Replacing
Active Content

What is active content?
Active content is a broad term which covers any type of non-standard text that can be included in item descriptions to provide additional functionality. Such applications can negatively affect the user experience by inhibiting purchasing on mobile devices, increasing page load times, and raising security vulnerabilities.

We also strongly suggest you don't invest in creating or augmenting a custom Store experience with active content since this capability will be retired at a later date.

Use this guide to help you remove active content or find a third- party resource to help manage it for you. Contact information for trusted partners who can help is listed below. You can also check out our free template creator.

Alternatives to Using Active Content

This guide covers the most common cases where you might use active content in your listings. It also offers recommendations to replace active content. By removing active content, you will get the benefits of faster-loading listings that enhance viewing on mobile devices.

In some cases, you may find alternative features and options already built into the listing flow (seller tools, My eBay selling form, and APIs) or in the standard View Item page. In other cases, we provide example code to incorporate CSS/HTML for similar results without using active content.

How-to Guides

Cross Merchandising

When you cross-promote related items, you may have used active content to display product thumbnails with links to live eBay listings, as shown below.

For sellers with an eBay Store subscription
We recommend using Promotions Manager to merchandise relevant items. See the Grow Your Business seller page for more information on Promotions Manager. An example of how a promotion appears on your View Item page is below, just above the product image.

Since your items compete against other sellers' items on eBay, promotions help yours stand out. They also drive traffic to your Store, where shoppers see more of your relevant inventory. That helps you sell more per visit. APIs for third party partners are available now.

Implementing eBay Store Search

You can let shoppers easily search your eBay Store by including a search box in your item description section. Simply enable the listing frame feature. For more information see the Customizing your store's appearance help topic. You can see an example of an embedded search bar below.

The listing frame feature not only allows Store searching, it lets you offer category links, newsletter subscriptions, and lets you display your Store logo.

Creating Tabbed Panes in Listings

You can create the most complete and optimal listings across all devices when you use the standard eBay listing fields instead of creating tabs of information. Just type in the information in the corresponding fields: acceptable payment methods, shipping options, return policies, and item specifics. But try to avoid repeating information already in the standard eBay listing fields. Buyer testing has confirmed that tabs get less than a 3% open rate, so try to avoid doing this:

If you still have reason to create custom tabbed panes, create them by using only HTML and CSS. Below you'll find an example code to create a four-tabbed pane. You can cut and paste this code into the item description when you list.

<! -- HTML code -->

<main>
  <input id="tab1" type="radio" name="tabs" checked>
  <label for="tab1">Tab 1</label>
  <input id="tab2" type="radio" name="tabs">
  <label for="tab2">Tab 2</label>
  <input id="tab3" type="radio" name="tabs">
  <label for="tab3">Tab 3</label>
  <input id="tab4" type="radio" name="tabs">
  <label for="tab4">Tab 4</label>
  <section id="content1">
	Tab 1 Content
  </section>
  <section id="content2">
	Tab 2 Content
  </section>
  <section id="content3">
	Tab 3 Content
  </section>
  <section id="content4">
	Tab 4 Content
  </section>
</main>


<! -- CSS code -->

main {
  min-width: 320px;
  max-width: 400px;
  padding: 50px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  background: #fff;
}
section {
  display: none;
  padding: 20px 0 0;
  border-top: 1px solid #ddd;
}
input {
  display: none;
}

label {
  display: inline-block;
  margin: 0 0 -1px;
  padding: 15px 25px;
  font-weight: 600;
  text-align: center;
  color: #bbb;
  border: 1px solid transparent;
}

label:hover {
  color: #888;
  cursor: pointer;
}

input:checked + label {
  color: #555;
  border: 1px solid #ddd;
  border-top: 2px solid orange;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #fff;
}

#tab1:checked ~ #content1,
#tab2:checked ~ #content2,
#tab3:checked ~ #content3,
#tab4:checked ~ #content4 {
  display: block;
}

@media screen and (max-width: 650px) {
  label {
	font-size: 0;
  }
  label:before {
	margin: 0;
	font-size: 18px;
  }
}

@media screen and (max-width: 400px) {
  label {
	padding: 15px;
  }
}

The result of this HTML and CSS is the tabbed pane shown below. The name of each tab label can be configured by editing the text between the <label> tags. So, instead of <label for="tab1">Tab 1</label>, you might have <label for="tab1">Description</label>. The content under each tab is input between the <section> tags. The tab dimensions, text font size, colors, behavior, and other look-and-feel elements are controlled through the CSS.

