Amazon Product Image Requirements: How to Get the Zoom Feature Without the Lag
Amazon is ruthless about their image standards. If your main image doesn't have a pure white background, it gets suppressed. If it's too small, the zoom function won't work. If the file is too big or the wrong format, the upload fails.
Getting the "zoom" right is the most critical part of this puzzle. Amazon data suggests that the ability to zoom in on a product significantly increases conversion rates. To enable this, your image needs to be at least 1000 pixels on the longest side (though 1600 pixels is the safer bet).
The Hidden Technical Hurdles
While most sellers focus on the white background rule, many get tripped up by file constraints. Amazon Seller Central can be temperamental with large uploads. If you are uploading a bulk catalog via a spreadsheet (flat file) or even one by one in the backend, massive high-res images can cause processing errors.
Amazon accepts JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and GIF. They do not support WebP for uploads. This is important to remember because many modern tools try to force you into WebP.
A Simple Checklist for Amazon Images
Before you log into Seller Central, run your images through this quick audit:
- Format: JPEG is usually best for Amazon. It handles colors well and file sizes are manageable.
- Dimensions: Aim for 1600px to 2000px on the longest side. This guarantees the zoom function activates.
- Color Mode: Make sure you are using sRGB. CMYK (print mode) will make your colors look weird on screens.
- File Weight: This is where you can speed things up.
Compressing for the Amazon Catalog
Since you want to upload high-dimension images (1600px+), the file sizes can naturally get heavy. To keep your upload process smooth, you should compress these files.
LighterImage handles this specifically for sellers. You can take your compliant 1600px JPEG images and drop them into the tool. We don't touch the dimensions—so you won't lose your zoom capability—but we scrub the file data to reduce the size.
Crucial Step: When you download your files from LighterImage, you will see a WebP version and your original format (JPG/PNG). For Amazon, always use the compressed original format. Amazon's system will likely reject the WebP file.
By uploading a compressed JPEG, you ensure your images are processed quickly by Amazon's servers, and they render fast for shoppers on mobile apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size images does Amazon require for zoom?
Amazon requires images to be at least 1000 pixels on the longest side to enable the zoom feature, but 1600-2000 pixels is recommended for optimal zoom quality and customer experience.
Does Amazon accept WebP images?
No, Amazon does not accept WebP uploads. Use JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or GIF formats. JPEG is recommended for product photos as it offers the best balance of quality and file size.
Why are my Amazon Seller Central uploads failing?
Large file sizes often cause Seller Central uploads to fail or process slowly. Compress your images before uploading to reduce file weight while maintaining the dimensions needed for the zoom feature.
No signup required. Drop your images and download compressed versions instantly.