Amazon Photo Editing – Optimize & Boost Sales

Amazon photos are the only medium that helps customers evaluate and learn more about your product. 9.7 million sellers are on Amazon, and 1.9 million are active. Every day new sellers are joining. You successfully compete with your competitors by uploading appealing yet feature-rich and polished product photos. But the question is: How do you provide high-quality product photos on Amazon to boost conversion rates?

Amazon Photo Editing ensures you get a beautiful yet realistic image of your product. Curious: How do you edit photos, or does your business need to outsource Amazon photo editing services? You’ll get your answer by going through this article covering:

• Amazon’s Image Guidelines
• Impact of High-Quality Photos on Click-Through Rates (CTR)
• Essential Amazon Photo Editing Techniques
• Optimizing Lifestyle & Infographic Images for Conversions
• A/B Testing Product Images for Better Results
• Outsourcing vs. DIY Amazon Photo Editing
• Best Practices for Uploading Images to Amazon, and many more.

Before diving in-depth, let’s go through the definition of Amazon Photo editing.

What is Amazon Photo Editing?

Amazon photo editing is a service outsourcing from a reputed photo editing agency, freelancers, or DIY that helps improve Amazon product image. The service includes image masking, color correction, background removal, and other advanced photo editing. 

The Role of Product Images in Amazon Sales

A study of Business Dasher showcased that high-quality product photos earned a 94% higher conversion rate than low-quality photos. Also, quality images reduce return rates and increase potential buyers. As an Amazon seller, you might be aware that 75% of online shoppers rely on product photos to make a purchase decision. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the role of polished, organized-looking, and professional product images in Amazon sales:

First Impressions Matter

In the e-commerce platform, customers can’t physically touch or feel the product in person, so images are their primary communicational way of evaluating its quality. By uploading high-quality product images, you create a positive first impression, build trust, and convey professionalism. Also, well-lit and feature-detailed visuals can differentiate your product from competitors. 

For example, the Lavish Clothing brand is popular for its luxury and eco-friendly streetwear. If you visit their official site, you’ll notice clean and product-focused details. Remember, customers buy with their eyes within seconds based on product outlook. 

Amazon’s Image Guidelines

The general Amazon image guidelines for all images include –

• Product images must be in color, not in black & white.
• Product titles must match images.
• The product image must cover a minimum of 85% of the frame.
• Must showcase products in a frontal view.
• The size of images must be 500 to 1,000 pixels on the longest side for a sharp zoom view. 
• For models, apply straight posture, not sitting, kneeling, or in any non-standing position.

Amazon product image file requirements are:

• Product identifiers should not be added with characters like underscore, dash, etc. For example, A0125.main.jpg. However, the accepted identifiers are:
• ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Number)
• ISBN-13 (International Standard Book Number)
• EAN (European Article Number)
• JAN (Japanese Article Number)
• UPC (Universal Product Code)
• Character variant (optional): Amazon sellers have to add a character variant code for additional product image uploading. 

Technical requirements

• Every product on Amazon must have at least one image. 
• Preferable image file formats are JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg), TIFF (.tif), PNG (.png), or non-animated GIF (.gif). 
• Amazon recommends uploading at least six images and one video of the product.

What to Avoid in Amazon Images

• Avoid adding text, logos, borders, watermarks, or other graphics in the product image or background.
• Overpowering accessories, models, or backgrounds.
• Avoid using confusing and destructive props.
• Don’t ever use mannequins.
• Low-resolution images.
• Poor exposure and lighting.
• Not using a tripod for product photoshoots.
• Not properly optimized for SEO.
• Do not include images of customer reviews, five-star imagery, claims (for example, free shipping), or selling partner-specific information.
• Do not add any badge that is used by Amazon to feature their products, such as “Amazon’s Choice”, “Bestseller”, “Top Seller,” etc.

Check out some additional Amazon resources:

• Seller Central: Upload Product Images
• Product image requirements
• Store Creative Guidelines

Impact of High-Quality Photos on Click-Through Rates (CTR)

Amazon’s A9 algorithm considers CTR as a ranking factor, and high-quality product images can boost CTR. Potential buyers trust and get confidence to buy from Amazon best-sellers and popular brands for their amazing product visuals. Also, high-resolution images allow customers to inspect details closely, which builds confidence and increases the likelihood of a client. 

