Real estate listings live or die by their photos. 📸 Whether it’s on the MLS, Zillow, or Realtor.com, property photos are the first thing buyers see—and they’re often the difference between a lead clicking through or scrolling past.
But what happens when your photo uploads fail, get rejected, or show up looking distorted?
You’re not alone. Many agents and photographers run into photo upload problems on major listing platforms. The good news? Most of these issues have simple fixes—and with the right approach (and the help of tools like a real estate video app), you’ll get your photos live fast and looking their best.
In this MLS-focused guide, we’ll cover:
Most upload problems come down to format, size, orientation, or compliance. MLS systems and consumer platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com have strict requirements.
If your images don’t meet them, you’ll see:
This is why understanding platform-specific MLS photo rules is essential.
👉 We’ve already covered broader rules in How to Meet Photo and Video Requirements Across MLS and Major Real Estate Sites, but let’s focus specifically on photo uploads here.
Problem: You try uploading TIFF, HEIC (iPhone format), or RAW files, and they fail.
Fix: Always convert to JPEG (.jpg) before uploading. This format is universally accepted across MLS, Zillow, and Realtor.com.
👉 Pro tip: In Lightroom or Photoshop, batch export photos to JPEG at 72 dpi for web optimization.
Problem: Your photo is rejected because it exceeds the platform’s size limit.
Fix: Use a compression tool like TinyPNG, Photopea, or your photo editor’s Save for Web option.
🔗 Want a deeper breakdown? Check out How to Upload High-Quality Photos to Homes.com where we cover resizing tips that apply to multiple platforms.
Problem: Your photos look squished, blurry, or cropped weirdly.
Fix:
👉 Learn more about dimension best practices in How to Optimize Real Estate Media for Faster Listing Approval.
Problem: MLS rejects your photo because it has a watermark, logo, or text overlay.
Fix: Always upload unbranded photos to MLS. Save branded versions for marketing outside the MLS (social media, brochures, etc.).
Problem: You try uploading multiple images, but the process stalls or fails.
Fix:
Problem: Zillow or Realtor.com shuffles your photos, with the exterior not showing first.
Fix:
01 Front Exterior
, 02 Living Room
).👉 For extra control across platforms, see How to Upload 3D Tours to Multiple Platforms at Once, which also covers automated media syncing.
Problem: Vertical iPhone photos look bad or get rejected.
Fix:
Here’s a quick photo prep checklist before uploading:
This process eliminates 90% of rejections and delays.
Buyers don’t just want photos—they want them fast.
Remember: slow-loading photos hurt SEO rankings inside Zillow and Realtor.com search results.
The right software can eliminate upload headaches:
👉 Read more about automating your media distribution in How to Add Virtual Tours to All Your Listings (MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.).
Stop wasting time on photo upload errors. Instead, focus on closing deals. Try our tools today:
Photo upload errors are frustrating—but they don’t have to delay your MLS listings. By following compliance rules, resizing correctly, and using the right tools, you can ensure your photos display properly across MLS, Zillow, and Realtor.com.
The result? Faster approvals, better visibility, and more buyers reaching out.
Compact, ready to go anywhere
Interchangeable lens that’s upgradeable
Dual 1-inch sensors for improved clarity and low light performance
Dynamic range and 6K 360° capture
360° photo resolution at 21MP
8K 360° video recording for ultra-detailed visuals.
4K single-lens mode for traditional wide-angle shots.
Invisible selfie stick effect for drone-like perspectives.
2.5-inch touchscreen with Gorilla Glass protection.
Waterproof up to 33ft for underwater shooting.
360° photo resolution in 23MP
Slim design at 24 mm thick
Built-in image stabilization for smooth video capture.
Internal 19GB storage for photo and video storage.
Wireless connectivity for remote control and sharing.
60MP 360° still images for high-resolution photography.
5.7K 360° video recording at 30fps.
2.25-inch touchscreen for intuitive control.
USB Type-C port for fast charging and data transfer.
MicroSD card slot for expandable storage.
Try it free. No credit card required. Instant set-up.