Amazon Photos: Requirements and best practices

Fotoprostudio
Aug 7
4 min read

On Amazon, the image is everything

On Amazon, your product cannot be touched, tested, or smelled. It can only be seen. That’s why photography is not just an accessory: it is your storefront, your salesperson, and your first sales pitch. If your images don’t convince within milliseconds, you lose the customer’s attention—and the sale.

This post not only covers the technical requirements Amazon demands but also highlights the most common mistakes, what truly leads to penalties, and what leading brands are already doing to stand out visually in the Amazon jungle.

Laptop with Amazon Image on Screen — **This is how we take care of every detail in our product photos for Amazon**

1. Main Image: Pure white background with no exceptions

Amazon makes it clear: the main image must show only the product on a pure white background (#FFFFFF), with no included accessories, no text or logos, no watermarks, and no creative retouching. The product must fill at least 85% of the frame.

Recommended dimensions:

Minimum: 1000 px on each side (recommended: 2000 px or more).
Aspect ratio: square or 5:4.

Common mistake: uploading an image with an “almost white” or light gray background. Amazon detects this as non-compliant and may block the listing.

2. Minimum of 6 images per product (and 7 if possible)

Amazon allows up to 9 images per product, of which 7 are visible in the main gallery. Using them all is not optional—it’s strategic.

Recommended structure:

Main image.
Rear or side view.
Detail of material or finishes.
Product in use (lifestyle).
Scale (size comparison).
Highlighted benefits or key features.
Differentiation from the competition.

Useful fact: Products with more than 5 images generate up to 30% higher conversion, according to Amazon’s internal data.

3. Lifestyle Photography: Essential (Although not mandatory)

Although Amazon only requires a white background for the main image, lifestyle images (showing the product in use or context) are crucial for building trust, demonstrating true scale, and sparking desire.

Tip: Avoid generic stock photos. Consumers can tell when images are fake or reused. If possible, arrange a real photoshoot with people, hands, and authentic settings. Authenticity sells.

4. Use of text and graphics: Allowed, but with discretion

In secondary images, you may include text, icons, infographics, or even explanatory captions—but use them sparingly. Amazon penalizes visual overload.

Do it right:

Use clear and legible fonts.
Avoid information overload.
Highlight only key benefits (e.g., “100% organic cotton” or “30 days battery life”).

Avoid:

Vague marketing phrases (“the best on the market”).
Overlapping text that’s hard to read on mobile.
Unofficial logos or certifications.

5. Aesthetic consistency across your brand’s products

If your images look like they come from different suppliers, you are breaking your visual identity. Amazon is a sales channel but also an opportunity to strengthen your branding.

Recommendation:

Always use the same background, lighting style, and shooting angle across your entire range.
Align colors, margins, and retouching style.

This creates a perception of professionalism and trust.

6. Technical Specifications: Don’t leave it to chance

Amazon may reject images that do not meet the following technical specifications:

Format: JPEG (preferred), PNG, or TIFF.
Color: RGB (not CMYK).
Resolution: 72 dpi or higher.
Maximum file size: 10 MB.

Pro tip: Make sure the file name is clean (no unusual characters) and properly linked to the product SKU.

7. Beware of Over-Editing and Photoshop

Amazon seeks realistic images, not catalog renders. Over-editing can lead to negative reviews if the product doesn’t look like the image.

The ideal approach: take a good photo from the start, then adjust brightness, contrast, and color naturally.

Avoid:

Artificial smoothing.
Unrealistically saturated colors.
AI “hallucinations” that distort textures.

8. What happensif you don’t comply?: Penalties and suspension

Amazon enforces visual penalties on two levels:

Soft block: the image is automatically rejected and not published.
Hard block: the listing becomes inactive or is removed. Repeated offenses may result in account suspension.

Non-compliant images can also lower your organic ranking if they fail to meet standards or cause negative metrics (bounce rates, low conversion, returns).

9. Photography with Models: When to use it and when not to

Amazon allows images with human models as long as they meet the following conditions:

The model does not obscure the product.
There are no offensive gestures or suggestive poses.
The clothing shown is available for sale (without unrelated accessories).

Tip: Ideal for clothing, footwear, jewelry, or items that require body scale. These images increase CTR and conversion.

10. Mobile Optimization: 70% of your buyers use it

Over 70% of Amazon traffic comes from mobile devices. This means your images must look good on small screens.

Recommendations:

Use close-up and clear shots.
Prioritize clean backgrounds and high contrast.
Ensure any added text is readable in thumbnail size.

Conclusion: Selling on Amazon is visual. Everything else is just text.

You can have the best product, the best price, and the best reviews. But if your photos don’t showcase it professionally, you will lose the sale.

Investing in Amazon photography is not just about meeting a requirement. It’s about mastering the world’s most competitive channel. And in that arena, whoever masters the image, masters the sale.