Master the Art of Etsy Product Photos with Proven Sizing Tips

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Etsy's Experiment with Listing Image Sizes
3. Importance of Square Photos
4. Etsy's Announcement and Best Practices
5. Display of Images on Different Devices
6. Etsy's Image Requirements
7. Testing Etsy's Image Display
8. Results of the Testing
9. Changes in Aspect Ratios
10. Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio
11. Recommendation for Sellers
12. Conclusion

Introduction

In July 2023, Etsy made an announcement about their recent experiment on listing image sizes and ratios. They found that square photos perform better in attracting buyers and increasing sales. As a result, Etsy will be displaying listing images in a square format starting from August. This article will explore the details of Etsy's experiment, the importance of square photos, and provide recommendations for sellers on how to optimize their images. We will also examine how Etsy displays images on different devices and discuss the implications of aspect ratios. Let's dive in and discover the best practices for showcasing your products on Etsy.

Etsy's Experiment with Listing Image Sizes

Etsy conducted an experiment during the months of June and July to test different listing image sizes and ratios. The aim was to determine which format performed best in terms of attracting buyers and increasing purchase intent. The conclusion of the experiment revealed that square photos were more effective in capturing shoppers' attention, especially on mobile devices. Square photos occupied more space on the screen, allowing shoppers to see the product better. With mobile devices accounting for 67% of Etsy's sales, this finding holds significant importance for sellers on the platform.

Importance of Square Photos

The experiment conducted by Etsy confirms the importance of square photos in driving sales. Square photos have the advantage of taking up more screen space, providing a larger visual impact compared to rectangular aspect ratios. This is particularly beneficial for mobile users, who make up a significant portion of Etsy's customer base. By displaying images in a square format, sellers can showcase their products more effectively and increase the likelihood of converting a potential buyer into a customer.

Etsy's Announcement and Best Practices

In their announcement, Etsy emphasized the importance of optimizing listing photos for multiple crops and ratios, including both square and rectangular formats. While shops with square crops performed the best in the experiment, Etsy still recommends sellers to upload photos that work for both square and rectangle crops. This recommendation ensures that listing photos can be displayed optimally across various pages on Etsy, maximizing visibility and engagement.

It is crucial for sellers to note that Etsy's recommendation does not imply a complete shift towards square crops. The experiment focused specifically on the shop home page, with no significant changes in Etsy's overall image requirements. Sellers are advised to continue adhering to Etsy's existing guidelines for image sizes, ratios, and file specifications to ensure their photos meet the platform's standards.

Display of Images on Different Devices

The way listing images are displayed on Etsy can vary depending on two factors: location within Etsy (search versus shop home page) and the device used by shoppers. On Android devices, images will be displayed in a 4:3 aspect ratio in Etsy search, while Apple devices will show them in a 5:4 aspect ratio. However, when shoppers click into a seller's shop home page, images will be displayed as squares on both Android and Apple devices. On Mac or PC browsers, images in search appear in a 5:4 aspect ratio, but the shop home page displays them as squares.

Understanding the differences in image display across devices is crucial for sellers to ensure their products are showcased appropriately. Sellers should consider these variations when selecting the aspect ratio for their listing images, as it directly impacts how the images are cropped and presented to potential buyers.

Etsy's Image Requirements

Etsy's image requirements remain largely unchanged despite the experiment conducted on listing image sizes. According to Etsy's recommendations, photos should be uploaded in a horizontal or landscape orientation, resulting in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The pixel dimensions for the shortest side of the image should be 2000 pixels, with a file size under one megabyte. Etsy also advises sellers to provide enough border space in thumbnail images to allow for a square crop without losing important details of the product.

By adhering to these image requirements, sellers can ensure their photos are of high quality and meet Etsy's standards. Understanding the technical aspects of image specifications is essential for maintaining a professional and visually appealing shop presence on the platform.

Testing Etsy's Image Display

To further understand how Etsy displays images across the platform, independent testing was conducted to evaluate the actual cropping and presentation of images. The results revealed only a minor change in Etsy's image display as a result of the experiment. Despite this change, it is evident that Etsy still employs multiple aspect ratios and crops for displaying images based on location and device.

These findings confirm the importance of sellers understanding how their listing images will appear on Etsy. By being aware of the cropping and aspect ratio adjustments made by the platform, sellers can better prepare and optimize their images to ensure their products are showcased effectively and attractively.

Results of the Testing

The testing of Etsy's image display yielded valuable insights into how images are cropped and presented to potential buyers. It was found that regardless of the aspect ratio chosen by the seller, Etsy will make adjustments to crop the images for display in search and on shop home pages. The results showed that using a 4:3 aspect ratio or a 5:4 aspect ratio presented minor differences in how the images were cropped by Etsy.

