2026-06-09 · 6 min
Amazon Listing Images: What Is and Is Not Allowed in 2026
Amazon image policy violations are a leading cause of listing suppression. Here is what the rules actually say and how to stay compliant.
Why Images Get Listings Suppressed
Amazon enforces its image guidelines more aggressively than most sellers realize. A suppressed image does not just reduce visibility, it can take your entire listing offline. The most common violations are not obscure edge cases. They are things like text overlaid on the main image, lifestyle photos as the primary image, and images that do not show the full product.
Main Image Rules
The main image must show the actual product on a pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255). No additional objects, no text, no graphics, no borders. The product must occupy at least 85 percent of the image frame. These rules apply to the image that shoppers see in search results. All other image slots have more flexibility.
Secondary Image Rules
Secondary images allow lifestyle photography, infographics with text, size guides, and comparison charts. However, text and graphics that make health claims, income claims, or comparative claims about competing products violate policy even in secondary images. Watermarks are not allowed in any image.
Common Violations That Trigger Suppression
Lifestyle image as the main image, environmental background in the main image shot, competitor logos or branding visible in the image, blurry or low-resolution images below 500 pixels on the longest side, and misleading packaging shots that do not match what is sold. Amazon uses automated systems to flag most of these, and appeals for image violations require uploading corrected images before reinstatement.
Checking Your Listings
The Amazon Listing Audit tool scans your active listings for image policy issues before they cause suppression. Running a proactive audit takes minutes and identifies which images need correction before Amazon flags them.