Product videos on Etsy represent a significant opportunity for sellers to increase customer engagement and improve their visibility within search results. Product videos offer a dynamic way to showcase items that static images cannot fully convey. Creating a compelling video requires a focused strategy, especially when adhering to the platform’s strict 15-second time limit.
Etsy’s Technical Requirements for Listing Videos
Understanding Etsy’s technical constraints is the first step in producing a listing video. The maximum duration is strictly capped at 15 seconds, though videos as short as 5 seconds are accepted. This short window requires careful planning to maximize the visual impact of the footage.
File size must not exceed 100 megabytes to ensure quick loading times. Etsy supports common file formats such as MP4 and MOV, making exporting straightforward. For optimal display, the recommended resolution is at least 1080p, which provides a crisp, professional look.
While the platform accepts various aspect ratios, 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9) is common. Square (1:1) or 4:3 dimensions often perform well on mobile devices. Note that Etsy automatically removes all audio from the video upon upload, so including music or voiceovers is unnecessary.
Planning What to Film
The video’s limited duration necessitates a clear strategy focused on communicating the product’s value. Focus on capturing aspects that traditional photography fails to convey, such as the item’s scale, texture, and function. A simple storyboard or detailed shot list ensures every second of the 15-second limit is utilized effectively.
Demonstrate the product in action, such as showing how jewelry moves when worn or how a textile drapes. To clarify ambiguous size, show the product next to a common object, like a hand or measuring tape. Texture is communicated well through close-up shots that reveal material quality, such as the weave of fabric or the finish of a glaze.
Decide on the flow of the video during the planning stage, ensuring an immediate visual hook captures attention within the first few seconds. Shots should transition quickly but smoothly to show different features without feeling rushed. Prioritize the product’s main selling points to determine which actions or details should be included in the limited screen time.
Essential Equipment and Setup
Creating a high-quality listing video does not require specialized camera equipment; a modern smartphone is usually sufficient. Most contemporary phones record in 1080p resolution, meeting the platform’s recommendation for clarity. The most important equipment for stability is a tripod or comparable stabilizer, which prevents shaky footage.
The physical filming environment requires careful attention to create a professional backdrop. The background should be clean, minimal, and free of distractions, often utilizing neutral colors like white, gray, or soft pastels. This ensures the product remains the sole focus of attention.
Natural light is the simplest and most flattering form of lighting, often achieved by setting up near a large window. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows and hotspots that obscure details. Soft, indirect light is preferable to evenly illuminate the product and accurately render its true colors.
Filming Techniques for Capturing Product Detail
Effective filming techniques transform simple clips into a convincing product showcase. Position the product so natural light hits it from the front or side, revealing texture and depth that flat lighting washes out. The camera must remain stable throughout the shoot, using a tripod to ensure every frame is sharp.
Varying shot types keeps the short video engaging and informative. Use close-up ‘detail shots’ to highlight craftsmanship, such as stitching, engraving, or fine brushwork. To provide a complete view, use a slow, controlled rotation of the product, either by moving the camera or placing the item on a subtle turntable.
Action or usage shots are the most compelling technique, demonstrating the product’s function and context. For example, show a leather bag being opened and closed, or clothing being worn and moved in. Shoot multiple takes of each planned shot, experimenting with speed or angle, to ensure plenty of high-quality footage is available for editing.
Simple Editing and Finalizing the Video
Post-production should focus on efficiency and meeting platform requirements. The first task is trimming the raw footage to fit within the 15-second limit, keeping only the most impactful clips. Simple, user-friendly editing applications, available on mobile devices and desktops, can easily handle this basic function.
Confirm that the video’s output aspect ratio is set correctly, whether choosing a 16:9 landscape format or a 1:1 square. Maintaining the high resolution of 1080p is important to prevent the final product from appearing pixelated or blurry after compression. If desired, simple text overlays can be added to highlight a specific feature or a call to action, but use them sparingly to avoid cluttering the screen.
Check the file size of the final exported video to ensure it remains under the 100-megabyte maximum. While some editing software can compress the file, free online tools are also available to reduce the size without compromising visual quality. Since Etsy removes all audio, do not spend time adding sound elements, but confirm the visual flow is seamless.
Uploading, Placement, and Optimization
The final step is integrating the finished video into the product listing on the Etsy platform. The video is positioned as the second item in the listing’s photo carousel, immediately following the primary static image. This prominent placement means the video is one of the first things a shopper sees, making its quality a significant factor in their decision to explore the listing further.
Sellers should check the video playback quality directly on the listing after upload, viewing it on both desktop and mobile devices. This ensures the resolution remains high and the cropping or aspect ratio selected works well on different screen sizes. The video should feel like a natural extension of the product photos, offering a richer, more dynamic perspective rather than a disjointed advertisement.
The presence of a listing video positively influences a listing’s performance within Etsy’s search algorithm. By offering this additional content, sellers enhance the shopper experience, which the platform recognizes as a sign of a high-quality listing. Optimization involves ensuring the video seamlessly complements the written description and photos, creating a cohesive and comprehensive presentation of the product.