Target Plus Marketplace Limits: Product Title, Image, and Listing Requirements
Target Plus marketplace listings allow product titles up to 150 characters, though Target recommends keeping titles between 21 and 100 characters for optimal display. Unlike open marketplaces, Target Plus operates on an invite-only basis with SKU-level exclusivity, meaning only one seller can list each unique product. Understanding these character limits and listing requirements helps approved sellers create optimized product content that meets Target’s premium standards.
This guide covers Target Plus product title limits, image specifications, seller requirements, and content optimization strategies for this curated marketplace.
Target Plus Listing Requirements at a Glance
| Element | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Title | 150 characters max | 21-100 recommended |
| Title Structure | Brand + Product + Key Attributes | No promotional language |
| Primary Image | 1200×1200 to 2400×2400px | Square aspect ratio |
| Image Format | JPG only | RGB color mode |
| Image Background | Pure white | No watermarks or badges |
| Bullet Points | 3-5 recommended | Feature-focused |
| Product Description | Varies by category | HTML not supported |
| Marketplace Model | Invite-only | SKU-level exclusivity |
Product Title Character Limits
Target Plus enforces a 150-character maximum for product titles, but optimal titles fall within the 21-100 character range. This recommendation exists because shorter, focused titles display better across devices and align with Target’s clean, uncluttered brand aesthetic.
Title structure formula:
Brand Name + Product Name + Key Differentiating Attributes
Example titles within limits:
- “Cuisinart 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker - Stainless Steel” (58 characters)
- “Anthropic Canvas Tote Bag with Leather Handles - Natural” (56 characters)
- “Samsung 65-Inch 4K Smart TV with Alexa Built-in” (47 characters)
What to Include in Product Titles
Required elements:
- Brand name (must match exactly as registered)
- Product name or type
- Size, color, or quantity when relevant
- Model number for electronics and appliances
Prohibited content:
- Promotional phrases (“Best Seller,” “Free Shipping”)
- Special characters beyond hyphens and commas
- All caps (except brand acronyms)
- Competitor brand mentions
- Subjective claims (“Amazing,” “Premium Quality”)
Character Count by Device Display
Target shoppers access the marketplace across multiple devices, affecting how much of your title displays before truncation.
| Device | Visible Characters | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | 80-100 | Front-load key info |
| Mobile App | 50-60 | Critical details first |
| Search Results | 60-70 | Brand + product type early |
| Category Pages | 40-55 | Concise formatting |
Place your brand name and primary product identifier within the first 50 characters to ensure visibility across all platforms.
Image Requirements and Specifications
Target Plus maintains strict image standards to preserve the premium shopping experience that distinguishes it from other marketplaces. Meeting these specifications is mandatory for listing approval.
Primary Image Requirements
Dimensions:
- Minimum: 1200×1200 pixels
- Maximum: 2400×2400 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square)
Technical specifications:
- Format: JPG only (no PNG, GIF, or WebP)
- Color mode: RGB (not CMYK)
- Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF)
- Resolution: 72 DPI minimum for web display
Content rules:
- Product must occupy 85% of the frame
- No watermarks, logos, or promotional badges
- No props, lifestyle elements, or human models
- No borders or frames
- Single product only (unless sold as a set)
Additional Image Guidelines
Target allows multiple images per listing, with different rules for supplementary photos.
Secondary images can include:
- Lifestyle photography showing product in use
- Scale reference images
- Detail shots and close-ups
- Packaging images
- Infographics showing features
All images must avoid:
- Competitor products or branding
- Pricing or promotional overlays
- Low-resolution or blurry content
- Stock photography with visible watermarks
Image Optimization Tips
Well-optimized images increase conversion rates and reduce return rates by setting accurate expectations.
Best practices:
- Show the product from multiple angles
- Include dimension reference when size matters
- Photograph accurate colors under neutral lighting
- Compress files without quality loss (under 10MB)
- Name files descriptively for SEO (brand-product-color.jpg)
Becoming a Target Plus Seller
Target Plus differs fundamentally from open marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. Understanding its exclusive model helps potential sellers set realistic expectations.
Invite-Only Access
Target Plus operates on a curated, invitation-only basis. Sellers cannot apply directly through a standard registration process. Instead, Target’s merchandising team identifies and recruits brands that complement their existing product assortment.
Selection criteria include:
- Brand reputation and recognition
- Product quality standards
- Customer service track record
- Fulfillment capabilities
- Category gaps in Target’s current offerings
SKU-Level Exclusivity
Unlike Amazon where dozens of sellers compete on the same listing, Target Plus assigns each SKU to a single seller. This exclusivity model means:
Benefits:
- No price wars with competing sellers
- Full control over your product presentation
- Higher profit margins without race-to-bottom pricing
- Direct relationship with Target merchandising team
Challenges:
- Limited product selection (your SKUs only)
- No ability to sell popular items already claimed
- Strict performance requirements to maintain status
Platform Statistics
Target Plus reaches a substantial audience of engaged shoppers.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Shoppers | 5+ million |
| Target Circle Members | 100+ million |
| Average Order Value | Higher than marketplace average |
| Return Rate | Lower than open marketplaces |
The curated model attracts shoppers who trust Target’s quality standards, leading to higher conversion rates and fewer problematic returns compared to open marketplaces.
Content Best Practices for Target Plus
Creating compelling product content within Target’s constraints requires strategic thinking about what information matters most to shoppers.
