Photo specifics for automotive marketplaces
Each sales platform has its own photo requirements. On marketplaces, the first image appears in search results. It determines whether a buyer will click on your listing or move to the next one.
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, AutoTrader or Craigslist display photos as thumbnails. Your vehicle must be immediately identifiable and attractive, even in small format.
Recommended dimensions and formats
For optimal visibility on major platforms, follow these technical recommendations:
- Landscape format: 4:3 or 16:9 ratio is ideal for thumbnail display
- Minimum resolution: at least 1200 pixels wide for good sharpness
- File weight: compress to JPEG quality 85% for a good quality/size balance
- Number of photos: post the maximum allowed, usually 10 to 15 photos
Listings with more than 5 photos receive significantly more inquiries than those with 1 or 2 photos.
The main photo: your storefront
The first photo of your listing is crucial. It must make people want to click. Here are best practices:
- Three-quarter front view: the best selling angle that shows the vehicle's character
- Clean background: avoid supermarket parking lots or cluttered streets
- Centered vehicle: the vehicle should occupy about 70% of the image
- Good brightness: a bright photo attracts more attention
A professional AI-generated background can radically transform the impact of your main photo. A showroom background immediately gives your listing a premium look.
Photo order in your listing
The order of your photos tells a story. Organize them logically to guide the buyer:
- Main photo: three-quarter front view with polished background
- Full profile: side view showing the silhouette
- Rear of vehicle: three-quarter rear view
- Interior: dashboard, seats, center console
- Details: odometer, options, tire condition
This logical progression builds buyer confidence and reduces unnecessary message inquiries.
Mistakes that scare buyers away
Some common mistakes can considerably reduce your listing's attractiveness. Absolutely avoid these pitfalls:
- Blurry or dark photos: they suggest a hidden or poorly maintained vehicle
- Messy background: trash cans, cars in the background, cluttered garage
- Dirty vehicle: even a well-maintained car looks neglected if dirty in photos
- Too few photos: buyers distrust listings with just 1 or 2 photos
Investing a few minutes in photo quality can make the difference between selling in days or in weeks.
Boost your listing with AI
Using a tool like Car Scene transforms an ordinary photo into a professional catalog photo. AI background replacement is the fastest and most cost-effective way to improve the visual impact of your marketplace listing.
In seconds, you get a photo with a showroom, mountain or urban background that immediately makes your listing stand out. It is a minimal investment for maximum impact on selling speed.