Essential Amazon Photo Editing Techniques

Every Amazon seller needs to upload 6 types of product images, such as –

• Main/hero image – the first product photo a visitor sees when searching for a product.
• Additional images – showcase different product angles, colors, etc.
• Infographic images – elaborate on how you use products, key features, etc. 
• Instructive images – user guide, instruction manual, warranty, etc. 
• Lifestyle images – show how it looks while used in real life. 
• Comparison Chart – describes why it’s better and how it helps. 

Though there are different product types to maintain consistency and provide the best quality Amazon images that sales, you need to touch-up photos. Below, we’ve highlighted the top 4 Amazon Photo Editing techniques: 

• Background Removal & White Background Compliance
  
  

One of the most crucial Amazon product photo editing​ techniques is removing busy backgrounds and using a pure white background for the main product image to ensure clarity and consistency. But for additional lifestyle or infographic images, the rule isn’t strict. Here are some background removal tips you can follow:

• Ensure the edges of the product are clean and sharp.
• Use the Magic Wand tool or pen tool to select and remove the background.
• Clean shadows or artifacts if left behind. 

• Color Correction & Enhancement
  
  

Expert Amazon product photo editors know how to make color corrections that enhance product visuals, which is crucial to building customer trust. The effective techniques you can follow: 

• Adjust Brightness, contrast, and saturation to make the product stand out.
• Use Levels or Curves to correct exposure and tonal range.
• Enhance colors using Hue/Saturation or Vibrance tools.
• Correct white balance is needed to ensure the product colors are accurate (use the Eyedropper Tool in a neutral area).
• Avoid oversaturation, as it can misrepresent the product.

• Shadow & Reflection Effects

Amazon image editors sometimes add a product-relevant drop shadow and reflections to add depth and realism to product images, making them more appealing to buyers. We’ve highlighted some useful hacks for adding shadow and reflection effects:

• Add a drop shadow to create a subtle 3D effect (ensure it’s natural, not too dark).
• Use reflection effects for a polished look, especially for glossy or reflective products like jewelry.
• Ensure shadows and reflections comply with Amazon’s guidelines (not allowed in the main image but acceptable in secondary images).
• Use layer styles in Photoshop to create realistic shadows and reflections.

• Image Resizing & Cropping
  
  

Image resizing and cropping help you achieve consistent shape and size across all photos and improve composition by eliminating unwanted elements. Remember, Amazon allows its sellers to upload 1280-pixel images on the longest side. If you don’t follow the rules properly, the image will be shown in poor quality. Other techniques are:

• Be sure to keep higher resolutions like 3000×3000 pixels for zoom functionality.
• Maintain a square or 4:5 aspect ratio to fit within the frame without distortion and Amazon’t listing layout.
• Crop images to focus on the product, removing unnecessary empty space.
• Use the Rule of Thirds for better composition, ensuring the product is centered and prominent.

However, to edit Amazon photos professionally, you need to get help from professional Amazon photo editors. 

Optimizing Lifestyle & Infographic Images for Conversions

Optimizing lifestyle, infographics, and before-and-after images help Amazon sellers increase conversions, engagement, and customer trust. Here’s a breakdown of key strategies: 

Lifestyle Photos

Lifestyle photos showcase your product in use and help customers visualize how they use it or fit it into their lives. For example, Sephora, the famous beauty brand, collaborates with influencers to showcase skincare, makeup, and other beauty products live. Follow these hacks and showcase yours:

• Show the product in action – Demonstrate use in a realistic setting (e.g., a coffee mug in a cozy kitchen).
• Use relatable models – If applicable, feature target demographic users for emotional appeal.
• Keep the focus on the product – Ensure it remains the hero of the image (avoid cluttered backgrounds).
• Highlight key benefits – Show how the product solves a problem.

Infographics & Text Overlays

One of the popular Amazon images is the infographic, which combines visuals and text to highlight key product features, benefits, and specifications. 

