Amazon Seller Updates
RIP Amazon 360 Views: Why They Were Killed & What You Need to Upload Now
Legacy 360 spin images are officially dead. Amazon's January 2025 policy change means GLB 3D models are the new standard. Here's everything you need to know to stay ahead.
If you've been selling on Amazon for any length of time, you probably remember 360-degree spin views. Those interactive image carousels that let shoppers rotate your product—giving them a virtual "hands-on" experience. They were slick, they converted well, and they made your listing feel premium.
They're gone now.
As of January 20, 2025, Amazon officially pulled the plug on 360-degree spin images across all product detail pages. No warning countdown. No migration period. Just... gone. If you had 360 spins on your listings, they've vanished into the algorithmic ether.
But here's the thing: this isn't Amazon removing features for the sake of simplification. It's Amazon pushing sellers toward something more powerful—GLB 3D models. And if you're not already creating and uploading them, you're about to fall behind competitors who are.
⚠️The January 2025 Policy Change
- December 2023: Amazon stopped accepting new 360-degree image uploads
- January 20, 2025: All existing 360-degree spin views removed from product pages
- Going forward: GLB/GLTF 3D models are the only supported interactive format
1. Why Amazon Killed 360 Spin Views
To understand Amazon's decision, you need to understand what 360 spin views actually were—and why they were always a dead-end technology.
The Technical Limitations
Traditional 360 spin views weren't true 3D. They were sequences of 36-72 static photographs, stitched together and displayed in a carousel. Swipe left, the product rotates. Swipe right, it rotates back. Simple. But fundamentally limited:
📦 File Size Bloat
72 product photos × multiple angles = massive file sizes. This killed page load speeds, especially on mobile.
🔒 Fixed Perspectives
Customers could only see the exact angles you photographed. Want to zoom on a detail? Look underneath? Not possible.
❌ No AR Integration
360 images can't power "View in Your Room" or virtual try-on features. They're flat photos, not actual 3D data.
💸 Production Cost
Professional 360 photography required turntables, consistent lighting, and significant post-production—often $200-500+ per product.
Amazon's Vision: Immersive Commerce
Amazon isn't just cleaning house—they're betting big on immersive shopping experiences. Their 3D model program (accessible via Seller Central) powers three game-changing features:
1View in 3D
True 360° rotation with zoom capabilities. Customers can explore products from any angle, zoom into details, and interact in ways static images never allowed. Studies show products with 3D viewers see up to 94% higher conversion rates.
2View in Your Room
AR-powered visualization that places products in customers' real spaces. For furniture, home decor, and electronics, this is revolutionary—customers can see exactly how a couch fits before buying.
3Virtual Try-On
For eyewear and shoes, customers can virtually try products before purchase. This dramatically reduces returns—the single largest pain point in e-commerce.
None of this is possible with 360 spin images. It requires actual 3D geometry—which is exactly what GLB files provide.
2. What is GLB? The New Standard Explained
If you're hearing "GLB" for the first time, don't panic. It's simpler than it sounds—and understanding it is critical for modern Amazon selling.
GLB in Plain English
GLB (GL Binary) is a file format for 3D models. Think of it as a "JPEG for 3D"—a single file that contains the complete 3D representation of your product: its shape, colors, textures, and materials.
GLB is the binary version of glTF (GL Transmission Format), developed by the Khronos Group (the same organization behind OpenGL and Vulkan). It's become the industry standard for 3D content on the web.
GLB vs. 360 Spin: A Comparison
| Feature | 360 Spin Images | GLB 3D Models |
|---|---|---|
| True 3D? | No (image sequence) | Yes (real geometry) |
| Zoom capability | Limited to image resolution | Unlimited (vector-based) |
| AR/VR compatible | ❌ No | ✓ Yes |
| "View in Your Room" | ❌ No | ✓ Yes |
| File size (typical) | 5-20MB (72 images) | 1-5MB (single file) |
| Mobile performance | Poor (large downloads) | Excellent (optimized) |
| Amazon support (2025+) | Discontinued | Active & expanding |
3. Amazon's GLB Requirements: The Complete Specs
Amazon's quality bar is high—and for good reason. Low-quality 3D models create negative customer experiences. Here's everything your GLB file needs to meet their standards.
📐 Geometry Requirements
- Triangle count: Maximum 200,000 triangles (lower is better for performance)
- Real-world scale: Model dimensions must match actual product dimensions exactly
- Mesh integrity: No holes, inverted normals, or self-intersecting geometry
- No extras: Remove all cameras, lights, animations, and modifiers before export
🎨 Texture Requirements
- Format: PNG or JPG embedded in GLB file
- Resolution: Between 2048×2048 (2K) and 4096×4096 (4K) pixels
- Dimensions: Must be square and power-of-two (1024, 2048, 4096)
- No double-sided: Single-sided textures only
🔧 Material Requirements
- PBR workflow: Must use Physically Based Rendering (metallic/roughness)
- Supported extensions: KHR_materials_sheen, KHR_materials_transmission, KHR_materials_clearcoat, KHR_materials_ior
- Accuracy: Materials must visually match the actual product
📦 File Requirements
- Format: GLB or GLTF (GLB preferred—single file)
- File size: Under 5MB for optimal loading
- Naming: Clear, descriptive filename (no special characters)
💡Brand Registry Required
Only sellers enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry can upload 3D models. If you're not registered yet, start that process before creating your 3D assets.
