Etsy Listing Video:Size, Format & Requirements
Tried uploading a video to your Etsy listing, only to see an error message about file size or format? Get the exact specs right the first time. Videos can increase engagement by 40%+ when done correctly—but only if they meet Etsy's technical requirements AND showcase your product effectively.
🎥What Are Etsy's Listing Video Requirements?
Etsy listing videos must be 5-15 seconds long, under 100 MB file size, with a minimum resolution of 500px (1080p recommended). Accepted formats include MP4, MOV, AVI, and others—but videos lose audio once uploaded, and you can only add one video per listing.
Key Requirements:
- Duration: 5-15 seconds (changed from 3-15 in 2024)
- File Size: Maximum 100 MB
- Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080) recommended
- Format: MP4 for best compatibility
- Aspect Ratio: Square (1:1) or vertical (4:5) for mobile
- Audio: Automatically removed by Etsy
Best format for most sellers: MP4 at 1080p resolution in 1:1 (square) aspect ratio—this displays well on both mobile and desktop without cropping or black bars.
Etsy Video Requirements: Complete Specifications
All technical requirements in one place
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5-15 seconds (Etsy changed from 3-15 seconds in 2024) |
| File Size | Maximum 100 MB |
| Resolution | Minimum 500px, recommended 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) |
| Aspect Ratio | Vertical (9:16 or 4:5), horizontal (16:9), or square (1:1) all accepted |
| File Formats | MP4, MOV, FLV, AAC, AVI, 3GP, MPEG |
| Audio | Automatically removed by Etsy (videos play silently) |
| Videos per Listing | 1 video maximum |
Key limitation: Etsy's video player displays videos vertically on mobile (where 80%+ of buyers shop), so vertical or square videos typically perform better than horizontal formats.
Etsy Video Length: How Long Should Your Video Be?
Optimal video lengths by product type
Official Duration Requirements
Etsy requires videos to be between 5-15 seconds long.
What changed in 2024: Etsy previously allowed 3-15 seconds, but updated the minimum to 5 seconds. Videos shorter than 5 seconds will be rejected during upload.
Optimal Length for Engagement
| Product Type | Recommended Length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Simple products (jewelry, prints, mugs) | 5-8 seconds | Show the product from 2-3 angles quickly |
| Complex products (clothing, multi-piece sets) | 10-12 seconds | Time to show key features and scale |
| Process/handmade (pottery, painting) | 12-15 seconds | Show craftsmanship and uniqueness |
| Digital products (templates, printables) | 8-10 seconds | Demonstrate use cases and results |
Data-backed insight:
Videos between 7-10 seconds have the highest completion rates (85%+). Videos longer than 12 seconds see 30-40% drop-off rates as buyers scroll past.
Etsy Video File Size: Staying Under the 100 MB Limit
How to check file size and compress videos
Official File Size Limit
Maximum file size: 100 MB
Most phone-recorded videos are well under this limit, but professionally edited videos or longer (12-15 second) videos at high resolution can easily exceed 100 MB.
What to Do If Your Video Exceeds 100 MB
Option 1: Compress the video (recommended)
Use free compression tools to reduce file size without visible quality loss:
HandBrake (Desktop)
Free desktop app that compresses videos without visible quality loss. Recommended settings: H.264 codec, 5-8 Mbps bitrate, 1080p resolution.
Clideo Video Compressor
Quick browser-based compression tool. No software installation needed. Drag and drop your video file.
VideoSmaller (Online)
Simple drag-and-drop interface for quick compression. Free and no account required.
Phone Built-in Editors
iPhone (iMovie, Photos app) and Android built-in video editors can export at lower file sizes while maintaining quality.
Option 2: Reduce video resolution
If you recorded in 4K (3840 x 2160), downscale to 1080p (1920 x 1080). Buyers can't tell the difference on Etsy's video player, and file size drops by 60-75%.
Option 3: Trim the video
Cut 2-3 seconds from the beginning or end. Most videos have wasted frames that don't showcase the product.
Etsy Video Resolution: How Big Should Your Video Be?
