eBay Picture Requirements 2026: Size and Photo Rules
eBay picture requirements for 2026: 500 px minimum, 1600 px recommended, up to 24 photos, plain backgrounds and what eBay bans: borders, text, watermarks.
· 6 min read
Quick answer
eBay requires at least one photo that is 500 pixels on the longest side, and recommends 1600 x 1600 pixels or higher. You can add up to 24 photos, and eBay asks for a plain white or neutral background. Borders, added text or artwork, marketing material and watermarks of any kind aren't allowed.
What are eBay's picture requirements?
eBay splits this across two pages. The picture policy sets the rules you must follow, and Seller Center's photo tips page says what eBay recommends. Together they cover most of what you need.
Spec | What eBay says |
|---|---|
Minimum size | At least one photo that is 500 pixels on the longest side |
Recommended size | 1600 x 1600 pixels or higher |
Photos per listing | Up to 24 |
Background | Plain white or neutral and uncluttered |
Not allowed | Added borders, added text, artwork or marketing material, and watermarks of any kind, including ownership attributions |
Accuracy | Photos must accurately show the item. Placeholder images used to convey messages aren't allowed |
Stock photos | Not allowed for used, damaged or defective items |
Lighting | Bright overhead light, no flash and no filters (a recommendation) |
AI-generated scenes | Use them for only a few photos, and they must not distract from the item |
eBay's pages don't list accepted file types or a maximum file size, so we haven't given any. The listing tool will tell you if a file is rejected.
What size should eBay photos be?
The floor is 500 pixels on the longest side, and eBay's own advice is to aim for 1600 x 1600 pixels or higher. The gap between those two numbers is the point. A 500 pixel photo meets the rule, but a larger one holds up better when a shopper zooms in or views it on a big screen. Shoot big and let eBay scale down.
What can't I put on an eBay photo?
Borders added to the image.
Text, artwork or marketing material added to the photo, such as sale banners or shop names.
Watermarks of any kind, including a mark that shows who owns the photo.
Photos that don't accurately show the item, or placeholder images used to send a message.
Stock photos for used, damaged or defective items. Photograph the actual item.
eBay says violations can lead to a listing being removed, a warning, restricted activity or account suspension, so it's worth getting this right on the first upload.
What makes a good first eBay photo?
Your first photo is the one that appears in search results. eBay's advice is to center the item, show all of it, and fill the frame as much as you can. After that, use close-ups for textures, tags, labels and details, and show every side. For used items, include close-ups of any blemishes, damage or wear. If an item comes in variants, show only the variant you're selling.
Can you shoot photos for eBay?
Yes. We're a ship-in studio, so you mail us your products and we send back finished photos. There's nothing to schedule in person, and our product photography near me page explains how that works wherever you are. White background photos are $35 each, $29 each from 31 photos and $25 each from 100, with no minimum, which suits a catalog of many small listings. If you sell on several channels, our ecommerce product photography page covers the options, and flat lay photography works well for clothing and flat items. Our pricing page has a calculator.
Where to check these specs yourself
eBay can change these pages at any time. We read both on November 11, 2026:
eBay Picture policy (the 500 pixel minimum and what's not allowed)
eBay Seller Center: Take great photos (1600 pixel recommendation, up to 24 photos, background and framing advice)
Last checked November 11, 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum picture size on eBay?
eBay requires at least one photo that is 500 pixels on the longest side. Seller Center recommends 1600 x 1600 pixels or higher.
How many photos can I add to an eBay listing?
eBay's Seller Center photo tips say up to 24 photos per listing, with each item photographed individually.
Can I add text or a border to my eBay photos?
No. eBay doesn't allow added borders, added text, artwork or marketing material, or watermarks of any kind.
Does eBay require a white background?
eBay's photo tips recommend a plain white or neutral, uncluttered background. The picture policy itself bans borders, added text and watermarks, and requires photos that accurately show the item.
Sam Werkmeister
Sam Werkmeister, founder and CEO of ProductPhoto, has over two decades of experience in product photography.
