Amazon product images: requirements

It’s no secret, we as humans are lazy.

Amazon product images (or any other website for that matter) catch our attention first. We are creatures of habit and for the most part, we shop with our eyes and consume more from imagery and great photography rather than reading lengthy, wordy product titles.

Therefore, if you are looking to sell on Amazon you need to not only stand out from the competition but adhere to the requirements for Amazon imagery so your product listing can be optimized accordingly.

A bad image could be the entire downfall of what might be a top-quality product and brand. Be sure to read to the end so you are well-versed in everything you need to know to keep up with Amazon product image requirements.

Amazon listing image requirements

Amazon listing image requirements are only a small component in the bigger picture of selling on Amazon or online, in general, but they can be just what you need to set you apart. Your main product image needs to appeal to the consumer immediately, catch their attention, and leave a lasting impression. It is, after all, the first perception they get of your brand.

From a technical standpoint a few criteria, when executed well and with a curated eye for design, will set you up for future creations with ease. Your image should definitely be in focus with no pixelated edging and should showcase the product from various angles, ideally being used in an everyday context. Consider and integrate these handfuls of elements and you will be off to a great start.

• Dimensions - High-resolution images are a must with pixel sizing of a minimum of 1000 on each side. Even larger sizes work well but don’t go overboard or Amazon will resize them back down and it could cost you a grainy image.

• Format - The following formats are allowed: TIFF (.tif/.tiff), JPEG (.jpeg/.jpg), GIF (.gif), and PNG (.png).

• Language & Text - Just as when you are creating your listing no offensive content is permitted, nor are URL’s or temporal language used. Promotional language is a no-go and anything that even appears to mention ‘limited offer’ or ‘best seller’ will not pass the mark.

• Image file name - Your file name will not display if it contains any special characters, spaces, or dashes, but it does need to contain a product identifier and then be followed by a file extension such as; ASIN, ISBN, EAN, JAN, or UPC.

Amazon’s main product image requirements

First impressions last and make a bigger impact than you think. Your main page image is the first contact customers have with your brand and product, it needs to be the hero of the story. There is no point in putting your best image at the end of the offered image slots as a surprise element, your product may not even be clicked on or is simply looked over because it was not appealing enough.

Make your first image count, and by following a few tips you can avoid a whole lot of headaches.

• Blank space - This does not mean ‘off white,’ ‘cream,’ or ‘light grey,’ blank means pure white, and anything else may not be allowed to upload or will be taken down if Amazon bots find out.

• Clarity - A well-lit, concise image will elevate your product. Don’t clutter additional objects around or with it, and be sure the image is a true representation of the product, not an overly-filtered wish list item. This will only lead to returns and bad reviews.

• Framing - All products should fill up to 85% of the frame excluding media items such as videos, books, or music which should fill 100% of the frame.

• Texts and graphics - No texts or additional graphics should be on the main image, secondary images yes, and by no means is an imitational promotional Amazon badge permitted.

• Image slots - Make the most of all the available image slots, the more images the better as Amazon sees this as a more immersive customer experience. Hook them with the main image and follow through with high-quality secondary images.

• Relevancy - Make sure your follow-up images relate to the first image, not necessarily as strict on requirements, but still engaging.

• Create a story - Following the main image, your secondary images are where you can get more in-depth. Use close-ups of particular stand-out features, and show the product from different angles and in real-life contexts.

• Tap into customer emotion - Your initial purpose is to connect emotionally with your audience. When you appeal to emotion it is a quick transition to link it to a need and then shine a spotlight on the shortcomings of competitors (mentioning no names, of course). You want to appeal to their concern and the necessity to find a solution.

Amazon product listing gallery dimensions

• Additional images in the product listing gallery should show the product from different angles and in different use cases.

• Amazon allows only one infographic or lifestyle image in the product listing gallery.

• The image should be at least 1000 pixels on the longest side, and the aspect ratio should be between 1:1 and 1.5:1.

• The gallery image should be at least 500 pixels on the longest side.

• The maximum file size for the gallery image is 10 MB.

Amazon product listing gallery dimensions and the lingo to match can quickly become overwhelming, with all the pixel and ratio jargon it is easy to see why so many sellers fear trying to get onto the Amazon platform. Fear not, we are here to help.