• Call Out Unique Selling Points (USPs) – Use bold, short text to highlight key benefits. Use Simple, Clean Fonts – Keep text readable on mobile devices.
• Focus on Benefits, Not Just Features – Instead of “Made of Stainless Steel,” say “Rust-Resistant & Long-Lasting.”
• Use Arrows & Labels – Direct attention to key features with callouts.
• Stick to Amazon Guidelines – Keep text minimal to avoid excessive clutter.

Before & After Comparisons

Before & after images visually demonstrate a problem-solution transformation, making them highly persuasive.

• Differentiate the Before & After – Show visible improvement in the “after” image.
• Use Realistic Enhancements – Avoid overly exaggerated or misleading edits.
• Make it Side-by-Side or Split-Screen – This makes it easy to compare results.
• Add Short Captions for Clarity – E.g., “Before: Dull Skin | After: Radiant Glow (After 4 Weeks).”

The Power of 360° & Zoomable Images

360-degree and zoomable product images change consumers’ online shopping perspectives by offering realistic experiences like brick-and-mortar stores. As per the Business Dasher study, 40% of sales increase due to 360-degree product photography, and 15% to 50% fewer product returns occur. For example, the Amazon e-commerce platform where you explore zoomable and 360-degree product views.

Below, we’ve highlighted the power, benefits, and tools for creating them:

How 360° Images Enhance Customer Experience

360-degree product images enhance customer experience by allowing them to examine every product detail virtually from all possible angles. This view gives the buyer a journey to feel the product, which increases engagement, positive shopping experience, and so on, particularly for online retailers. 

• Increased engagement: Businesses that integrated 360-degree views earn 47% conversion rates. For example, Nike’s 360-degree footwear visuals give consumers a realistic experience.

• Reduced uncertainty: A 360-degree product view allows customers to see products from different angles, reducing doubts about their quality or appearance. 

• Competitive edge: 360-degree images make your product listings stand out compared to competitors using static images.

High-Resolution Zoom Features

Zoomable images allow customers to check out specific areas to see fine details. For example, Amazon’s zoom feature allows users to see finer details by hovering over an image, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

• Detailed visibility: Customers can inspect textures, patterns, features, and more of the product.

• • Improved trust: High-resolution zoom builds confidence in the product’s quality. 

• Better decision-making: Customers can make informed purchases by examining the product closely. 

Tools for Creating 360° Images

If you plan to create 360-degree product images, you can use 360-degree cameras, Stitching software, editing software, and smartphone apps, or you can outsource to professionals. 

Key tools for creating 360-degree images:

• Dedicated 360-degree cameras capture the entire scene in one go using its dual or multiple-lens setup. 

• Inata360 X series – precisely crafted for durability, impact resistance, and temperature regulation. 
• Ricoh Theta Z1 – popular for its superior image quality and raw image capture.
• GoPro Max – Ideal for both 360 photos and videos, it’s handy for outdoor use. 

• Tripod ensures stability when shooting 360 photos. Tripod is a must-have to reduce blurriness or uneven stitching.  

• Stitching Software:

• PTGui
• Hugin (open-source)

• Editing Software:
• Adobe Photoshop
• Insta360 Studio 

Other options depending on your needs:

• Smartphone Apps:

Most modern smartphones have a built-in panoramic mode that is useful for creating basic 360° product images. You can use free or paid apps like Camera360 Ultimate, Re-shoot 360, Snapseed, VSCO, and others to take awesome 360-degree photos with your smartphone. 

Important considerations:

• You’ll need a dedicated space to shoot 360-degree product images. 
• Ensure you’ve enough space to move around and adjust your product photography setup.
• To create a seamless panorama, ensure proper overlap between shots.
• Remember, high-quality cameras provide you polished and professional results.
• You can try stitching software for adjustments like exposure correction and alignment to optimize your final 360-degree images. 

Amazon A/B Testing Product Images for Better Results

A/B testing, or split testing, is essential for optimizing your Amazon product listings. By comparing different image versions, you can finalize the one that resonates with customers and drives potential conversions. 

Why A/B Testing Matters

A/B testing helps you to make data-driven decisions about your product images. Key benefits are:

• A/B testing reveals customer behavior insights, like which images resonate most with your target consumers (i.e., lifestyle images, plain product shots, or others) and what visual elements drive purchase decisions.
• By identifying high-performing images, you can maximize your listing’s potential.
• A/B testing replaces assumptions with data-driven decisions.

