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eBay Image Requirements for Sellers (2026): Sizes, Policies, and Photo Best Practices That Prevent Rejections

Published Feb 13, 2026
eBay Image Requirements for Sellers (2026): Sizes, Policies, and Photo Best Practices That Prevent Rejections

Learn eBay’s image requirements for sellers—minimum and recommended sizes, file limits, prohibited edits (text, borders, watermarks), format rules, and practical photo workflows to reduce returns and improve listing performance.

On eBay, your images are your storefront. Buyers rarely read full descriptions before scanning photos. High-quality product images increase trust, reduce returns, and improve click-through rates from search results.

Research consistently shows that product image quality strongly influences purchase decisions. In fact, studies show that over 60% of online shoppers consider product imagery a critical factor in buying decisions. On eBay specifically, clear condition-focused images reduce “Item Not As Described” claims — one of the most common causes of returns.

Good images do three things:

  • Show the product clearly
  • Show the true condition
  • Remove buyer uncertainty

If your photos answer questions before buyers ask them, your conversion rate improves.

Official eBay Image Size Requirements

To avoid upload errors or listing suppression, your images must meet eBay’s minimum technical standards.

Minimum Image Size

  • At least 500 x 500 pixels

Recommended Image Size

  • Around 1600 x 1600 pixels for optimal clarity

Images smaller than 500 pixels may be rejected. Images around 1600 pixels display sharply across desktop and mobile devices.

If your image is too small, use a proper resize tool like https://plomz.com/resize-image to upscale proportionally without distortion.

Maximum File Size and File Format Rules

Maximum File Size

  • Up to 12MB per image

Accepted Formats

  • JPEG (recommended)
  • PNG
  • GIF
  • TIFF
  • BMP
  • WebP
  • HEIC
  • AVIF

Although many formats are accepted, JPEG is typically best for product photos because it balances clarity and file size.

If your supplier sends images in WebP or HEIC format and you encounter upload issues, convert them using:

How Many Photos Can You Add?

eBay allows up to 24 images per listing.

More images typically mean:

  • Fewer buyer questions
  • Lower return rates
  • Higher buyer confidence

Recommended photo structure:

  1. Main front image
  2. Back view
  3. Side angles
  4. Close-ups of details
  5. Serial numbers or tags
  6. Accessories included
  7. Flaws or defects
  8. In-scale image (showing size reference)

eBay Picture Policy: What Is Prohibited

Many sellers lose listing visibility due to policy violations. Avoid these mistakes:

  • No added text overlays (e.g., “Free Shipping”)
  • No borders or frames
  • No promotional graphics
  • No phone numbers or website URLs
  • No watermarks
  • No placeholder images
  • No stock images for used items

Your image must show the actual item being sold.

Even small text added in a corner can result in listing removal.

Background and Composition Best Practices

eBay recommends:

  • Neutral or white background
  • Uncluttered scene
  • Full item visible in main image
  • Well-lit environment

Square (1:1) images typically perform best because they display consistently in search results.

If your background looks messy, reshoot instead of editing text or graphics into the image.

Category-Specific Image Guidelines

Different categories require different visual proof.

Electronics

  • Screen powered on
  • Model number
  • Ports and connections
  • Battery health (if applicable)
  • All accessories included
  • Cosmetic wear close-ups

Clothing & Fashion

  • Front and back
  • Fabric texture close-up
  • Tag and size label
  • Measurements
  • Any stains or flaws

Collectibles

  • Front and back
  • Corners and edges
  • Surface glare check under light
  • Close-ups of imperfections

Used Items

Always photograph defects clearly. This reduces disputes significantly.

How to Optimize Images Without Breaking Policy

Many sellers upload raw 4000px smartphone images. This creates large file sizes and slow uploads.

Better workflow:

  1. Resize to around 1600px longest side https://plomz.com/resize-image

  2. Compress for web performance https://plomz.com/compress-image

  3. Convert to JPEG if necessary https://plomz.com/png-to-jpg

This ensures:

  • Faster uploads
  • Cleaner presentation
  • Better mobile experience
  • Reduced rejection risk

Common Reasons eBay Images Underperform

Even if accepted, images may still hurt performance:

  • Blurry main image
  • Too few images
  • No defect photos
  • Poor lighting
  • Inconsistent cropping
  • Excessively large files
  • Over-compressed grainy photos

Your main image acts as your thumbnail in search results. If it lacks clarity, buyers scroll past.

Advanced Seller Strategy: Reducing Returns With Visual Transparency

One proven technique among experienced sellers is deliberate over-disclosure.

Instead of hiding minor flaws:

  • Zoom in on scratches
  • Show wear under bright light
  • Add measurement photos
  • Include scale references

This transparency reduces buyer disappointment and builds long-term trust.

Pre-Upload Checklist for eBay Sellers

Before clicking “List Item,” confirm:

  • Image is at least 500px
  • Ideally around 1600px
  • Under 12MB
  • No text overlays
  • No borders
  • No watermarks
  • Neutral background
  • Clear defect photos included
  • Consistent aspect ratio
  • Multiple angles uploaded

Following this checklist prevents most common listing problems.

Final Thoughts

On eBay, images are not decoration — they are evidence.

Strong, compliant images:

  • Increase clicks
  • Improve buyer trust
  • Reduce returns
  • Protect seller metrics

If you build a consistent workflow for resizing, compressing, and converting images properly before upload, you eliminate nearly all technical rejections and improve listing performance significantly.

By P. Bissiwu @2026