eBay Main Image Text Guidelines 2025: Optimize Listings

As a seasoned eBay global seller with five years of experience in cross-border e-commerce, I have navigated the complexities of product listings, including the critical aspect of main image text guidelines. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the problem scenarios, underlying logic, and practical solutions for optimizing main image text on eBay, supported by real-world case studies and the latest platform policies.

Problem Scenario: Inconsistent or Non-Compliant Main Image Text

Many sellers overlook the importance of main image text, leading to listing rejections or poor visibility. For example, a Chinese electronics seller listed a smartwatch without any clear text on the main image, resulting in a 60% drop in clicks and a 40% reduction in conversion rates within one week.

• The main image must clearly display the product name, key features, or brand logo.
• Text should be legible, with no more than two lines of text on the image.
• Use high-resolution images (at least 500x500 pixels) to ensure clarity.

Underlying Logic: Why Main Image Text Matters

Ebay’s algorithm prioritizes listings with clear and informative main images. According to the latest eBay Seller Policy (published on April 2024), "Main images should provide immediate visual context about the product, including its name, model, or brand." Sellers who follow these rules see better search rankings and higher customer engagement.

• Improved click-through rates (CTR) due to clearer product identification.
• Reduced returns and disputes caused by miscommunication about the product.
• Enhanced trust from buyers who can quickly understand what they are purchasing.

Solution: Best Practices for Main Image Text

A successful approach involves using high-quality images with concise, readable text. A China-based home goods seller implemented this strategy by adding a small text overlay on their main image, stating “Eco-Friendly Bamboo Cutting Board – 12” x 8”.” As a result, their CTR increased by 35%, and the product became a top seller in the kitchenware category.

• Use bold, sans-serif fonts for readability.
• Position text in the upper-left or center of the image to avoid obstructing the product.
• Ensure text color contrasts with the background for maximum visibility.

Case Study: Real-World Success with Main Image Text Optimization

A Chinese fashion seller noticed that their women’s dress listings were not performing well despite having good product descriptions. After analyzing their images, they realized that none of the main images included any text. They redesigned the images with a simple text overlay like “Floral Summer Dress – Size S/M/L,” which led to a 50% increase in sales and a 25% improvement in customer satisfaction ratings over the next month.

Ebay Policy Update: Main Image Text Requirements (April 2024)

Ebay has updated its image guidelines to ensure a consistent buyer experience. Key points include:

Requirement	Description
Text Visibility	Text must be clearly visible and not obscured by the product.
Language	Text must be in the language of the marketplace (e.g., English for US, Chinese for China).
Length	No more than two lines of text on the main image.
Relevance	Text must directly relate to the product being sold.

Pitfalls to Avoid: Common Mistakes in Main Image Text

Several common mistakes can lead to penalties or reduced performance. For instance, a seller selling phone cases added a long paragraph of text on the main image, violating eBay’s policy. This resulted in the listing being removed and a warning from eBay.

• Overloading the image with too much text.
• Using unclear or illegible fonts.
• Adding irrelevant or promotional text (e.g., “Free Shipping!”).
• Not aligning text with the product’s actual specifications.

Conclusion