How to Conduct A/B Testing on Amazon

Amazon provides a tool called “Manage Your Experiments” within Seller Central, and this tool allows only Brand Registered sellers to conduct A/B tests on different listing elements. Here’s how you conduct A/B testing on Amazon. 

Step 1: Define your goal.

Determine what you want to test (e.g., main image, secondary images, or infographics) and set clear objectives, like CTR or improved conversion rates.

Step 2: Create Variations.

Develop two or more versions of your product images with distinct differences. For example: 

• Main Image: Test a plain white background vs. a lifestyle background.
• Secondary Images: Compare Amazon infographics text vs. plain product shots.
• Lifestyle Images: Test different settings or models using the product.

Step 3: Run the Test.

• Split Traffic: Use Amazon Sponsored Ads to direct traffic to different listings with varying images.
• Time-Based Testing: Rotate images on your listing every 1-2 weeks and track performance metrics.
• External Tools: Use third-party tools like Splitly or SellerLabs to automate A/B testing on Amazon.

Step 4: Monitor Performance.

Track key metrics during the testing period. Ensure the test runs long enough to gather significant data (typically 1-2 weeks).

Interpreting Performance Metrics

To determine which image performs better, analyze the following metrics:

• Click-through rate (CTR): This refers to the percentage of customers who click on your product after seeing it in search results. Suppose your lifestyle product image has a CTR of 0.8% and the main image has a CTR of 0.5%. The lifestyle image is more attractive.
• Conversion Rate (CR): It highlights the percentage of customers who purchase the product after clicking on it.
• Sales Volume: The total number of units sold during the testing period.
• Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): The revenue generated for every dollar spent on Sponsored Ads.
• Customer Feedback: Reviews and ratings related to the product’s appearance or quality.

Outsourcing vs. DIY Amazon Photo Editing

When it comes to Amazon product photography, high-quality images are a must-have. For this, you can either outsource Amazon photo editing services or apply DIY (Do It Yourself) hacks. Before heading to pros and cons of these two main approaches, let’s glimpse at definition.

What is Outsourcing Amazon Photo Editing?

Outsourcing Amazon image-editing services involves hiring third-party professionals or agencies to handle your product photography and editing. You can outsource Amazon photo editing services​ from reputable post-production agencies or companies that have in-house photo editing experts. Or you can hire individuals from freelancer platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or others. 

Best for: Amazon sellers who want professional, organized, and polished images within an estimated time. 

Cost: 

• Professional agencies might charge $10-$44 or more, depending on the image complexity level. But you’ll get bulk discounts if available.
• Freelancers might charge $5-$25 or more depending on their photo editing techniques. 

When to outsource: 

• You’ve a large product catalog.
• You lack the time or skills to edit photos.
• You want professional-grade product images with advanced features like natural-looking shadows, reflections, 360-degree views, and so on.

What is DIY Amazon Photo Editing?

DIY Amazon photo editing refers to handling the editing process all by yourself instead of hiring professionals. But for this, you need advanced-level Adobe Photoshop skills. However, you can use GIMP, Canva, and other software for editing. If you want to remove the Amazon product image background using AI, try Remove.bg, PhotoScissors, or others. 

Best for: Amazon sellers with a limited budget or those who prefer full control over product listings. 

Cost: 

• Photo editing software access pricing, like Adobe Photoshop’s Photography Plan, costs $19.99 per month or $239.88 per year.  

When to choose DIY: 

• You’ve a small e-commerce business with a limited product catalog.
• You’re on a tight budget. 

What are the Best DIY Editing Tools?

The 5 best DIY Editing tools are:

• iMovie is ideal for its user-friendly interface and wide range of basic editing features.
• Adobe Premiere Elements is a perfect tool for a more accessible version of the professional Adobe Premiere Pro.
• PowerDirector is popular for its intuitive design and AI-powered tools for beginners.
• Movavi Video Editor is best for simple editing with a straightforward interface. 
• Clipchamp is popular for its built-in Windows option and drag-and-drop functionality.