GLB Readiness Checker
Check off each requirement to verify your 3D model is Amazon-ready.
4. Which Product Categories Support 3D Models?
Amazon hasn't rolled out 3D model support universally—yet. Currently, the feature is available in these categories:
Home
Decor, storage, kitchen items
Furniture
"View in Your Room" enabled
Consumer Electronics
Speakers, devices, gadgets
Shoes
Virtual try-on available
Eyewear
Virtual try-on available
More Coming
Amazon is expanding categories
If your product category isn't listed above, stay prepared. Amazon is actively expanding 3D model support, and building your asset library now means you'll be ready to publish instantly when your category opens up.
5. How to Create GLB 3D Models: Your Options
There are several paths to creating Amazon-compliant GLB files, ranging from free DIY options to professional services. Here's the breakdown:
Option 1: Amazon Seller App Scanning (Free)
Amazon offers a built-in 3D scanning feature in the Seller app. Point your phone at your product, capture from multiple angles, and Amazon generates a 3D model for you.
Option 2: Professional 3D Artist
Hire a 3D artist or studio to build your model from scratch. Provide reference photos, dimensions, and material samples. Expect $50-300+ per product depending on complexity.
Option 3: DIY with Blender
Blender is free, open-source 3D software. If you have CAD files or are willing to learn, you can model products yourself and export directly to GLB format.
Option 4: AI Photo-to-3D Services
New AI-powered tools can generate 3D models from product photos. Upload images, and the AI reconstructs your product in 3D—no manual modeling required. The technology is improving rapidly. For high-quality product imagery to feed these tools, AI product photography platforms can provide the consistent, multi-angle shots you need.
6. Step-by-Step: Uploading Your GLB to Amazon
Once you have a compliant GLB file, uploading to Amazon is straightforward. Here's the exact process:
Navigate to Image Manager
In Seller Central, go to Catalog → Upload Images, then select the Image Manager tab.
Select Your Product
Search for your product by ASIN or SKU in the left panel. Verify the "Registered brand owner" icon appears.
Upload 3D Model
Navigate to the 3D Models section and click Upload 3D Model. Select your GLB file.
Provide Reference Materials
Amazon may request additional images from various angles and exact product dimensions for quality verification.
Wait for Quality Review
Amazon's team reviews submissions against their quality standards. This can take up to 2 weeks. Check the "Submission Status" tab for updates.
💡Pro Tip: Common Rejection Reasons
- Model dimensions don't match actual product
- Textures are low-resolution or blurry
- Materials don't accurately represent the physical product
- File contains cameras, lights, or animation data
- Triangle count exceeds 200K limit
7. The Business Case: Why This Matters for Your Sales
Beyond compliance, there's a compelling business case for adopting GLB 3D models. The data is clear:
+94%
Conversion rate increase with 3D/AR content
— Shopify Research
-40%
Reduction in product returns
— Industry Average
82%
of visitors interact with 3D when available
— Threekit Data
Returns are the silent profit killer in e-commerce. Every returned product costs you shipping both ways, potential damage, restocking labor, and lost sales during the return window. 3D visualization directly attacks this problem by giving customers accurate expectations before they buy.
And here's the competitive angle: while many sellers are still mourning their 360 views, early adopters are already uploading GLB models and reaping the conversion benefits. Amazon's algorithm rewards engagement—and nothing engages like an interactive 3D viewer. For more on optimizing your Amazon presence, see our Amazon CRO guide.
Key Takeaways: What to Do Now
Accept the change: 360 spin views are gone permanently. No amount of support tickets will bring them back.
Check your category: If you sell in Home, Furniture, Electronics, Shoes, or Eyewear, you can upload GLB models today.
Ensure Brand Registry: You must be enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry to upload 3D content.
Choose your creation method: Amazon app scanning, professional artists, DIY Blender, or AI photo-to-3D services.
Use the checklist above: Verify all technical requirements before uploading to avoid rejections.
Move fast: Early adopters of 3D models will capture the conversion advantage before competitors catch up.
Amazon's shift from 360 images to GLB models isn't just a technical upgrade—it's a fundamental change in how products are visualized online. The sellers who adapt quickly will thrive. Those who wait will watch their conversion rates slip as competitors offer richer, more interactive experiences.
The lightbox is dead. The 360 spinner followed it. 3D is the future—and for Amazon sellers, that future is now.