Key takeaways
- Follow current image rules by category.
- Give every image a clear job.
- Check legibility at phone size.
- Keep images consistent with the product.
Know the rules first
Amazon sets technical and content rules for images, particularly for the main image, such as background, framing, resolution and what may appear. Requirements vary by category and change, so read the current guidelines before producing images, because non-compliant images can be removed or suppress listings.
The main image
The main image appears in search results and must clearly show the product. Make it sharp, well-lit and correctly framed. It is judged in a small thumbnail among competitors, so check how it looks at that size.
Plan the image set
Give each secondary image a job: show scale, key features, use in context, what is included, variants, packaging or care instructions. Plan the sequence so a shopper who sees only the first few images still gets the essentials.
- Main image: clear product
- Features and benefits
- Scale and dimensions
- Lifestyle and use
- What is in the box
Infographics
Infographic images combine product images with short text. Keep text large and minimal, accurate and consistent with the listing. Avoid claims you cannot support.
Lifestyle photography
Context images help shoppers imagine owning the product. Choose settings and models that match your audience, and keep the product visible and central.
Mobile legibility
Check every image at phone size. If text cannot be read or the product is lost, redesign it.
Maintain consistency
Use consistent style, color and lighting across images so the set looks professional, and ensure the images match the physical product, including packaging.
A worked example
A seller of a kitchen tool notices that shoppers misjudge its size. They add an image showing the tool next to common objects with dimensions, and move it into the second position. Questions about size fall and returns for wrong size decrease.
Common mistakes
Typical mistakes include non-compliant main images, tiny text and stock-looking lifestyle shots that do not show the product clearly. Review images against the checklist before upload.
A photography and design brief
Give photographers and designers a written brief: the shopper questions each image should answer, the required sizes and background rules, the props and settings, the text to appear on infographics and the claims that have been verified. Include reference images you like and dislike.
A clear brief reduces revision rounds and ensures that every image supports the listing's job rather than just looking attractive.
Your next three steps
Improve your image set with a short brief.
- Check the main image against the current rules for your category.
- Assign each secondary image a specific job.
- Review every image at phone size and replace anything unclear.
Key terms
A few terms used above, in plain language.
- Main image: the first image shown in search results.
- Infographic: an image combining product views with short text.
- Lifestyle image: a photo showing the product in use.
Frequently asked questions
How many images should I use?
Use the available slots wisely, giving each a purpose rather than filling them for the sake of it.
Can I use text on the main image?
Rules are strict for main images. Check the current guidelines.
This guide is general information. Amazon's fees, policies and program rules change and vary by marketplace, so confirm current details in Seller Central and, for tax or legal questions, with a qualified adviser.