Pros & Cons of Professional Editing Services

Hiring professional Amazon photo editing services, you can elevate your e-commerce with potential buyers and increase sales. Here’s a breakdown:

Cost vs. ROI Considerations

Both DIY and Outsourcing Amazon product image editing comes with costs and potential returns on investment. Below is a detailed comparison showing a table that will help you make the right decision:

Best Practices for Uploading Images to Amazon

The best practices for uploading images to Amazon are as follows:

1. Ensuring Compliance with Amazon’s Image Guidelines

• Amazon Main Image Requirements

When e-shoppers search for their necessary products on Amazon, the first visible image in the product search showcases the main image (hero image). 

When any e-shopper searches anything on Amazon, the first visible image of the searched product is the main image, aka the hero image. Aside from the search page, it also appears in the browse page and the detail page.

• The images must be professional photographs of real products.
• The image must include a single product in focus.
• The image frame must cover the product completely.
• Products must be shot in front of a white background (RGB 255, 255, 255).

Prohibition

• Graphics, drawings, illustrations, and placeholders as the main image aren’t allowed.
• The main image can’t have partial shots or multiple views of products.
• Products inside packages, boxes, and bags aren’t acceptable unless they hold vital features.
• Animated .gifs aren’t acceptable.
• Blurry or pixelated images aren’t accepted.
• Images can’t have brand logos or promotional texts.
• Offensive and obscene materials are prohibited.

• Amazon Additional/Supporting Image Requirements

• Amazon sellers are allowed to upload a maximum of 9 images. 
• 7 images are shown in the listing, and the rest of the images aside from the main images are known as additional images or non-primary images. 
• Secondary images showcase products in various contexts, highlighting features or lifestyle applications. 

Optimizing File Size Without Losing Quality

• Use image compression tools to reduce file size without impacting image quality. For example, TinyPNG, ImageOptim, and so on.
• Avoid uploading large files and optimize image dimensions to meet Amazon’s requirements.
• For error-free and sharp zoom, use 2560 pixels.

Properly Naming Image Files for SEO Benefits

To optimize your product images for SEO on Amazon, you can –

• Use descriptive file names that describe the product name, key features, and relevant keywords. For example: ergonomic-office-chair-black.jpg.
• Avoid generic names like IMG_1234.jpg. 
• Use hyphens over underscores or spaces for readability. For example: stainless-water-bottle-1L.jpg.
• Keep file names under 50 characters. 
• Use Alt text to help search engines understand your image’s content.

By following these best practices, you can create compelling and informative Amazon product images that fulfill Amazon’s guidelines, enhance customer experience, and improve your product’s visibility.

FAQs

Does Amazon Photos allow editing?

Yes, Amazon Photos allows you to edit photo tags, image listing, and different photo editings, like adjusting lighting and color issues, eliminating imperfections, and so on. Check out different Amazon photo features by clicking the link. 

What are the rules for pictures on Amazon?

Some basic rules for Amazon pictures include –

• Appearance

• Images must be in focus, clear, and free of pixelation or jagged edges.
• Must be professional and show product in realistic color.
• The product should fill at least 85% of the image.

• Background
• The main product image should be on a white background without additional text or graphics.
• Content
• Images can’t contain nudity or be sexually suggestive.
• Images can’t showcase Amazon logos or trademarks.
• Product images must match the product title.

Check out Amazon’s suggested product photo requirements and go through our article where we’ve mentioned all essentials. 

Does Amazon Photos allow duplicates?

No, Amazon Photos doesn’t allow duplicates. Amazon’s image recognition software can detect and duplicate photos, but it can’t detect similar images with different file names that are already in your account.  

How much does it cost to edit an Amazon product photo?

The cost of Amazon product photo editing will be $10 to several dollars depending on image complexity, the number of images, and the quality of editing. If you outsource from a reputed clipping path service provider, you’ll get cost-effective solutions with quality work in time. 

Do you do custom Amazon photo editing?

Yes, of course. As the best clipping path service provider, we offer you custom Amazon photo editing services tailored to your business needs. Contact us or send a quote for more details.

Final Verdict

For today, that’s all. Hope that by going through the article Amazon Photo Editing, you get your answer to why Amazon sellers outsource photo editing services. Online buyers value high-quality images before purchasing a product. So, choose your photo editing partner who fulfills your unique product image requirements and ensure you follow Amazon image guidelines. 

Best of luck!