Amazon Image Search Hack: Discover Similar Looks for Less

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We all know Amazon is one of the best places to find convenient, high-quality goods. But are you tired of scrolling through endless pages trying to find that perfect product? Let me give you back hours of your life by introducing you to a serious game-changing, relatively new feature – Amazon image search.

You may have heard it by its other name, Amazon Lens, but no matter what you call it, it’s here to revolutionize your online shopping experience.  

With this tool, you can find products on Amazon by simply uploading a photo of the item, making it THE BEST way to find designer looks for less of brand names!

I wanted to discover a more budget-friendly option for my favorite Pottery Barn basket. So, I took a photo of it and then let Amazon’s powerful image recognition technology analyze the picture to give me a list of products that matched my main image.

I was shocked by the results. Keep reading to check it out (I bought it)!

You can find all of my favorite designer looks for less over in my Amazon storefront.

What is Amazon Image Search?

Amazon image search is Amazon’s reverse image search tool, similar to Google Lens or Google Image Search. Am I talking in another language?

Simply put, you can do an Amazon search by image instead of using words. This can really come in handy when you’re itching to match that perfect piece with a look you’ve seen elsewhere, but the product name or product description eludes you.

Accessible only through the Amazon app, using image search is a breeze. Just tap that little camera icon in the search bar (circled in yellow below), and voilà! It’s like having a personal shopper right at your fingertips!

Next, you’ll need to choose from the following options: Search, Shop the Look (where you can upload an existing photo), or Barcode.

Once you’ve made your selection, Amazon’s search algorithm magic will unveil results that align perfectly with your image search query.

This feature truly shines when you’re on the hunt for products with unique or specific features that are hard to put into words, when you want to find a similar look for less money, or when you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind home décor item you spotted while out and about.

Now you can simply snap a picture and Amazon will almost instantly give you a list of similar items.

How do you use Amazon Lens?

Using this incredible Amazon search tool is as easy as snapping your fingers (or in this case, a picture). Here’s the lowdown on how to use Amazon photo search like a pro in five easy steps:

Step 1: Open the Amazon App

The first thing you’ll need to do is open up the Amazon app on your Android or iOS mobile phone (available to both Android and iOS users). This visual search technology is only available through mobile devices.

For best practices and the most accurate results, make sure you’re using the latest version of the mobile app.

Step 2: Spot the Camera Icon

Next, locate the search bar, identified by a magnifying glass. At the time of this post, that’s located at the bottom of the app screen.

You’ll see a little camera icon on the right side of “Search Amazon.com,” directly to the left of the microphone icon. Give it a tap, and you’re on your way to image-searching glory.

Step 3: Snap or Select

Here’s where the decisions begin. You’ve got a few choices based on your needs. Click the question mark inside of the circle in the top right of each category if you have additional questions:

• Amazon Search: If you’ve got the item right in front of you or you spotted something in a magazine, take a clear photo by tapping the magnifying glass icon labeled “Search.” Doing so will activate your camera in real time. Make sure the item is well-lit, and if needed, activate the flash by tapping the lightning bolt at the top right. Keep the item within the photo frame, and try to minimize any background distractions. If it’s too far, get closer or zoom in by pinching the screen.

• Amazon Shop the Look: You can select an existing image from your device’s entire photo library by clicking the yellow “Shop your photo” button. You can use a real-life photo or even screenshots of Google images. This comes in handy when you’ve spotted that must-have item online or in person. You can also scroll past “Explore these looks” to see Amazon creators’ unique looks. Currently, there are a few categories: All, Women, Men, and Home. These creator photos provide real-life visuals of the items with direct links back to those exact products.

• Amazon Barcodes:  Use this feature to scan product barcodes. This helps you quickly reorder the same item or check out positive and negative feedback from reviews. Just point the camera where you want to scan, making sure it fits within the Amazon barcode size highlighted frame. 

Step 4: The Magic Unfolds

Once you’ve snapped or selected your image, Amazon’s behind-the-scenes wizards kick into action. Their advanced image recognition technology goes to work, meticulously analyzing the image to identify objects, patterns, and details within it.

You’ll notice some white dots flashing around, that just means it’s working.

Step 5: Explore the Results

And now, the grand reveal! You’ll now find a curated list of search results that match the visual attributes of the item in your image.

Higher rankings on the results page are typically products that are either the most similar or downright identical, all of which are available for purchase right there on Amazon. Simply click the product listing to be redirected to the product page for checkout.

I was on the hunt for a cheaper basket that mimicked the look of my favorite Pottery Barn basket and am impressed with the results. I snagged the top search result, this little cutie, for a fraction of the price (and it comes in round!).

Amazon Lens Tips and Tricks

Let’s dive into the secrets of getting the most out of Amazon Lens. I’ve been using this feature for many months now and have discovered the very best tips and tricks.