Sellers should be aware that regardless of the aspect ratio, there is a risk of their product being partially cut out when displayed as a square in search. This highlights the importance of carefully framing and positioning the product within the square crop to avoid any crucial details being lost.

Changes in Aspect Ratios

While Etsy's experiment emphasized the benefits of square photos, it is essential to consider the potential challenges and limitations associated with different aspect ratios. Uploading images as squares may result in a significant portion of the left and right sections of the image being cropped when displayed in search as a rectangle on Android devices. This can lead to important product details or composition being compromised.

Using a 4:3 aspect ratio allows sellers to avoid excessive cropping from the left and right while still accommodating Etsy's adjustment to a 5:4 or square crop. It provides a more consistent and optimal presentation of the product across different devices and locations within Etsy.

Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio

Choosing the right aspect ratio for listing images is paramount for ensuring the best possible presentation and visibility of the product on Etsy. While both a 4:3 and a 5:4 aspect ratio are acceptable options, it is crucial to consider the ease of shooting and framing the product during the photography process. Most non-photographer sellers rely on smartphones for capturing product images, and smartphones typically produce images in a 4:3 aspect ratio when held in a landscape orientation.

Therefore, using a 4:3 aspect ratio aligns with Etsy's recommendation and simplifies the process for sellers. By framing the product within a square crop within the 4:3 frame, sellers can ensure their product is presented optimally on Etsy. This approach minimizes the risk of the product being cut out or losing essential details when cropped to a 5:4 aspect ratio or a square.

Recommendation for Sellers

Based on the analysis of Etsy's image display, best practices, and the results of the experimentation, a recommendation for sellers emerges. It is advised for sellers to use a 4:3 aspect ratio for their listing photos while keeping the product framed within a square crop. This approach aligns with Etsy's recommendation and minimizes the risk of the product being partially cut out or losing important details.

Using a 4:3 aspect ratio provides a consistent approach for framing the product during the photography process, especially when using smartphones. It simplifies the editing process, reduces the need for excessive cropping, and ensures effective image display across different devices and locations on Etsy.

Conclusion

Optimizing listing images on Etsy is critical for attracting buyers and increasing sales. Etsy's experiment with listing image sizes confirms the effectiveness of square photos in capturing shoppers' attention. While Etsy will be displaying listing images in a square format starting from August, sellers should upload photos that can work for both square and rectangle crops.

Understanding how Etsy displays images on different devices and the implications of aspect ratios is essential for sellers. By selecting the appropriate aspect ratio, aligning with Etsy's recommendations, and framing the product within a square crop, sellers can ensure their listing photos are visually appealing and engaging to potential buyers. Following best practices and adapting to Etsy's image requirements will set sellers on the path to successfully showcasing their products on the platform.

Highlights:

• Etsy's experiment shows that square photos perform better in attracting buyers.
• Display of listing images varies based on location within Etsy and the device used.
• Etsy's image requirements remain largely unchanged.
• Testing reveals minor changes in Etsy's image display.
• Choosing a 4:3 aspect ratio with a square crop is recommended for optimal image presentation.
• Framing the product within the square crop minimizes the risk of important details being cut out.
• Understanding Etsy's image display is crucial for effective product showcasing on the platform.

FAQ:

Q: What is the significance of square photos in attracting buyers on Etsy? A: Square photos take up more screen space and provide a larger visual impact, attracting buyers and increasing purchase intent.

Q: Do sellers have to exclusively use square photos on Etsy? A: Etsy's recommendation is to upload photos that work for both square and rectangle crops. Square photos performed well in the experiment, but it is important to consider all image ratios for optimal display.

Q: How do images display on different devices and locations within Etsy? A: Android devices show images in a 4:3 aspect ratio in search, while Apple devices display them in a 5:4 aspect ratio. Shop home pages show images as squares on both device types. On browsers, images appear in a 5:4 aspect ratio in search and as squares on shop home pages.

Q: What aspect ratio is recommended for listing photos on Etsy? A: Using a 4:3 aspect ratio with a square crop is recommended for listing photos. It aligns with Etsy's recommendation and simplifies the framing process for sellers, especially when using smartphones.

Q: How can sellers optimize their listing photos for effective display on Etsy? A: Sellers should frame the product within the square crop when using a 4:3 aspect ratio. This ensures that important details are not cut out and results in consistent image presentation across different devices and locations.

Q: Are there any specific image requirements for listing photos on Etsy? A: Etsy recommends uploading photos in a horizontal or landscape orientation with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The shortest side of the image should be 2000 pixels, and the file size should be under one megabyte. Providing enough border space in thumbnail images allows for a square crop without losing important details.