Etsy Makes Video Reviews Available to All Buyers (on iOS)

Etsy has been testing video reviews as an optional way for buyers to leave feedback on purchases and this new feature is now available to all buyers on iPhones the company announced.

The new Etsy video reviews can be up to 30 seconds in length and include audio. Content restrictions do apply (see FAQ below). An Android version is still in the works and Etsy did don’t provide a timetable of when it would become available. 

The primary benefit of video reviews is that they can boost sales for sellers as buyers can see a real-world use or other angles of the product possible missed in photos supplied by the seller.

Video reviews have become increasingly popular on other eCommerce sites as buyers are seeking more details on products before making a purchase decision.

However, Etsy’s sellers raised several concerns after the beta release of video reviews, and the company released a FAQ to address the most common questions.

Etsy Video Reviews FAQ

What about inappropriate video content? 

“Some sellers have expressed concerns about inappropriate video content. As a reminder: video, photo, and text reviews are subject to our reviews policy, which states that reviews that contain graphic, mature, or harassing language or imagery are against our policy.“

How do I remove an inappropriate review? 

“If you receive an inappropriate video, photo, or text review, click “Report this review” to flag it to our agents. Our agents will evaluate and remove any inappropriate reviews in violation of our reviews policy.“

How long does it take to remove an inappropriate review? 

“If you report a review and we find it violates our policies, it will be removed within 7-10 business days. However, the majority of reported reviews that violate our policies are removed sooner.“

Can I hide photo or video reviews? 

“Reviews are an important, transparent representation of buyers’ experiences and we want buyers on Etsy to shop confidently knowing that we’re a trusted marketplace.”

“In order to ensure we’re being transparent with buyers while continuing to meet industry-wide legal standards, we are removing the ability for sellers to hide photo or video reviews.”

“If you find that a review is inappropriate or violates our policies, you can report it to our team for removal. You will also continue to have the option to respond to reviews if you feel you need to.”

Etsy Video Reviews is just the latest platform enhancement ahead of the busy holiday season. Over the past few months, the company rolled out a new messaging experience and a new seller app.

Also, next month, Etsy will host several free Virtual Seller Events, helping sellers to get ready for the peak season ahead.

Richard Meldner

Richard is co-founder of eSeller365. He has over 17 years of experience on eBay which includes tens of thousands of sales to buyers in over 100 countries and even has experience with eBay’s VeRO program enforcing intellectual property rights for a former employer. And for about two years Richard sold products on Amazon using Amazon FBA in the US.

To “relax” from the daily business grind, for a few weekends a year, he also works for IMSA as a professional race official.