eBay · Photo requirements
eBay photo requirements (2026): size, count and picture policy
eBay allows up to 24 photos, needs at least 500 px on the longest side and recommends about 1600 × 1600. File limits, formats and what the picture policy bans.
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Key takeaways
- Every eBay listing needs at least one photo, and you can add up to 24.
- Photos must be at least 500 pixels on the longest side. eBay recommends about 1600 × 1600.
- The picture policy bans added borders, added text or artwork, watermarks of any type, and stock photos for used, damaged or defective items.
- White backgrounds are generally best, though eBay suggests a darker background can work better for shiny items.
eBay’s rules are short, but they’re enforced: listings that break the picture policy can be removed. A note on sources: eBay.com’s help pages blocked our automated check in October 2026, so the figures below come from the same eBay help articles (picture policy 4370 and adding pictures 4148) on ebay.co.uk and ebay.ca. The two differ on file size, so treat your own uploader as the final word.
eBay photo requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What eBay says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of photos | At least 1, up to 24 | Adding pictures |
| Minimum size | 500 px on the longest side (the photo tips also say a minimum of 500 × 500) | Picture policy |
| Recommended size | About 1600 × 1600 px (eBay Canada: 1600 px on the longest side) | UK · Canada |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 or 16:9 generally look best in listings and search | Adding pictures |
| File size | Up to 12 MB each on eBay UK. eBay Canada: 7 MB from a computer, 12 MB from a web address | UK · Canada |
| File formats | JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, WEBP, HEIC, AVIF | Adding pictures |
| Background | Uncluttered, neutral backdrop; white generally best; darker can suit shiny or reflective items | Adding pictures |
| Main photo | Shows the whole item face-on; it’s the photo in search results | Adding pictures |
If you only need the eBay photo size: aim for about 1600 × 1600 px, and never go under 500 px on the longest side. A square photo also fits eBay’s note that 1:1 generally looks best in search.
Does eBay require a white background?
No. eBay’s picture policy doesn’t mention backgrounds at all. The photo tips in its adding pictures guide suggest an uncluttered space and a neutral backdrop, say white backgrounds are generally best, and note that a darker background may work better for shiny or reflective items like jewelry. eBay’s own listing tool can also swap a background for solid white. So white is a recommendation, not a rule. What the policy does enforce is accuracy: no added borders, text or watermarks.
What eBay’s picture policy doesn’t allow
- Photos that don’t accurately represent the item
- Placeholder images used to convey messages
- Stock photos for used, damaged or defective items
- Added borders
- Added text, artwork or marketing material
- Watermarks of any type, including ownership watermarks
That list is from eBay’s picture policy. The photo tips add that badges, logos and copyright notices can affect your listing’s placement in search. For bundles, the main photo should show every item for sale; for single items, it shouldn’t show variations.
Photos eBay buyers expect
- Several angles, with the main photo showing the whole item face-on
- Clear close-ups of any flaws, scratches or imperfections
- A coin or ruler next to the item when its size isn’t obvious
- Sharp photos without glare: eBay suggests a tripod or timer and avoiding flash
These come from the photo tips in eBay’s adding pictures guide. eBay keeps copies of your photos in completed listings for up to 90 days, so you can reuse them when you relist.
How Photolister handles eBay photos
- Background removal onto Studio White or Pure White gives you the clean, neutral backdrop eBay recommends
- Paid photo packs include an eBay export preset at 1600 × 1600 JPG, which matches eBay’s recommended size
- Consistent framing keeps the whole item in frame and similar items at a similar size in search
- It edits your own photos. It doesn’t create stock images, so used items still show the actual item
Check each edit against the original before listing, especially edges, labels and wear, and don’t add text, borders or watermarks afterward. eBay’s policy is about accuracy first. Your first five photos on Photolister’s free trial include standard 2000 × 2000 downloads in Studio White, Pure White, Concrete or Transparent. Marketplace export presets, restyles and custom backgrounds come with a one-time paid photo pack. Presets prepare files; they don’t guarantee a marketplace will accept a listing.
Selling the same items on your own store too? Read eBay and Shopify photos from one shoot, or compare every platform in the marketplace photo requirements table.