Real Photo Rules for Resellers: Etsy, Vinted and eBay

Buyers want to see the thing they're buying. This autumn the marketplaces are saying it louder. Here's what Etsy, Vinted and eBay have said, in plain words, and a simple way to keep listing fast with your own photos.

Etsy: at least one unedited photo (from 22 Oct)

On 22 October Etsy set out new rules on AI. As reported by CNBC and Retail Dive:

• Most listings now need at least one unedited photo of the actual item, on a real background.
• Listings made by bots with no human involvement aren't allowed, and Etsy says they'll be removed.
• If a buyer opens a case because an item is materially different from the listing, and the listing didn't meet the new image rules, the buyer may get a refund from the seller.

Vinted: photos you took, of the item as it is

Vinted's Catalogue Rules already say listing photos must show the item as it is, must be taken by you for Vinted, and can't be stock photos, photos from ads or watermarked images. The first photo should show the whole item. Vinted also recommends showing any defects, scratches or wear.

eBay: a session on AI listing features (29 Oct)

eBay's Winter Seller Check-In on 29 October (12:00 PT, 19:00 UK time) includes a workshop called "Listing Faster: AI Tools and Bulk Listing", where eBay's listing tools team talks about AI-powered listing features. eBay hasn't published new photo rules there that we've seen. Check eBay's announcements for anything that comes out of it.

What this means for you

The common thread is simple: real photos of the real item, and a real person checking the listing. That's you. Whatever tool you use, you're responsible for what you post, so read each marketplace's own rules.

A few habits that help:

1. Shoot the actual item, in good light, with the whole item in the first photo.
2. Photograph flaws close up, and say what they are in the description.
3. Keep one photo plain and unedited, even if you tidy others.
4. Read every draft before it goes live.

Your photos, your price, you review

ListSnaps works from your own photos of the actual item. You upload up to 4, and it writes a draft title and description from them and from what you type, such as measurements and flaws. The suggested price is only a starting point; you set the final price. You review and edit every draft, then copy and paste it into the marketplace yourself. Nothing is posted for you.

Get started free 5 free generations a month, no card needed.

FAQ

Can I still edit my photos on Etsy? Etsy's rule, as reported, is that most listings need at least one unedited photo of the actual item. Check Etsy's Seller Handbook for the details on your listings.

Can I use stock photos on Vinted? No. Vinted's Catalogue Rules say photos can't be replaced with stock photos, photos from ads or watermarked images.

Does ListSnaps make my listing follow these rules? No tool can do that for you. ListSnaps writes a draft from your photos and your notes. You choose the photos, check the words and set the price, and you stay responsible for following each marketplace's rules.

Did eBay announce photo rules on 29 Oct? eBay listed a workshop on AI listing features for that day. Check eBay's own announcements for what it covered.

Sources: CNBC on Etsy's AI rules, 22 Oct 2026 · Retail Dive on Etsy's AI rules, 23 Oct 2026 · Etsy Seller Handbook · Vinted Catalogue Rules · eBay Winter Seller Check-In