How to Search by Image on Amazon (and Find the Same Item on Taobao)
Quick answer
To search Amazon by image, open the Amazon Shopping app, tap the camera icon in the search bar and take or upload a photo; Amazon shows visually similar products. On a computer, availability varies, so you may need to use the app. To compare with Chinese sources, run the same picture through a Taobao or 1688 image search.
Step by step
- 1
Open the Amazon Shopping app
Update the app to the latest version and sign in.
- 2
Tap the camera icon
In the search bar, tap the camera and allow camera or photo access if asked.
- 3
Take or upload the picture
Photograph the item or choose an image from your gallery, then crop around one product.
- 4
Refine and compare
Filter results, open a few listings and check price, ratings and shipping before buying.
How to Search by Image on Amazon (and Find the Same Item on Taobao)
You have a picture of a lamp, a sneaker or a phone stand and you want to buy it on Amazon. Typing a description rarely works. Amazon's own image search solves it, and a second pass on Taobao or 1688 can show you where similar goods originate and at what price. Here is how to do both.
Amazon camera search in the app
- Open the Amazon Shopping app and update it if needed.
- In the search bar tap the camera icon.
- Take a photo or choose one from your gallery.
- Crop or tap the item in the picture if several appear.
- Review the matches, open one and check details.
Amazon has been adding features around its visual search, such as live camera search and combining a photo with a text qualifier. Menu names and availability differ by country and version. If you cannot find the icon, update the app and check the search bar.
On a computer
The web version of the store is not always consistent with the app. If you have a picture on your desktop, you can send it to your phone or save it to the cloud and use the app. For filters and comparison tabs, you can then return to the web.
Tips for better matches
- Photograph the object on a plain background.
- Keep it in focus and include the whole product.
- Use daylight or even lighting.
- Add text where possible: color, material and size help.
- Check that the product has the same dimensions; a close photo makes everything look the same size.
Find the source on Taobao or 1688
Many products on global marketplaces are made in China and appear on Chinese platforms with different titles and prices. To investigate:
- Save or screenshot the product image.
- Run Taobao image search with the picture.
- Switch to 1688 to see wholesale listings: Taobao vs 1688.
- Compare specifications, not just photos.
Important: matching photos do not prove identical quality, brand rights or certification. Branded or patented goods are protected, and you should not imitate them.
What the extension can and cannot do
The Taobao Image Search extension runs image lookups on Taobao, 1688 and Alibaba. For Amazon, eBay and other marketplaces it offers keyword search from the same window. It does not replace Amazon's own camera search.
Amazon visual search vs Taobao image search
| Amazon visual search | Taobao image search | |
|---|---|---|
| Catalogue | Amazon products | Taobao, 1688, Alibaba listings |
| Language | Your language | Chinese listings |
| Shipping | Amazon's logistics | Often via forwarder |
| Use | Buy on Amazon | Find Chinese sources and alternatives |
A reseller workflow
- Find a product on Amazon.
- Save its picture and note price and reviews.
- Run a Taobao image search and a 1688 search.
- Compare cost of goods and shipping assumptions.
- Check trademark, safety and platform rules before listing anything.
Related searches
If you also use eBay, read how to search eBay by image. To get Chinese keywords for a product, use Taobao keywords.
Frequently asked questions
Can I search by image on Amazon on a computer?
The camera search is most visible in the mobile app. Desktop availability depends on region and changes, so check the search bar; otherwise use the app.
What is Amazon Lens?
Amazon's visual search feature in the app that matches products from the camera or from a picture, and can show matching items for a live camera view.
Why are the matches not the same product?
Visual search finds similar items. Generic designs, small objects and cluttered backgrounds reduce accuracy.
How can I find where an Amazon product originates?
Run its main picture through Taobao or 1688 image search to see factory and wholesale listings of similar items. Treat results as similar, not identical.
Does the Taobao Image Search extension search Amazon by image?
No. It searches by image on Taobao, 1688 and Alibaba, and offers keyword search on Amazon and other marketplaces.
Search Taobao by photo from any page
Upload a picture, right-click any image or select an area of the screen. The extension also translates Chinese pages and images.
Add to ChromeRelated guides
Taobao Image Search is an independent browser extension. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Taobao, Tmall, 1688 or Alibaba Group. Marketplace rules, fees and menus change, so check the official pages before you pay.