Resolution requirements and quality comparison
Official Resolution Requirements
Minimum resolution: 500px (width or height)
Recommended resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Common Video Resolutions Explained
| Resolution | Pixel Dimensions | Quality Level | File Size (10 sec) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 480p (SD) | 854 x 480 | Low quality | ~15 MB | Avoid—too blurry |
| 720p (HD) | 1280 x 720 | Acceptable | ~30 MB | Budget option if file size is an issue |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 | Recommended | ~50 MB | Best balance of quality and file size |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | 3840 x 2160 | Overkill | ~200+ MB | Exceeds 100 MB limit, not worth it |
Why 1080p is the sweet spot:
- • Looks professional on all devices (mobile, tablet, desktop)
- • File size typically 40-60 MB for a 10-second video (under the 100 MB limit)
- • Most smartphones record in 1080p by default
- • Buyers can't distinguish between 1080p and 4K on Etsy's video player
Etsy Video Aspect Ratio: Portrait, Landscape, or Square?
Best aspect ratios for mobile-first Etsy buyers
Which Aspect Ratio Should You Use?
Etsy doesn't mandate a specific aspect ratio—all formats are accepted. However, buyer behavior data shows clear preferences:
âś… 1:1 (Square) - Recommended
- • Displays perfectly on mobile (no cropping)
- • Works well on desktop too
- • Maximizes screen space without black bars
- • Example dimensions: 1080 x 1080 pixels
âś… 4:5 (Vertical) - Mobile-First
- • Takes up more vertical space on mobile feeds
- • Great for showing scale (clothing, tall products)
- • Example dimensions: 1080 x 1350 pixels
🔵 9:16 (Full Vertical) - Lifestyle
- • Native smartphone format
- • Ideal for showing products in use
- • Example dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
⚠️ 16:9 (Horizontal) - Use Sparingly
- • Displays with black bars on mobile
- • Best for wide products (wall art, banners)
- • Example dimensions: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Data insight:
Square (1:1) and vertical (4:5) videos have 25-40% higher engagement rates than horizontal (16:9) videos on Etsy mobile, likely because they fill more screen space and feel native to the mobile experience.
Why Etsy Removes Audio From Listing Videos
Understanding the no-audio rule and how to work with it
The No-Audio Rule
All listing videos play silently on Etsy. Even if you upload a video with music, voice-over, or product sounds, Etsy automatically strips the audio track before the video goes live.
Why Etsy Does This
📱 Mobile browsing habits
80%+ of buyers browse with sound off
♿ Accessibility
Silent videos are accessible to deaf/hard-of-hearing buyers
🎯 Distraction-free shopping
Audio can be jarring in a silent browsing experience
⚡ Technical performance
Silent videos load faster and use less bandwidth
How to Upload a Video to Your Etsy Listing
Step-by-step upload process for desktop and mobile
Go to your Shop Manager
Navigate to your Etsy Shop Manager and select the Listings section.
- • Click on Shop Manager in the top menu
- • Select "Listings" from the sidebar
- • Choose the listing you want to add a video to
- • Click "Edit" on the listing
Navigate to Photos & Video section
Scroll down to find the media upload area.
- • Scroll to the "Photos & Video" section
- • Look for the "Add a video" button
- • Click the video upload button
Select your video file
Choose a video that meets all requirements.
- • Browse to your video file location
- • Ensure file is 5-15 seconds long
- • Verify file size is under 100 MB
- • Confirm format is MP4 (recommended)
Wait for upload and processing
Etsy processes your video before it goes live.
- • Upload typically takes 1-5 minutes
- • Processing takes 2-10 minutes
- • Don't close the browser window
- • You'll see a progress indicator
Preview and publish
Review the video before making it live.
- • Preview the video once processing completes
- • Check that it displays correctly on mobile
- • Verify the product is clearly visible
- • Click "Save" to publish the listing
Upload Troubleshooting
"Video format not supported"
Convert to MP4 using a free tool like HandBrake or CloudConvert
"Video is too large"
Compress the video to under 100 MB using compression tools
"Video is too short/long"
Trim to 5-15 seconds using your phone's built-in video editor
"Processing failed" or "Something went wrong"
Wait 10 minutes and try again. Try uploading from a different device or browser. Contact Etsy support if it fails 3+ times.
Etsy Video Performance: By The Numbers
10 Tips to Optimize Your Etsy Listing Videos
Professional video quality without expensive equipment
Film in Natural Light
Natural light shows true colors and texture better than artificial lighting. Film near a window during daytime (avoid direct harsh sunlight—use sheer curtains to diffuse).
Use a Tripod or Stable Surface
Shaky videos look unprofessional and make buyers question quality. Use a phone tripod ($10-20) or prop your phone against books.