Writing Effective Product Descriptions
Target Plus descriptions should inform rather than persuade. The platform’s shoppers already trust the Target brand, so focus on practical details.
Structure your description:
- Opening sentence summarizing the product
- Key features and specifications
- Materials and construction details
- Care instructions or usage guidelines
- What’s included in the package
Avoid in descriptions:
- HTML formatting (not supported)
- Excessive keyword stuffing
- Claims requiring substantiation
- References to warranties or guarantees
Bullet Point Optimization
Bullet points provide scannable feature summaries that influence purchase decisions.
Effective bullet points:
- Start with the benefit, then explain the feature
- Keep each bullet under 150 characters
- Use consistent grammatical structure
- Prioritize unique selling propositions
- Include specifications shoppers need
Example format:
- “Dishwasher Safe - Easy cleanup without handwashing”
- “BPA-Free Construction - Safe for food contact”
- “5-Year Warranty - Protected against defects”
Category-Specific Requirements
Different product categories have additional content requirements.
Electronics: Include connectivity specs, compatibility, and power requirements.
Apparel: Provide detailed sizing charts and material composition percentages.
Food items: List ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information.
Home goods: Specify dimensions, assembly requirements, and care instructions.
Target Plus vs Other Marketplaces
Understanding how Target Plus compares to other selling channels helps prioritize optimization efforts.
| Feature | Target Plus | Amazon | Walmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Model | Invite-only | Open registration | Application-based |
| Seller Competition | SKU exclusivity | Multiple sellers per listing | Multiple sellers per listing |
| Title Limit | 150 characters | 200 characters | 200 characters |
| Image Minimum | 1200×1200px | 1000×1000px | 1000×1000px |
| Price Control | Full control | Competitive pressure | Competitive pressure |
| Fees | Commission-based | Referral + FBA fees | Commission-based |
Advantages of Target Plus
Brand protection: SKU exclusivity prevents unauthorized sellers and counterfeiters from competing on your listings.
Audience quality: Target shoppers demonstrate higher intent and brand loyalty compared to bargain-hunting marketplace shoppers.
Simplified management: Without competitor monitoring and repricing needs, sellers can focus on product quality and customer service.
Considerations Before Pursuing Target Plus
Limited scale: The invite-only model and SKU exclusivity limit how quickly sellers can expand their presence.
Strict standards: Target holds sellers to higher performance metrics than open marketplaces.
Category restrictions: Not all product categories are open to third-party sellers.
Common Listing Mistakes to Avoid
Even approved Target Plus sellers make errors that reduce listing performance or risk account standing.
Title Mistakes
Too short: “Coffee Maker” (11 characters) lacks brand and differentiation.
Too long: “Cuisinart Programmable 12-Cup Glass Carafe Drip Coffee Maker Machine with Thermal Carafe Option Stainless Steel Finish Model DCC-3200” (138 characters) becomes truncated and hard to read.
Promotional language: “BEST SELLING Coffee Maker - FREE SHIPPING” violates content policies.
Image Errors
Wrong format: Uploading PNG files instead of JPG causes rejection.
Poor background: Off-white or gray backgrounds don’t meet the pure white requirement.
Text overlays: Adding “As Seen on TV” badges or feature callouts violates image guidelines.
Low resolution: Images under 1200×1200px appear pixelated and unprofessional.
Content Problems
Missing specifications: Omitting dimensions or materials frustrates shoppers and increases returns.
Inaccurate information: Mismatched details between title, description, and images damage trust.
Keyword stuffing: Repeating search terms unnaturally hurts readability and may trigger review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get invited to sell on Target Plus?
Target’s merchandising team identifies and contacts brands that fit their assortment strategy. Focus on building a strong brand presence, positive customer reviews on other platforms, and quality products. Some sellers report success reaching out through Target’s corporate contacts, though there’s no guaranteed application process.
Can I sell the same products on Target Plus and Amazon?
Yes, Target Plus allows multichannel selling. However, you must maintain consistent pricing and ensure your Target listings meet their specific requirements, which differ from Amazon’s standards.
What happens if my listing doesn’t meet image requirements?
Target Plus rejects listings with non-compliant images. You’ll receive feedback specifying the issue and must resubmit corrected images before the listing goes live.
How long does listing approval take?
Approval timelines vary by category and current review volume. Most sellers report 3-7 business days for standard products, with longer times for regulated categories like food or health items.
Does Target Plus have different limits for different categories?
The 150-character title limit applies universally, but some categories have additional required fields or attributes. Check category-specific guidelines in your seller dashboard.
What fees does Target Plus charge?
Target Plus uses a commission-based model with rates varying by category, typically ranging from 5-15%. There are no monthly subscription fees like Amazon Professional accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Product titles have a 150-character maximum, but 21-100 characters perform best across devices
- Primary images must be 1200×1200 to 2400×2400 pixels in JPG format with pure white backgrounds
- Target Plus is invite-only with SKU-level exclusivity, eliminating seller competition
- Front-load titles with brand name and key product details for mobile visibility
- Avoid promotional language, special characters, and subjective claims in all content
- The platform reaches over 5 million active shoppers who trust Target’s curation
Conclusion
Target Plus offers a unique marketplace opportunity with its invite-only model and SKU exclusivity. Success requires understanding the specific character limits and image requirements that maintain Target’s premium shopping experience. Keep product titles under 100 characters, use properly formatted 1200×1200px JPG images, and focus on accurate, informative content rather than promotional language.
Try our free letter counter → to verify your Target Plus product titles stay within the recommended 21-100 character range before submission.