[July 2024] Etsy AI Art Content Updates: What Digital Art Sellers Need to Know

1. Etsy’s AI Summer Update

Recent updates from Etsy have sparked significant discussions among digital art sellers, especially those utilizing AI-generated content. These changes aim to enhance platform integrity but also come with new challenges for sellers. Understanding these updates is crucial to avoid shop suspensions and ensure a seamless selling experience. Here, we break down the most critical points you need to consider.

2. Key Changes in Etsy’s AI Art Policies

Etsy’s new policies on AI-generated content are designed to maintain the quality and authenticity of listings. Sellers must disclose within their listing descriptions if an item is created using AI. This transparency is essential to avoid misleading buyers and to align with Etsy’s commitment to genuine handmade and unique items. Moreover, Etsy has prohibited the sale of AI prompt bundles, which affects sellers who offer AI-generated ideas or templates as products. (Source: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1275449912004)

3. Bulk Updating Descriptions to Comply with AI Disclosure

Etsy’s requirement to disclose AI-generated content in listings means sellers need to update their product descriptions. Fortunately, Etsy allows bulk updates, making this process more manageable. Shout out to Alek’s Discord community and especially FlooZey McTooZey who was quick to point out everyone on how to bulk update the descriptions.

To bulk update your descriptions to include the necessary AI disclosure, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Your Listings Manager:

• Log into your Etsy account.
• Go to the “Shop Manager” and then click on “Listings.”

2. Select Listings to Update:

• Use the checkboxes to select all the listings you need to update. You can select multiple listings at once by checking the box at the top of the list.

3. Choose the Edit Option:

• Click on the “Editing options” drop-down menu.
• Select “Edit descriptions.”

4. Append AI Disclosure to Descriptions:

• In the text box that appears, select “Add to end” from the dropdown menu.
• Enter the disclosure statement you want to add to your descriptions. A suggested disclosure might be:
  
  Please note: This artwork is generated using artificial intelligence. Each piece is unique and created with the aid of AI tools to bring imaginative and innovative designs to life.
  
  
• Ensure this text is clear and concise, informing buyers about the AI involvement in the creation of your artwork. Being polite and direct increases trust in your brand. Most buyers are more interested in how the art enhances their space, regardless of whether it’s AI-generated or not.
• Remember to leave a blank line before the sentence you append to highlight it as a new section. Make sure to check a few of your listings after the update to ensure everything looks correct.

5. Apply Changes:

• Click “Apply” to append this disclosure to all selected listings.
• Review your updated listings to ensure the disclosure has been correctly added.

4. Introducing Etsy’s New Creativity Standards

Etsy has introduced new Creativity Standards to highlight the unique contributions of sellers. These categories help buyers understand the value and originality of each product:

• Made by [ShopName]: Items crafted directly by the seller.
• Designed by [ShopName]: Products designed by the seller. (For example by using AI)
• Sourced by [ShopName]: Unique items selected by the seller.
• Handpicked by [ShopName]: Special finds chosen by the seller.

These updates emphasize the human touch behind every product, reinforcing Etsy’s commitment to creativity. For more details, check out the Seller Handbook. (Source: CEO Announcement)

5. Avoiding Auto-Suspensions When Setting Up Your Shop

A significant concern for new sellers is the risk of auto-suspensions. Etsy employs bots to detect and suspend potentially suspicious activities. To minimize this risk, take your time when setting up your shop. Ensure every step, from account creation to listing uploads, is thorough and deliberate. A well-known moderator in the Etsy Reddit community made a huge checklist to make sure your account will not get suspended.

6. “Dummy Listings” – The Mistake That Might Have Suspended Thousands of Shops

Creating detailed and legitimate listings is crucial to avoid suspension. A common mistake is uploading “dummy” listings during the shop creation process — generic images or placeholders that do not represent actual products. These can be quickly flagged by Etsy’s system. Instead, make a real, high-quality listing to ensure your shop is not getting flagged! (Source: r/Etsy)

Final Tips for a Smooth Selling Experience

• Take Your Time: Avoid rushing through the shop creation process. Thoroughly review each step to prevent triggering Etsy’s suspension bots.
• Detailed Listings: Create detailed and accurate listings with high-quality images and comprehensive descriptions.
• Consistent Information: Ensure all your ID and banking information matches to avoid verification issues.
• Professional Appearance: Use professional logos and banners to present a credible shop front.
• Stay Updated: Regularly check Etsy’s policies and updates to remain compliant and avoid potential issues.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Conclusion

Navigating Etsy’s recent updates on AI-generated art and content requires careful attention to detail and adherence to new guidelines. By taking the time to set up your shop correctly, ensuring all information is consistent, and creating professional listings, you can avoid suspensions and build a successful Etsy business. Stay informed and adapt to these changes to thrive on Etsy’s evolving platform.

9. What’s Next for Etsy Sellers – A Brighter Future

Etsy is planning to address concerns about the search experience feeling like a “black box.” Here’s what’s coming:

• Actionable Insights: Detailed tips to boost your listings’ visibility.
• High-Quality Listing Factors: Criteria to ensure your products get noticed and sold.
• Improved Search Visibility: Easier ways for buyers to find your unique creations.

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