or laydown shot. They are typically used for products that are difficult to photograph on a model, such as swimwear or lingerie.
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Main/Hero Image
The main image is like a product’s calling card. It is the first thing that customers see, so it is essential to have a high-quality image that accurately represents the product and its features.
Main Image Hack
Steven Pope, founder of My Amazon Guy, has a simple image hack to help boost sales on Amazon. To learn about this hack, watch these videos:
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Secondary Images
Secondary images are an essential part of your Amazon listing as they provide additional information and context about your product. They can help customers visualize how the product will look or work in their own lives, and they can also help answer any questions that customers may have about the product.
The types of secondary images that you choose should be relevant to your product and should be designed to help customers make a purchase decision. Here are some of the most common types of secondary images:
- Lifestyle images: These images show the product being used in its intended environment or setting. They can help customers visualize how the product will look or work in their own lives. For example, if you are selling a new type of vacuum cleaner, you could include lifestyle images of the vacuum cleaner being used in a variety of different homes.
- Infographics: Infographics are a great way to present product information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. They can be used to illustrate product features, specifications, or instructions. For example, if you are selling a new type of smartphone, you could create an infographic that compares the features of your phone to those of other popular smartphones on the market.
- Product-in-use images: These images show the product being used, demonstrating its functionality. They can be very helpful for products that are difficult to understand or visualize. For example, if you are selling a new type of medical device, you could include product-in-use images of the device being used by a doctor or nurse.
- Close-ups or detail shots: If your product has unique details or features, close-up shots can help highlight these. For example, if you are selling a new type of jewelry, you could include close-up shots of the intricate details of the jewelry.
- Comparison charts: If your product has advantages over similar products in the market, a comparison chart can help highlight these differences. For example, if you are selling a new type of laptop computer, you could create a comparison chart that compares the features of your laptop to those of other popular laptops on the market.
- Images with text: You can use text to call out key features or benefits of your product. However, ensure the text is easy to read and does not overwhelm the image. For example, you could include text on an image of your product that highlights its unique features or benefits.
- Customer avatar: Use images that reflect your target customer. This helps potential customers identify with your product. For example, if you are selling a new type of clothing, you could use images of models who are similar to your target customers.
- Award images: If your product has won any awards, including an image of the award can add credibility and attract attention. For example, if your product has won an award from a respected industry organization, you could include an image of the award on your product listing.
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Multipacks
- Multipacks are products that contain more than one item. The main image for a multipack must show all of the items in the pack.
- The main image for a multipack must also show the packaging of the product. This is important because it provides customers with information about the product, such as its size and contents.
- The product title for a multipack must also include the total quantity of the product. This helps customers to know how many items they are buying.
- It is important to make sure that the image and product title for a multipack are consistent. This will help to prevent customer confusion.
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Image File Names
Amazon implements a naming policy for image files that you will upload in bulk.
It is important to follow its naming policies for image files because Amazon uses the file name to link the images to the appropriate product detail pages. File names also help in identifying if the photo is a main image or an image variant.
To name your image files correctly, construct the file name using three components, each separated by a period. It’s crucial to avoid including spaces, dashes, or any extra characters in the file name, as these can hinder the image upload process on Amazon. For example, using “NEW-B000123456.jpg” would prevent a successful upload.
The approved naming convention follows this format: ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) + variant code + file extension. For instance, “B000123456.MAIN.jpg” or “B000123456.PT02.jpg.”
The variant code consists of four characters and signifies the type of image you are uploading. Images without a variant code in their name will be treated as main images. For example, both “B000123456.MAIN.jpg” and “B000123456.jpg” will be considered main images.
For additional images, select a four-character variant code based on the content of the image. For example, “B000123456.PT01.jpg” would indicate part 1, while “B000123456.BACK.jpg” would signify an image showing the back of the product.
Amazon accepts specific variant codes, which are detailed in this article.
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Uploading Images
In your Seller Central account, there is an Image Manager tool you can use to upload your photos and manage listing images.
- Navigate to Inventory > Upload Images > Image Manager
- Search for the product by entering the SKU or ASIN in the left pane
- Select the correct item from the search results. You can also preview the current images associated with your product by clicking the “Live images” drop-down.
- Change Image Variants: If you wish to modify various image variants (such as main, front, side, back, etc.) for your product, locate the “Images submitted by you” section and click on “Upload.”
- Consider Image Variants: Amazon provides pre-selected image variant recommendations based on your product category style guide. If you want to include a variant that isn’t pre-selected, use the drop-down menu next to the variant name to replace it with another variant ID code before proceeding with image upload.
- Upload Images: Select an image file from your computer by clicking “Open.” This action will submit the chosen image to the selected variant.
- Delete Images: To delete an image that you previously submitted, locate the image thumbnail and click on the trash icon. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Note that images shared among child ASINs need to be deleted individually from each ASIN. You cannot delete the main images since every ASIN requires a main image. Instead, you can replace the main image with a new one by clicking on the camera icon under the main thumbnail, which will delete the original image.