Show Multiple Angles
Buyers can't touch the product—they need to see all sides. Rotate the product slowly, or move the camera around it.
Demonstrate Scale and Size
Size is the #1 reason for Etsy returns. Include a common object (hand, coin, ruler) in the frame for reference.
Keep Background Simple
Busy backgrounds distract from the product. Use a plain white, black, or neutral-colored backdrop.
Test on Mobile Before Publishing
80%+ of Etsy buyers shop on mobile. After uploading, open your listing on your phone to ensure the video displays correctly.
Video Best Practices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌Don't Do This
- •Waste time adding music or voice-overs — Etsy strips all audio
- •Film in 4K without compressing — exceeds 100 MB limit
- •Use horizontal (16:9) video for mobile-first products — displays with black bars
- •Film in poor lighting or with cluttered backgrounds — looks unprofessional
- •Make slow pans or extended clips — buyers lose interest after 8-10 seconds
- •Upload videos under 5 seconds — Etsy will reject them
- •Film multiple products in one video — confuses buyers about what they're purchasing
âś…Do This Instead
- •Use all 5-15 seconds effectively — show the product from multiple angles
- •Film in bright, natural light — window light works best
- •Use a tripod or stable surface — shaky videos look unprofessional
- •Show scale with familiar objects — hand, coin, or ruler for reference
- •Use square (1:1) or vertical (4:5) aspect ratios — optimized for mobile where 80%+ of buyers shop
- •Export as MP4 at 1080p resolution — best balance of quality and file size
- •Start with the "money shot" — show the product in the first frame
Do Listing Videos Actually Increase Sales on Etsy?
Data on video performance and when videos help most
The Data on Video Performance
Research from Etsy and third-party studies shows:
- • Listings with videos have 40-60% higher engagement rates than photo-only listings
- • Videos increase time spent on listing pages by 2-3x
- • Listings with videos see 15-25% fewer questions from buyers (video answers common questions)
- • Conversion rates improve by 10-20% on average when videos are added
When Videos Help the Most
âś… Videos are especially impactful for:
- • Complex or multi-piece products (shows how pieces fit together)
- • Handmade or custom items (demonstrates craftsmanship)
- • Wearable products (shows fit, drape, and movement)
- • Items with texture or shine (photos can't capture reflective surfaces)
- • Products prone to size confusion (shows scale better)
❌ Videos matter less for:
- • Digital products (a mockup image often communicates better)
- • Simple, familiar products (basic t-shirts, generic mugs)
- • Vintage items (unless showing condition/damage)
How Insight Agent Helps You Optimize Etsy Listings
Beyond video: complete listing optimization tools
Magic Listing: AI-Powered Listing Optimization
Magic Listing analyzes your product and generates:
- • SEO-optimized titles with high-converting keywords
- • 13 high-traffic tags tailored to your product
- • Descriptions that convert browsers into buyers
- • Competitive pricing recommendations
Shop Analyzer: Understand Your Competition
Shop Analyzer scans competitor shops and reveals:
- • What keywords top sellers are ranking for
- • Which products are driving the most sales
- • Pricing strategies that work in your niche
- • Whether competitors are using videos (and how)
Etsy Best Sellers Tool: Find What's Working
Etsy Best Sellers Tool shows you:
- • Top-selling products in any category
- • Trending keywords and search terms
- • Products with high engagement (favorites, reviews, sales)
- • Identify if top sellers use videos and study their approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Etsy listing video requirements, file sizes, formats, and optimization.
Related Guides
Magic Listing Optimizer
AI-powered tool for optimizing titles, tags, and descriptions
Etsy Title Generator
Generate SEO-optimized titles that rank and convert
Etsy Description Generator
Create compelling product descriptions that sell
Shop Analyzer
Analyze competitor shops and find what works
Etsy Best Sellers Tool
Discover trending products and keywords
Etsy's video requirements and policies may change. This guide reflects best practices as of February 2026. Always check Etsy's current Seller Handbook for the most up-to-date specifications. Video performance varies by product type, category, and listing quality. Results depend on overall listing optimization including titles, tags, descriptions, pricing, and photography.
Ready to Optimize Your Entire Etsy Listing?
Getting the video specs right is just one part of listing optimization. Use InsightAgent's Magic Listing tool to optimize titles, tags, descriptions, and pricing—or analyze competitor shops to see what's working in your niche.