Product images and videos are the first things shoppers see, and they are checked during listing review. Images that are too small, the wrong shape, covered in text or showing the wrong item can cause rejections, poor conversion or "not as pictured" returns. Getting the technical side right is quick once you know the rules.
This guide focuses on the technical requirements: dimensions, aspect ratios, file formats, file sizes, backgrounds and content rules. For creative advice on which shots sell, read our product images guide. Exact specs vary by market and are updated from time to time, so confirm current limits in Seller Center before a large shoot.
Main Image Requirements
The main image appears in search results, recommendations and the top of the product page. It is typically expected to:
- Show the actual product clearly, filling most of the frame.
- Use a clean, uncluttered background; white or light backgrounds are common and often recommended.
- Be a square or near-square image at a high resolution.
- Avoid heavy text, watermarks, borders, logos covering the product and promotional stickers.
- Show only items included in the purchase.
Recommended Dimensions and Aspect Ratios
Square images (1:1) are widely used for product images, and a resolution of at least around 600 by 600 pixels is a common minimum, with larger sizes such as 1200 by 1200 pixels or more recommended for sharp zoom. Some markets also support or recommend vertical ratios such as 3:4 for certain categories. Use one consistent ratio across your catalog so product grids look tidy.
Always export at the highest quality allowed within file size limits, and never upscale small images, which makes them blurry.
File Formats and File Sizes
Common accepted image formats include JPG, JPEG and PNG, and some markets accept WEBP. Each image usually has a maximum file size, often a few megabytes. Compress images with a good quality setting so they load quickly without visible artefacts. Use the sRGB colour profile so colours look consistent on phones.
Number of Images
Listings usually allow several images, often up to around nine. Use them all: main image, alternate angles, scale or in-hand shots, details, texture, packaging, what is included and lifestyle or in-use images. Each visual variant, such as each colour, should have its own image. Our variants guide explains variant images.
Secondary Image Rules
Secondary images have more freedom. Infographics showing dimensions, ingredients or how to use the product can work well, provided text is readable on a phone and claims are accurate and allowed. Avoid before-and-after images for health or beauty claims unless your market's rules allow them and you can substantiate them. Avoid copying images from other brands or suppliers without permission.
Product Video Specs
Many listings allow a product video on the product page, separate from the content videos you post on TikTok. Typical expectations include:
- A vertical format such as 9:16, or a square or horizontal format if supported.
- A resolution of at least 720p, with 1080p preferred.
- A duration within the allowed range, often from a few seconds up to around one minute.
- A common format such as MP4 or MOV within the maximum file size.
- Clear demonstration of the actual product, without misleading edits.
Keep product videos short and practical: show the product from all sides, demonstrate the main use and show scale.
Content Videos vs Listing Videos
Content videos posted to TikTok follow TikTok's content and commerce policies and are usually vertical, filmed natively and designed to entertain or demonstrate. Listing videos live on the product page and act like a product demo. Both must represent the product honestly. Our guide to tagging products in videos explains how content videos link to listings.
Common Image and Video Rejection Reasons
- Low resolution, blurry or pixelated images.
- Watermarks, logos of other platforms or contact details.
- Heavy text or promotional claims on the main image.
- Images that do not match the title or variant.
- Prohibited or unsubstantiated claims in infographics.
- Inappropriate content, such as overly revealing imagery.
- Images taken from other brands without permission.
Our listing review guide explains how to fix rejections.
Shooting Tips for Technical Quality
Use soft, even lighting to avoid harsh shadows. Shoot with a tripod for sharp images. Fill the frame with the product and leave a small margin. Keep colours accurate by setting white balance and checking against the real product. For small items, use a macro lens or a phone's macro mode for detail shots. Shoot more angles than you need so you can choose the best.
Image Hosting for Bulk Uploads
Bulk upload templates usually need image links or media library IDs. Upload images to the media library or a reliable host, keep file names organised by SKU and test links before uploading templates. Broken links are one of the most common causes of bulk upload failure. See our bulk upload guide.
File Naming and Organisation
Name image files by SKU and view, for example TEE-NAV-M-front.jpg and TEE-NAV-M-back.jpg. Store originals and exports separately. Keep a shared folder structure by product so anyone on the team can find the right files. Good organisation saves hours when you update listings or launch in a new market.
A Worked Example: Fixing a Rejected Main Image
A home brand's new listing is rejected because the main image includes a large "50% OFF" banner and a logo in the corner. The team re-exports the image without the banner and logo, centres the product on a light background so it fills most of the frame and saves it as a 1200 by 1200 pixel JPG under the size limit. The discount is moved to a proper promotion in Seller Center instead of being painted on the image. The listing passes review and the promotion displays correctly in the app.
Accessibility and Clarity
Good images are also accessible images. Use strong contrast between product and background, avoid tiny text in infographics and make sure important information also appears in the written description, not only in images. Shoppers with low vision or slow connections rely on clear titles, descriptions and attributes, and search systems read text more easily than images. Treat images as support for the written listing rather than a replacement for it.
Updating Images After Launch
Images are not set and forget. Review them every few months and after any packaging change. If returns mention that the product looked different, compare the images with current stock and reshoot if needed. When creator videos reveal a better angle or use case, consider adding a similar shot to the listing. Image updates may trigger a short review, so avoid changing images on top sellers during major campaigns. Test new main images carefully: a change that looks better to your team does not always convert better, so watch click-through and conversion for a week or two after switching.
Image and Video Checklist
- Main image: product fills the frame, clean background, no heavy text.
- Consistent ratio and high resolution across the catalog.
- Accepted format and file size.
- Images for every visual variant.
- Accurate infographics without prohibited claims.
- Product video in a supported format and duration.
- Organised file names and working links.
Desnora produces listing images and product videos that pass review and convert. Explore our TikTok Shop services or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should TikTok Shop product images be?
Square images at high resolution are common, with around 1200 by 1200 pixels or larger recommended. Check current minimums in Seller Center.
Can I put text on my main image?
Heavy text, promotional banners and watermarks are generally discouraged or not allowed on the main image.
What file formats are accepted?
JPG, JPEG and PNG are commonly accepted, and some markets support WEBP. Check file size limits.
How many images can a listing have?
Usually several, often up to around nine. Use them for angles, details, scale, packaging and lifestyle shots.
Does the main image need a white background?
Clean, light backgrounds are common and often recommended. Follow your market's category guidance.
What are product video requirements?
Typically a supported format such as MP4, at least 720p, within a set duration and file size.
Why was my image rejected?
Common reasons are low resolution, watermarks, heavy text, mismatched variants or prohibited claims.
Can I use supplier images?
Only with permission and if they show your exact product accurately. Original images usually perform better.
Should every colour have an image?
Yes. Each visual variant should have its own image so shoppers see what they are buying.
How should I name image files?
By SKU and view, for example SKU-front.jpg, so files are easy to find and map in bulk uploads.
How often should I update product images?
Review them every few months and after any packaging change, and reshoot when returns suggest the product looks different from the images.
Will changing images affect my listing?
Image changes may trigger a short review. Avoid changing images on top sellers during major campaigns, and watch conversion after switching.
Should important information appear only in images?
No. Put key details in the title, description and attributes as well, because text is easier for shoppers and search systems to read.