In response to the growing use of high pixel-density displays like smartphones, tablets, and modern computers, Zazzle has a watermark threshold to enhance the customer experience. This article aims to clarify the watermark threshold and the protective measures Zazzle has in place for Creators' content.
Why we urge Creators NOT to use Watermarks:
While Zazzle strives to provide a secure environment, it's essential for Creators to understand the reasoning behind discouraging the use of watermarks. Watermarked products may generate fewer sales due to the following reasons:
1. Search Engine Requirements: Image search engines demand larger, watermark-free images for better visibility in search results.
2. Zazzle's Search Policy: Watermarked products may lose preferential placement in Zazzle's search results, impacting sales.
3. Customer Perception: Some customers may mistake watermarks as intentional design elements or flaws, leading to hesitation in purchasing.
Watermark Threshold:
It's important to note that, for desktop users, the watermark may not be visible because the requested image is rendered in the browser at 1080px, just one pixel below the watermark threshold (1081px). However, If someone were to zoom in extensively and attempt to “steal” an image, it would become extremely blurry and filled with various visual artifacts, making it unsuitable for reproduction. Under today’s standards, 1080px is considered quite low resolution, particularly for those working with media and content (e.g., 4K resolution equals 3,840 pixels).
Intellectual Property Protection Measures:
Zazzle is aware of concerns regarding intellectual property theft and has taken various measures to protect Creators' content:
1. Option to Watermark: While we discourage using watermarks in your Store, we also know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t fit with our commitment to our creative community, so we offer the choice to apply watermarks to image sizes under the threshold.
2. Cover Photos Option: You can add your own brand/watermarks to up to 10 cover photos that you can add to your product pages.
3. Disabled Right-Click Functionality: Right-click functionality has been disabled to prevent easy image downloading.
4. Deep HTML Embedding: Images are embedded many layers deep in the HTML, adding an extra layer of protection.
Adapting to Higher Resolution Expectations:
As consumer expectations for higher-resolution product imagery continue to rise, Zazzle recognizes the importance of adapting to new standards. With the prevalence of high-resolution smartphones and increasing screen sizes, providing clear, high-quality product images becomes crucial for influencing customer purchase decisions.
Zazzle remains committed to safeguarding Creators' content while prioritizing the best shopping experience for Customers. By understanding the watermark policy, Creators can make informed decisions about protecting their digital assets and optimizing their products for increased visibility and sales on the platform.