January 20, 2025, marks the end of Amazon’s 360° image feature on product detail pages, officially phasing out the spin-and-zoom experience that once defined online shopping visuals. But don’t panic—this isn’t a step back; it’s a leap forward into a future where 3D and augmented reality (AR) reign supreme.
If you’re wondering why Amazon would retire a feature many sellers and customers have relied on for years, the answer is simple: evolution. The 360° image experience was groundbreaking… a decade ago.
Now, tools like View in 3D, View in Your Room, and Virtual Try-On offer deeper engagement and interactivity, reshaping how customers discover, explore, and ultimately purchase products online.
From Spinning to Immersive Shopping: What’s Changing?
The retirement of 360° images makes way for advanced 3D and AR tools, which are designed to enhance the shopping experience:
• View in 3D: Enables customers to zoom, rotate, and interact with products on their screens, offering a comprehensive view of all angles.
• View in Your Room: Uses AR to let shoppers virtually place furniture, electronics, and other products in their own spaces, ensuring they’ll fit and match before buying.
• Virtual Try-On: Perfect for shoes and eyewear, this feature allows customers to see how products will look and feel on them.
These updates offer something 360° images never could: context. It’s no longer just about seeing a product; it’s about imagining it as part of your life.
Why This Matters for Sellers
While this might feel like one more thing to add to your to-do list, it’s actually an incredible opportunity. Here’s why:
Interactive 3D and AR experiences don’t just showcase your products; they bring them to life. Customers can try on shoes from their couch or see how a lamp fits in their living room, making them more likely to buy with confidence.
By giving customers a more accurate sense of size, scale, and appearance, 3D and AR tools help reduce the guesswork—and the risk of disappointment. This not only increases conversions but also cuts down on costly returns.
If you’re selling in high-competition niches like furniture, home goods, or fashion, these tools are your chance to shine. Optimizing your listings with immersive content could give you a serious edge over competitors stuck in the 360° era.
How to Get Started with 3D and AR on Amazon
If you already have 3D models for your products, you’re ahead of the game. If not, now’s the perfect time to start creating them.
Here’s how to optimize your listings:
• Use Amazon’s Tools: The Upload 3D Model Tool and Mobile 3D Scanning Tool make it easy to get your products ready for 3D and AR experiences.
• Focus on Key Categories: 3D and AR content is especially impactful for products like furniture, shoes, eyewear, and consumer electronics.
• Think Beyond the Basics: Don’t just show your product—tell its story. Use 3D and AR to highlight key features, educate customers, and inspire trust.
Why This Move Is Great for Shoppers Too
Amazon’s shift to 3D and AR isn’t just a win for sellers—it’s a game-changer for customers. These tools make online shopping faster, smarter, and more intuitive. Instead of scrolling endlessly or relying on flat images, shoppers can now interact with products as if they’re holding them in their hands.
For example, with View in Your Room, they can make sure that the couch actually fits in their apartment before hitting “Add to Cart.” And with Virtual Try-On, they can see how those sneakers or sunglasses look on them without ever leaving home.
The Bottom Line
The retirement of 360° images might feel like the end of an era, but it’s really the beginning of a better one. For sellers, this is your chance to level up your listings, connect with customers in new ways, and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. For shoppers, it’s all about a more immersive, engaging, and trustworthy buying experience.
So, don’t think of this as losing a feature. Think of it as gaining a powerful new set of tools to grow your business.
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