Square photos on Mercari
Mercari displays listing photos as squares in search results and on the listing page, and the app crops rectangular photos to fit. Cropping to a square such as 1080 × 1080 px before you upload keeps the item framed the way you want and stops the app from cutting off a corner of the item.
If an item does not fit a square well, such as a long scarf or a tall lamp, use the fit option with a white background. The whole item stays visible and the photo is still square.
What buyers look for in Mercari photos
Mercari is used heavily for second-hand items, so buyers want to judge condition from the photos. Start with a clear photo of the whole item, then show labels, model numbers, the back and underside, and close-ups of any scratches, stains, or missing parts. For electronics, a photo of the item switched on helps show that it works.
Photos that match the description build trust. If the listing says "minor wear", show that wear so the buyer knows exactly what to expect.
Light and background
Shoot near a window during the day and turn off overhead lights to avoid a yellow tint. A plain sheet of white card or a clean wall makes a simple background that works for most small items. Keep the background the same across all your listings so your profile looks consistent.
Listing several items at once
Photograph a batch of items in one session, add every photo here, and export them as squares in a single ZIP. File names keep the original name with the size added, so photos of the same item stay together. You can then upload them straight from your phone's downloads without cropping each one in the app.