Depop Launches Image Based AI Listing To Speed Up C2C Fashion Sales
Etsy-owned fashion marketplace Depop has launched AI powered listing using a single photo, speeding up circular economy selling on the platform.
The company announced the new feature in a press release this week, promising sellers will be able to create a listing description and populate item attributes, including category, colour, sub-category and brand, by uploading just one photo.
DepopDepop is rolling out a new description generation feature, using image recognition and generative AI technology to accelerate the resale listing process. The feature allows users to create a listing description and populate item attributes, including category, colour, sub-category and brand, by uploading just one photo.
The description generation feature has been designed to be authentic to the unique, colloquial tone of the Depop community, incorporating relevant hashtags and embodying the distinctive way inventory is described and represented by sellers on the marketplace.
To use the feature, sellers can upload an image of an item using the selling button and hit ‘Generate Description’. They can then use, adjust or remove the description as required. The feature is available to all users in English-speaking countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Ireland.
Like many marketplaces and tech companies, Depop has been working to integrate AI into their user experience in a variety of ways with predictive recommendations and pricing guidance for sellers and enhancements to search and algorithmic personalisation for buyers.
Chief Product and Technology Officer, Rafe Colburn, said:
“We know that writing a description for an item in a blank text box can be a time-consuming part of listing, for both new and regular Depop users. Adding intelligent, automated descriptions provides inspiration to speed up and simplify the process, meaning our community can list more, sell more and earn more while contributing to a more circular fashion economy.”
“This feature has resonated well with our community in testing, with almost half of listers trying it out. Taken together, these wider enhancements to the selling process should make it easier and quicker than ever to give fashion items that already exist a second life.”
Of course, Depop isn't the only marketplace chasing the "create a listing with just one picture" vision.
Mercari launched their image-based AI listing tool in beta last year.
Liz Morton
Poshmark also announced a similar feature in beta testing at PoshFest 2023 and just announced last week they are ready to expand it to more sellers at PoshFest 2024.
Liz Morton
And eBay CEO Jamie Iannone promised investors over a year ago image-based "Magical Listing" that would work off of just one photo was "coming soon" - but so far it's been tested with only ~1% of the seller population and has yet to be seen live in the wild.
Liz Morton
Have you tried Depop's AI listing feature? I'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below or contact VAR.
