eBay photo requirements: every listing needs at least one photo, each at least 500 pixels on the longest side, and eBay recommends about 1600×1600. You can add up to 24 photos per listing. Photos can't have added borders, text or watermarks, and used items need real photos of the item, not stock images. Files can be up to 12 MB.
eBay is more relaxed than Amazon or Walmart about backgrounds, but stricter about honesty, because so much of what sells there is used, vintage or one of a kind. Buyers want to see the exact item, flaws included. This guide covers eBay picture size, how many photos to use, what the picture policy bans, how to shoot used items, and a checklist for every listing.
- Minimum size: 500 px on the longest side. Below that, the photo won't upload.
- Recommended size: about 1600×1600 px, square, so zoom works and photos look sharp on mobile.
- Count: up to 24 photos per listing. Use as many as it takes to show every angle and flaw.
- Banned: added borders, text, promotional graphics and watermarks of any kind.
- Used items: no stock or catalog photos; show the actual item you're selling.
What size should eBay photos be?
Upload photos of at least 500 pixels on the longest side, and ideally around 1600×1600 pixels. 500 is eBay's hard minimum. 1600 is eBay's own recommendation and gives buyers a sharp zoom. Square (1:1) photos display best in search results and on the item page, and eBay notes widescreen (16:9) also works.
| Requirement | eBay's rule | What to aim for |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum size | 500 px on the longest side | 1600 px or more |
| Recommended size | About 1600×1600 px | 1600×1600 to 2000×2000 px |
| Aspect ratio | Square or 16:9 look best | Square (1:1) |
| Photos per listing | At least 1, up to 24 | 8 to 12 for most items; more for complex ones |
| File size | Up to 12 MB per file | 1–3 MB JPEG |
| File formats | JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, WEBP, HEIC, AVIF | JPEG |
| Background | Uncluttered and neutral; white generally best | White or light grey |
eBay's photo size, count and picture policy rules were checked in October 2026. Marketplaces change their rules, so confirm the current requirements in your seller dashboard before you upload a large batch.
Photos taken on any recent phone are far bigger than 1600 pixels, so size is rarely the problem. Blur, poor lighting and cluttered backgrounds are. Some categories, such as vehicles, have their own photo setups, so check the listing form for your category. If you want every photo as a matching 1600×1600 square, our free marketplace image resizer pads or crops a phone photo to that exact size.
How many photos can you put on eBay?
Up to 24 photos per listing, and there's no extra fee for using all of them. The right number depends on the item. A new, sealed item in its box might need six. A used camera, a vintage jacket or a car part might need twenty, because every scratch, label and serial number is a question a buyer would otherwise message you about.
| Item type | Suggested photos | Must include |
|---|---|---|
| New in box | 5–8 | Front, back, sides, seal, any model number |
| Used electronics | 10–15 | Powered on, ports, serial label, every scratch |
| Clothing and shoes | 8–12 | Front, back, tags, size label, soles, flaws |
| Collectibles and vintage | 12–24 | Maker's marks, signatures, wear, scale |
| Parts and accessories | 6–12 | Part numbers, connectors, fit points |
What does eBay's picture policy ban?
eBay bans photos that misrepresent the item or carry anything added on top. Breaking the policy can get a listing removed and, if repeated, lead to account restrictions.
- Borders and frames added around the photo.
- Text, artwork or promotional graphics laid over the image, such as "Free shipping" or "Best price".
- Watermarks of any kind, including ones meant to show who owns the photo.
- Stock or catalog photos for used, damaged or faulty items. Buyers need to see the actual item.
- Photos that don't match the item, such as a different color or model.
- Placeholder images used to deliver a message instead of showing the item.
eBay also advises against badges, logos and copyright notices on photos, since they can affect where a listing appears in search. Branding printed on the item itself is fine.
eBay only keeps listing photos for a limited time after a listing ends. Keep your own originals in a folder named by SKU so you can relist without reshooting.
Does eBay require a white background?
No. eBay asks for an uncluttered, neutral background and says white is generally best, but it doesn't require pure white the way Amazon does. A white or light grey background makes the item stand out in a search grid full of photos taken on carpets and kitchen tables, which is a real advantage. eBay also notes that shiny items such as jewelry can look better on a darker background.
For the main photo, show the whole item face-on, since that is what appears in search. For a bundle, show every item in the bundle. For a single item, don't show other colors or variations.
