PicBarn

eBay · checked 2026-11-04

eBay picture policy: image requirements for listings

eBay's picture policy is short and mostly about honesty: real photos of the real item, with nothing added. Here is the full list, quoted from eBay.

The rules

Required, recommended and banned, in the platform's own words.

  • At least 500 pixels on the longest side

    "Photos must be at least 500 pixels on the longest side."

  • At least one photo

    Every listing must include at least one photo.

  • Photos must represent the item

    Photos that don't accurately represent the item are not allowed.

  • No placeholder messages

    Placeholder images used to convey messages are not allowed.

  • No stock photos for used items

    Stock photos are not allowed for used, damaged or defective items.

  • No added borders

    Photos with added borders are not allowed.

  • No added text, artwork or marketing

    Photos with added text, artwork or marketing material are not allowed.

  • No watermarks

    Watermarks of any type are not allowed.

What this means in practice

eBay's policy sets a low floor for size, 500 pixels on the longest side, and spends the rest of its rules on what you must not add. No borders, no text, no artwork, no marketing material and no watermark of any kind, including a shop logo in the corner. That means an Amazon-style infographic with callouts and feature text does not belong in an eBay listing.

For used, damaged or defective items the stock-photo ban is the one that matters: buyers need to see the actual item, scuffs included. Photograph the real piece in good light, show any damage clearly, and add close-ups rather than relying on a manufacturer image.

The policy does not mention AI by name; its test is whether a photo accurately represents the item. For eBay, run your own photo through PicBarn's pure-white main image tab and skip infographics, since added text and artwork are not allowed.

Sources

Platform pages read on 2026-11-04. Rules change; the links are the current word.

Questions

What is the minimum photo size on eBay?

500 pixels on the longest side. Larger images look better when buyers zoom, so export well above the minimum.

Can I add my logo or a watermark to eBay photos?

No. eBay does not allow watermarks of any type, or added borders, text, artwork or marketing material.

Can I use a stock photo on eBay?

Not for used, damaged or defective items. Those listings need photos of the actual item.

Can I use an AI-generated background on eBay?

eBay's picture policy does not name AI. It bans photos that do not accurately represent the item, so any edit must leave the item exactly as it is, and nothing may be added on top of the photo.

Check an image against these rules

Free, no account: upload a product image and see which rows pass as a main image and as a gallery image.

Open the checker

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