Amazon
Amazon Now Requires Tagging AI-Generated People in Listings and A+ Content
Amazon requires sellers to tag photorealistic AI-generated people in listing images and A+ content with a synthetic-performer metadata flag. Here is how to comply.
Rob Fleshner · July 27, 2026 · 6 min read
Last updated July 2026
Photo via Unsplash
Table of contents
Amazon has introduced a new compliance requirement affecting sellers using AI-generated models or people in product photography and A+ Content. Any photorealistic AI-generated person in listing images or A+ content must now be tagged with specific metadata.
What the New Requirement Actually Says
Sellers must tag product images containing photorealistic AI-generated people with specific metadata before adding them to listings and A+ content, in any worldwide store. Recent legislation requires disclosure when images or videos in advertisements contain photorealistic AI-generated people.
How to Actually Tag Your Images
Sellers must use an IPTC-compatible metadata editor to add the keyword contains-synthetic-performer to the dc:subject (XMP) field of the image or video file, before uploading. This happens in your production workflow, not inside Seller Central.
Amazon provides detailed instructions at How to tag media that contains an AI-generated person.
When You Do Not Need to Tag an Image
- Only features real people, even if altered with AI tools.
- Only features characters from movies, TV, streaming, documentaries, or video games.
- Does not feature any people.
- Does not feature photorealistic people.
Why This Matters Beyond Compliance
Sellers using AI-generated lifestyle photography need to treat this as a mandatory workflow change. It applies across all worldwide stores.
Explore our Listing Score Grader to check your listing quality while reviewing image compliance.
Building a Compliant Workflow Going Forward
- Audit your current image library for untagged AI-generated people.
- Update creative brief templates for photographers and vendors.
- Confirm your editing software supports IPTC/XMP metadata fields.
- Review the Product image guide and Shoppable video guide.
Check our newsletter for ongoing Amazon compliance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tag a real photo that was edited with AI tools?
No, the requirement only applies to photorealistic AI-generated people, not real people whose photos were AI-edited.
What happens if I do not tag a qualifying image?
Amazon has not published specific penalties, but this is a compliance requirement tied to legislation. Non-compliant images risk removal or enforcement.
Does this apply to video content as well as images?
Yes, the requirement covers both images and videos, including shoppable video content.
Where exactly do I add the metadata tag?
Add the keyword contains-synthetic-performer to the dc:subject (XMP) field using an IPTC-compatible metadata editor before uploading.
Takeaways
- Amazon requires tagging photorealistic AI-generated people in listings and A+ content across all worldwide stores.
- The tag is embedded metadata added before upload using an IPTC-compatible editor.
- Real people, altered or not, do not require tagging.
- Movie, TV, and video game characters are exempt.
- Update creative briefs and vendor workflows now to build compliance in by default.
Keep up with Amazon seller news and marketplace updates in the weekly Cruxfinder issue.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to tag a real photo that was edited with AI tools?
- No. The requirement only applies to photorealistic AI-generated people, not real people whose photos have been altered or enhanced with AI editing tools.
- What happens if I do not tag a qualifying image?
- Amazon has not published specific enforcement penalties, but sellers should treat this as a compliance requirement tied to legislation. Non-compliant images risk removal or account-level enforcement.
- Does this apply to video content as well as images?
- Yes. The requirement covers both images and videos containing photorealistic AI-generated people, including shoppable video content.
- Where exactly do I add the metadata tag?
- You add the keyword contains-synthetic-performer to the dc:subject (XMP) field of the image or video file using an IPTC-compatible metadata editor, before uploading.