Etsy is cracking down on AI slop listings

Key points

• Etsy is introducing stricter rules on AI use in listings to reduce the volume of AI slop on the platform.
• Every listing must now include at least one unedited photo of the actual item against a real background.
• Selling AI-generated art remains allowed, but sellers must disclose that it was made with AI.

Etsy is announcing stricter rules about how AI can be used in listings in an effort to reduce the volume of AI slop on the platform. The company said in a post that many active buyers report they cannot tell which items involve AI-generated content, and that sellers are worried about their work appearing next to items that use AI in misleading ways.

The new policies require every listing to include at least one unedited photo of the actual item against a real background. All photos must accurately represent the item a buyer will receive.

Photo rules and AI detection

Photos other than the first one may be edited with software or AI-powered tools, provided the final result remains an accurate representation of the physical product. Etsy shared examples of misleading images that are now prohibited.

When images are uploaded, Etsy will show a pop-up if it detects any that may be AI-generated, letting the seller note whether AI was used. If a buyer reports that the received item is materially different from the listing, the seller may be responsible for a refund.

many active buyers say they can’t tell which items involve AI-generated content

— Etsy

Guides, bots and AI art

For functional guides such as patterns, recipes or instructions, Etsy says the information must be the seller's own work and not generated by AI. Sellers must also show an actual result made from a guide.

Listings made by bots are no longer allowed. Selling AI-generated art is still permitted, but sellers must disclose that it was made with AI.