Put your eBay main photo on a clean white or light grey background in seconds, and keep the item exactly as you photographed it.
Clean up an eBay photo7 days free · 50 credits · No credit cardHow to photograph used items for eBay
Used items sell on trust, and photos are where you earn it. Disclosing flaws in photos reduces returns and "item not as described" claims.
- Main photo: the whole item, face-on, filling most of the frame, on a plain background.
- Every side: back, sides, top and bottom.
- Labels and numbers: brand, model, serial number, size tag, care label.
- Flaws, close up: scratches, stains, chips and wear, each in its own photo, in good light.
- Working condition: electronics powered on, zips closed, lids opened.
- Scale: a ruler, coin or hand next to the item when size isn't obvious.
- Everything included: cables, cases, manuals, laid out together.
Shoot near a window in daylight rather than under yellow ceiling lights, which shift colors and hide detail. Our guide to taking product photos with your phone covers a simple home setup.
Common eBay photo mistakes
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cluttered background | The item gets lost in a search grid. | Plain background, or replace it digitally. |
| Dark or yellow lighting | Colors look wrong; buyers file claims. | Daylight from a window, no flash. |
| Only one or two photos | Buyers assume you're hiding something. | Use 8 or more for most items. |
| Hiding flaws | Returns and not-as-described cases. | Close-up of every flaw. |
| Stock photo for a used item | Breaks the picture policy. | Photograph the actual item. |
| Watermark or text overlay | Breaks the picture policy. | Export clean photos. |
| Item too small in frame | Looks unclear as a thumbnail. | Crop so the item fills the square. |
Pre-listing checklist
- Every photo is at least 500 px on the longest side; the main one is around 1600×1600.
- The main photo shows the whole item face-on on a plain background.
- No borders, text, logos or watermarks on any photo.
- Used items show the real item, not a stock image.
- Every flaw has its own clear close-up.
- Labels, model numbers and size tags are readable.
- Colors look true in daylight.
- You've used enough photos to answer the obvious questions.
Cleaning up eBay photos with AiArter
AiArter keeps the product pixels from your photo and changes only the background, which matters on eBay where the photo has to show the real item.
- White main photo (4 credits). The item is cut out and placed on pure white, centered in a 2000×2000 frame, with an optional soft shadow. That clears eBay's 1600 px recommendation.
- Light grey or other plain backgrounds (4 credits) if white washes out a pale item, or Charcoal and Black for jewelry and shiny pieces.
- Lifestyle scenes (8 credits) for new items, as an extra photo after the main one.
- Upscale (3 credits) an older, smaller photo with the AI image upscaler so it reaches zoom size.
- Bulk. The bulk background remover handles up to 50 photos per batch with one ZIP download; failed photos aren't charged.
- Titles and descriptions. The listing copy writer drafts them from the details you give it.
Leave flaw close-ups as they are. Editing the background of a condition photo is fine; editing the flaw out is not. For background techniques, see how to make a product photo background white and removing backgrounds from multiple images. If you also sell on Amazon, its rules are stricter; our Amazon product image requirements guide covers the differences.
Frequently asked questions
What size should eBay pictures be?
eBay pictures must be at least 500 pixels on the longest side, and eBay recommends about 1600×1600 pixels. Square photos display best. Files can be up to 12 MB.
How many photos can I put on eBay?
You can add up to 24 photos to an eBay listing at no extra cost. Every listing needs at least one. Most items do well with 8 to 12; used and collectible items often need more.
Can I use stock photos on eBay?
Not for used, damaged or faulty items; those need photos of the actual item. Catalog photos can be used for some new items, but your own photos usually build more trust.
Does eBay allow watermarks on photos?
No. eBay's picture policy bans watermarks of any kind, as well as added borders, text and promotional graphics. Branding printed on the item itself is fine.
What is the best background for eBay photos?
An uncluttered, neutral background; eBay says white is generally best. Light grey works for pale items, and a darker background can suit jewelry and shiny items.
Why are my eBay photos blurry?
Usually because the source photo is small, was taken in low light, or was cropped heavily. Shoot in daylight, tap to focus, and upload photos around 1600 pixels or larger so zoom stays sharp.
Upload your item photos and get clean white or grey main photos at 2000×2000, with the item itself left exactly as you shot it.
Start free trialSee pricing7 days free · 50 credits · No credit card. Trial images carry a small “Made with aiarter” mark; paid plans export clean files you can use commercially.