Uploaded images may take up to 24 hours to reflect on the product detail page.
Watch this video to learn about uploading in bulk:
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Uploading A Video
Sellers who have been selling for at least 3 months can upload videos to their live product listings. These videos can be displayed in the main image block, the videos section below the fold, and in search results.
You can use the Upload and Manage Videos or Image Manager tool to upload product videos.
To upload a product video using Upload and Manage Videos:
- Go to Catalog > Upload and Manage Videos > Manage Videos > Upload video.
- Select or drag and drop the video you wish to upload.
- Make sure you fill in the correct details and then hit Submit:
- Title: This is the text that will appear next to your video on the product detail page. It should be clear and concise, and it should accurately describe the content of the video.
- ASINs: These are the Amazon Standard Identification Numbers (ASINs) of the products that you want your video to be displayed on. You can select multiple ASINs.
- Thumbnail: This is the image that will be displayed to customers before they play your video. It is important to choose a thumbnail that is clear and visually appealing. You can use a high-quality image in .jpg, .png, .gif, or .bmp format.
Upload videos in the best quality possible, up to 1080p resolution, and a file size of no more than 5 GB. Amazon accepts .mov and .mp4 file formats.
Reviews are typically processed within 1 business day, but may take longer during busy periods such as the holiday season.
Benefits of Adding a Product Video
Amazon Image Policies and Troubleshooting: Image Issues
When you upload your image files, Amazon performs a technical check to ensure they meet the necessary file requirements. Any files that do not meet these technical requirements will not be uploaded to your product listings.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that if Amazon identifies non-compliance with their image content requirements for the images on your product listings, certain actions are taken. Specifically, your product listings may be temporarily removed from search results until you provide images that meet Amazon’s content guidelines.
Some of the encountered image issues and the necessary actions to solve them include:
- Your main image has text, logo, graphic, or watermark. Submit a new image without these elements to remove the suppression.
- Your main image has a background that is not pure white. Submit a new image with a pure white background to remove the suppression.
- Your main image is missing a portion of the product. Please submit a new image that shows the entire product.
- Your main image shows your product in its packaging or with brand or swing tags. Submit a new image that shows the product without its packaging or tags.
- Your main image has props inside your product or obscures or surrounds your product. Re-submit a new image that shows the product clearly without any props.
- Your main image is blurred or pixelated. Please submit a new image that is clear and in focus.
- Your main image has a product that is too small in the image frame. Submit a new image that shows the product more prominently.
- Your main image has multiple images of a single product. Submit a new image that shows a single view of the product.
- Your main image has a human model for a non-clothing product. Please submit a new image that does not show a human model.
- The file name you gave me doesn’t match the product’s ASIN or variant. Please upload a file with a name that follows Amazon’s image naming requirements.
- The file that you are trying to upload is not in a format that Amazon accepts. Please try uploading a file in one of the following formats: JPEG and GIF.
- The image file appears to be damaged or in an unexpected format. Verify that your file is under 10,000 pixels on its longest side, is not corrupted, and is saved in the appropriate file format (JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or GIF) in either RGB or CMYK color modes.
- The image you are trying to upload is too small. Please upload an image that is larger than 500 pixels on its longest side. Images that are larger than 1000 pixels will enable zoom functionality.
- Amazon already has a preferred image for your ASIN and variant. Your image will not be accepted because it is not the preferred image.
- You have already submitted an image file for your ASIN and variant. If your ASIN still requires an image for this variant, please make sure that the image you are submitting meets Amazon’s image requirements.
- Another image with the same ASIN and variant was submitted after you submitted this image. Amazon always accepts the latest image submissions. Ensure you are uploading the correct photo.
For more image troubleshooting tips and guidelines, watch these videos:
Conclusion
Having an in-depth understanding of Amazon image policies and troubleshooting can help sellers improve the visibility of their products, avoid having their images rejected or suppressed, and improve their chances of making a sale.
Here are some best practices for Amazon listing images:
- Use high-quality images. This means using images that are clear, in focus, and have good resolution.
- Make sure your images are relevant to the product. This means that the images should accurately depict the product and its features.
- Use a consistent background and lighting. This will help to make your images look professional and polished.
- Avoid using copyrighted or trademarked images. This could get your listing suspended.
- Rename your images according to Amazon’s image naming conventions. This will make it easier for customers to find your products.
- Upload at least 7 images per listing. This will give customers a better view of your product and help them make a purchase decision.
- Use clear and concise alt text for your images. This will help customers who are visually impaired or using screen readers to understand your images.
- Regularly review your images to ensure that they are still meeting Amazon’s requirements. Amazon’s image requirements may change from time to time, so it’s important to stay up-to-date.
Here are some additional tips for creating high-quality product images:
- Use a good camera.
- Take your images in a well-lit area.
- Use a tripod to keep your images steady.
- Edit your images to improve the brightness, contrast, and saturation.
By following these best practices, you can create high-quality product images that will help you sell more products on Amazon.
