Etsy AI Disclosure Requirements Explained (2026)
June 15, 2026
Etsy now requires sellers to disclose when AI tools have been used to create any part of their products or listings. This isn't a suggestion — it's an enforced policy, and skipping disclosure means your listings get removed.
Here's exactly what's required, what's allowed, and how to stay compliant.
What Requires AI Disclosure?
You must disclose AI usage if any of these apply to your listing:
- AI-generated images — artwork, patterns, or designs created with tools like Midjourney, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion
- AI-assisted design — using AI to generate or significantly modify visual elements of your product
- AI-generated product descriptions — if you used ChatGPT or similar tools to write your listing copy
- AI-enhanced photographs — beyond basic editing, if AI was used to create or substantially alter product images
What's Allowed vs. What's Not
Allowed (with proper disclosure):
- AI-generated digital art and designs — AI is treated as a tool, not a disqualifier
- AI-assisted products where you maintain genuine creative input
- Using AI for inspiration, iteration, or refinement
Not allowed:
- Bulk-generated AI outputs with zero curation — generating thousands of images with identical prompts and listing them all
- Claiming “I made it” when the primary visual was AI-generated
- Selling AI outputs without any meaningful creative direction
Exactly How to Disclose
Etsy requires disclosure in two places:
- The “About this item” section: Select “Designed by”instead of “I made it” if the primary visual was generated by AI. This is a dropdown in your listing editor.
- Your listing description: Add a clear statement about AI usage. For example:“This design was created with the assistance of AI image generation tools (Midjourney), with custom prompting, curation, and post-processing by me.”
What Happens If You Don't Disclose
- Listing removal — Etsy will take down listings that are detected as AI-generated without proper disclosure
- Automated detection — Etsy uses automated systems to identify AI-generated content
- Community reporting — other sellers and buyers can report undisclosed AI content
- Repeat violations — multiple removals can escalate to shop suspension
Common Mistakes Sellers Make
- Selecting “I made it” for AI-generated artwork — this is the most common violation
- Adding disclosure to the description but not updating the “About this item” dropdown
- Using vague language like “digitally created” instead of explicitly mentioning AI
- Not disclosing AI-generated product mockup images
- Assuming that AI-assisted (vs. fully AI-generated) doesn't need disclosure — it does
Production Partners and AI
If you use a print-on-demand service (like Printful or Printify) to fulfill AI-designed products, you need both disclosures:
- AI disclosure for the design
- Production partner disclosure for the fulfillment
Missing either one can result in listing removal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to disclose AI on Etsy if I only used it a little?
Yes. Etsy requires disclosure for AI-assisted work, not just fully AI-generated work. If AI was used to generate or significantly modify any visual element, copy, or image, you must disclose it.
Is AI-generated art allowed on Etsy?
Yes, with proper disclosure. Etsy treats AI as a tool rather than a disqualifier, as long as you maintain genuine creative input and disclose its use. Bulk-generated outputs with no curation are not allowed.
Where do I disclose AI use on an Etsy listing?
In two places: select 'Designed by' instead of 'I made it' in the 'About this item' section, and add a clear statement about AI usage in your listing description.
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