We have simplified the requirements as stated by Amazon and converted them into the language of use mere mortals so we can easily digest what is being asked of us. There aren’t too many rules to adhere to, but those that there are should be taken with respect and business-minded consideration. Let’s see what they are;

1. Anything between 500 pixels - 10,000 pixels is acceptable for Amazon image dimensions. They do recommend, however, using a minimum of 1000 pixels on at least one of the longer sides. This helps with zoom features which essentially begin at 1000 pixels on the longest side and 500 pixels on the shorter.

2. 10MB is your maximum capacity for file size with favored formats such as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and GIF, with JPEG being the most highly recommended.

3. Limiting white space around your product will always work in your favor but make sure any cropping maximizes product size.

Does Amazon allow 360-degree images?

Yes, 360-degree image capabilities are available on Amazon.

With a view from every angle and in a 360-degree rotation, the product spin offers sellers a more interactive and efficient way of presenting their products to customers. And in doing so, consumers enjoy a more immersive, somewhat hands-on experience as if shopping in the store.

Amazon quickly took to the notion of 360-degree product imagery after an unusually short test pilot period of only 60 days. They quickly saw higher-than-normal conversion rates and expanded their imagery features across the list of categories.

How many images to include on an Amazon listing?

Considering how many images to include in your Amazon listing is simple, use all 7 of the allotted image slots.

Potential customers want to be sold on a product, and the best way to do that is to provide them with as much information as possible, and part of that presentation is high-quality imagery. You have the standard main page image which needs to meet Amazon image requirements, and from there you can spread your wings.

Give customers variety. Show the product being used in real-life contexts, zoom in on fine details and craftsmanship, and show customers what they will be missing out on if they don’t purchase this product. You want to add infographics without overcrowding the image, but also not leaving them wondering about any features.

Amazon images in the product description

Adding Amazon images in product descriptions is the best technique to offer customers a more well-rounded understanding of the product and the features, and in turn, boost sales, ultimately increasing long-term conversion rates.

Include images of the product being used by regular people doing regular activities which connects with the customer’s emotions and thinking that they could be using that product. Images should always be of the highest quality, with subtle infographics for a cohesive brand message.

Be sure that product description images match the product listing gallery images to prevent confusion, frustration, and worse, mistrust from customers.

How to add images to Amazon product description

Knowing how to add images to Amazon product descriptions, when done right, will boost your conversion rates by at least 5.6% (as mentioned by Amazon and implementing A+ tools). The main objective is to drive online traffic to your listing, and this can be made easier by including images in your descriptions, here’s how you can do that;

1. Make sure your products and images meet Amazon’s requirements and you are eligible to go ahead with adding your product listing imagery.

2. Choosing an ideal module next will help to highlight features about your product that sets it apart from the competition. This will include your logos, images (all of them), comparison charts, and technical specifications such as dimensions, size, and weight.

3. Adding images and content at this stage is where the magic happens. Refined titles with keyword-rich descriptions can be uploaded and any additional features such as hover-over zoom capabilities.

4. Apply your ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) which will match the A+ content you have created.

5. Review your presentation and product imagery and details once more. Take a moment to preview your listing on both mobile and desktop versions if possible to ensure it is optimized for both. Click submit and wait for final approval. Amazon will evaluate and raise a red flag if anything violates its terms or requirements.

Amazon listing image optimizers

Amazon listing image optimizers are simple yet effective and will elevate your brand to page one of the results page- when done well. This is a quick round-up of everything we have detailed above for a glance to use as a refresher when you are feeling overwhelmed getting your company, brand, and products on Amazon.

• Your main image must be your brand ambassador, the star of the show. A plain background where your product is the sole focus.

• Every image slot counts so fill them up. Use high-quality images of your product from different angles, in use, and highlighting key features that make it a must-have item.

• Sizing plays a big role and using images that are 1000 pixels and above will be a safe bet and allow for the images to be zoomed in on for a closer look.

• Sell to your target customer, this makes an emotional connection and they see themselves in your product image. Let customers see the product fills their needs.

• Keep texts and infographics to a minimum, customers don’t want to read a novel on your image.

• Check category requirements to prevent all your hard work from being wasted because the dimensions or ratios are not to size.

And finally…

When it all boils down to it you want your customer to look at your product, browse the secondary images, and know everything there is to know about your great item. They aren’t left with the feeling of wanting more, uncertain if specific features are met, but are rather handed everything on a silver platter with great imagery to match. Win-win.