These are, in my opinion, the most important ranking factors that can make or break your visual search success:

1. Optimal Resolution: Probably one of the most important factors for Amazon Lens success is to use clear, full-resolution photos. When possible, don’t crop your image down to a tiny square – you’ll get the best results when the full item is visible within the full photo frame.
2. Well-Lit Imagery: Good lighting also plays an important role in great search results. When your photos are well-lit, Amazon Lens has an easier time selecting where to search. Plus, well-lit product images preserve the crucial details of your item. Dim and grainy photos can leave out vital information, potentially generating less accurate results. Click the lightning bolt in the top right to activate your camera’s flash, if needed.
3. Minimize Distractions: Whenever possible, reduce background distractions behind the object you’re running the search on. A clutter-free background ensures that Amazon Lens focuses on the correct item during the search process and not something behind it.
4. Embrace Zoom: If you can’t entirely eliminate background distractions, get up close and personal with your item while keeping it within the designated photo frame. If you are using an existing photo, go ahead and crop it down. But don’t be afraid to experiment – zooming out can also yield intriguing results.
5. New Angles: Snapping images of your desired item from various perspectives can yield entirely new results!
6. Add Descriptive Text: Sometimes, even the most diligent visual search needs a little nudge. If your initial search doesn’t bring up the item you’re seeking, add some descriptive text in the search bar. Look for the “Image + Add Text” option – this means it will not only search your photo but also incorporate relevant keywords to narrow down your search.
7. Explore Example Photos: Once you’ve run a search, don’t stop there. Take a stroll through the product ranking results, and if anything comes close to what you’re looking for, take a screenshot. Then, use this new image to rerun the search. You’d be surprised at how this simple trick can result in new discoveries!

Benefits of Amazon Visual Search

Amazon product image search is a game-changer that has SO MANY BENEFITS. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence image recognition technology, Amazon’s visual search allows you to find similar products through images, sparing you the hassle of traditional text-based searches.

Let’s delve into the advantages of Amazon Lens search:

1.  Easy to Use: Amazon search by photo is a breeze. Simply upload an image or snap a picture of the desired product and Amazon takes care of the rest.
2. Time Saver: Say goodbye to coming up with search terms. With image-based search, you swiftly locate the Amazon product you need. On top of that, best sellers rank higher in the results, so less scrolling needed.
3. Discover Similar Products: Amazon’s reverse image search isn’t just about finding the exact item. It excels at locating a wide range of products with a similar style or design, making it ideal for shoppers with specific tastes.

Potential Limitations of Amazon Image Search

While Amazon’s image search tool is undoubtedly a valuable resource, it’s essential to be aware of potential limitations:

1. Accuracy: While Amazon’s image recognition technology is impressive, it’s not one hundred percent. Occasionally, searches may yield irrelevant results. Having more control over the search field boundaries would be a welcome improvement to the app.
2. Availability: Not all products can be found on Amazon by image search. Some sellers may not have enabled this feature for their listings, or certain products may not qualify for image-based searching. If you can’t find the results you need, you’ll want to go back to text searching.

Overall, Amazon reverse image search has truly changed the way we shop online. It’s an incredibly user-friendly search engine and conveniently located right there in the Amazon app, allowing you to find products by using images instead of text.

While it’s a terrific time-saving tool, it’s not perfect – there are times when it may not find the exact item, and not all products are available through this method. But with the simple tips and tricks I’ve covered today, you can increase your odds of success!

And there you have it, my savvy shopper friend! With Amazon image search you’ve unlocked a world of effortless product discovery, all at the tip of your fingers (or should I say, lens?).

So why wait? Give it a whirl and let me know in the comments what you think. Happy hunting, and may you uncover the hidden gems you’ve been dreaming of!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amazon Lens?

Amazon Lens is just another term for Amazon image search, and it’s your shortcut to hassle-free shopping on Amazon without needing to type a single word. It’s a clever tool that lets you hunt for products using images. So, whether you’ve got a photo of something you want, spotted an item in a magazine, or even found it online, Amazon Lens makes it a breeze to discover similar or exact looks (and usually for less).

Is there an Amazon Lens app?

While there isn’t a standalone Amazon Lens app, you’ll find it right at your fingertips within the Amazon app. Simply look for the tiny camera icon on the right side of the search bar. If it’s your first time on the Amazon app, you can easily download it from the App Store. 

Can you take a picture of something and find it on Amazon?

Yes and it’s easier than you might think! Whether you want to discover similar items or identify something you’ve spotted in the real world, this handy tool has got you covered. To get started, all you need to do is upload your photo on Amazon, and let the image recognition feature do the rest. For my step-by-step guide, simply click here.

How do I get out of Amazon Lens?

Once you’ve run your search, a list of visually similar results will appear. If you do not expand your results list by swiping up, you can simply click the left-pointing arrow in the top left corner. However, if you’ve expanded your search results and want to exit Amazon Lens, the process is a tad less intuitive. Look in the top left for the down-pointing arrow next to the image you searched- give that arrow a tap. It will now take you back to the last screen mentioned above. From there, keep clicking the left-pointing arrow until you are back to the Amazon homepage.

What is the best way to search for a product on Amazon?

The best way to search for a product on Amazon depends on your preferences. You can use the search bar at the top of the Amazon website or app to search for products by name, category, or keyword. You can also use Amazon’s image recognition feature to search for products using photos. Finally, you can use Amazon’s filters and sorting options to narrow down your search results and find the products you’re looking for.

I am an independent blogger and I am not affiliated with any company. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely my own and based on my personal experiences and research. Information is subject to change.