How to Add Video to eBay Auction Listings

You don’t have to be an experienced video producer to create videos to post on eBay with your listings. Adding video allows you to show 360 degree views of the product, demonstrate the item in use, talk directly to your potential buyers, and add your own personal creativity to your listings.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• eBay Account
• Internet Access
• Time

1. 

   Review eBay's Links Policy. You may include video if it further describes your item. You may use the following sites to embed video code (most use YouTube):
   
   AOL
   
   AuctionMercial
   
   AuctionPlayer
   
   AuctionVideo
   
   CarTHINK
   
   CreativeVideosOnline
   
   Dailymotion
   
   Google
   
   i2iAuction
   
   Microsoft
   
   MySpace
   
   Silverdock
   
   Vzaar
   
   YouTube

2. Decide if you want to make your own video or use a video that is available for public use on another site.

3. If your item is a new consumer item, you may want to use a TV commercial already uploated to a public site. This is perfectly eBay legal. eBay won't care - a professionally made commercial will help sell your item, and both you and eBay will benefit. Using a previously uploaded TV commercial will save you time. Let the commercial do the selling for you - why reinvent the wheel if you don't have to?

4. If you are making your own video, be sure that the finished product has a clear picture and the sound is good. Show 360 degree views of the product and demonstrate using the product if applicable.

5. Write your listing as normal and include all pertinent information in the description text. Be aware that not everyone will be able to view your video due to slow connections, sound problems, and other reasons. Write your listing with the same information you would use if you weren't using a video. You want to be able to provide item details to any potential buyer who sees your listing.

6. Upload photos as usual for the same reason as above. Not everyone will be able to watch the video and you don't want to miss a sale for lack of photos.

7. Embed the video code in the HTML portion of your listing. YouTube allows you to customize the video border to match your listing template, if you are using one. You can also disable the function to include related videos so customers aren't distracted and click away from your listing.

8. Preview your video on the listing before submitting it. You want to make sure it plays correctly and the audio can be heard.

9. Finalize your listing and post it on eBay.

Tips & Warnings

• Always preview a video before adding it to your listing. Make sure that the audio works properly and the picture quality is good.
• Don't assume that just becuase a video is on your listing that everyone will be able (or choose) to view it. Always include pertinent information in the text description and always include photos. You don't want to miss a potential sale because the eBay customer can't view your video.
• Make sure you adhere to eBay's links policy.

Resources

• Learn more about eBay selling

[vzaar]

on 3/17/2009 Thanks for the mention Suzanne

[acole]

on 7/21/2008 Interesting. Good to know.