Creating Image Galleries

Offering a robust picture gallery in your listing can also improve the user experience, especially on mobile devices. You can include up to 12 photos in your listings for free using the image gallery feature (24 in eBay Motors listings.) More images can help conversions. Plus, buyers can zoom in on gallery photos—another helpful feature to encourage conversion.

Here's an example of a mobile image gallery:

Avoid creating your own gallery in a listing
If you create your own in-listing gallery, like the one shown, buyers on mobile devices will not be able to see them. Since more than 50% of shoppers use mobile, that puts you at a disadvantage. Plus, your pages take longer to load with custom gallery images.

While not recommended, you may need to create your own image carousel in your listing by adding HTML and CSS to your item description. Below is one example of how HTML and CSS code can be used to create an image carousel.

<!-- HTML Code -->

<header>
<div><img src="https://ir.ebaystatic.com/pictures/aw/pics/s.gif" alt></div>
<div><img src="https://ir.ebaystatic.com/pictures/aw/pics/s.gif" alt></div>
<div><img src="https://ir.ebaystatic.com/pictures/aw/pics/s.gif" alt></div>
<div><img src="https://ir.ebaystatic.com/pictures/aw/pics/s.gif" alt></div>
<div><img src="https://ir.ebaystatic.com/pictures/aw/pics/s.gif" alt></div>
</header>

<!-- CSS -->

body { margin: 0; background: #333; }
header {
  padding: .5rem;
  font-size: 0;
  display: -ms-flexbox;
  -ms-flex-wrap: wrap;
  -ms-flex-direction: column;
  -webkit-flex-flow: row wrap;
  flex-flow: row wrap;
  display: -webkit-box;
  display: flex;
}
header div {
  -webkit-box-flex: auto;
  -ms-flex: auto;
  flex: auto;
  margin: .5rem;

}
header div img {
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  border: 1px solid #fff;
}
@media screen and (max-width: 400px) {
  header div { margin: 0; }
  header { padding: 0; }

}

When you copy and paste this code into your item description, you'll get something similar to the image below. You'll need to include the actual paths to the image files between the <div> tags above.

While we discourage custom image galleries, it can make sense for adding contextual photos and content to tell a specific story. But you should also include the images by using the eBay image gallery built into your listing template.

<video controls="" height="240" width="320">
  <source src="https://yoursite.com/movie.mp4" type="video/mp4">
</video>

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy3RMMUScOE" target="_blank">
  See the product in action.
</a>>

<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/DUMFF7ekbvw"><img src="https://iphone-tricks.com/files/2016/10/safari-video-small-play-icon.jpg" alt="View Skylanders Giants extended trailer"></a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DUMFF7ekbvw"><img src="https://iphone-tricks.com/files/2016/10/safari-video-small-play-icon.jpg" alt="View Skylanders Giants embedded extended trailer"></a>

Implementing Responsive Design

Your listings can be optimized with responsive design to control width and user-friendly design on various devices and browsers. Using HTML and CSS in the item description, you can detect the browser or device type and serve up content that's easier to consume.

<!-- HTML code -->

<div id="pagewrap">

  <header>
	<h1>3 Column Responsive Layout</h1>
  </header>

  <section id="content">
	<h2>Column 1</h2>
  </section>

  <section id="middle">
	<h2>Column 2</h2>

  </section>

  <aside id="sidebar">
	<h2>Column 3</h2>

  </aside>

  <footer>
	<h4>Footer</h4>
	<p>Footer text</p>
  </footer>

</div>


<!-- CSS -->

#pagewrap {
  padding: 5px;
  width: 960px;
  margin: 20px auto;
}

header {
  height: 100px;
  padding: 0 15px;
}

#content {
  width: 290px;
  float: left;
  padding: 5px 15px;
}

#middle {
  width: 294px;
  float: left;
  padding: 5px 15px;
  margin: 0px 5px 5px 5px;
}

#sidebar {
  width: 270px;
  padding: 5px 15px;
  float: left;
}

footer {
  clear: both;
  padding: 0 15px;
}


/************************************************************************************
MEDIA QUERIES
*************************************************************************************/


/* for 980px or less */

@media screen and (max-width: 980px) {
  #pagewrap {
	width: 94%;
  }
  #content {
	width: 41%;
	padding: 1% 4%;
  }
  #middle {
	width: 41%;
	padding: 1% 4%;
	margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;
	float: right;
  }
  #sidebar {
	clear: both;
	padding: 1% 4%;
	width: auto;
	float: none;
  }
  header,
  footer {
	padding: 1% 4%;
  }
}


/* for 700px or less */

@media screen and (max-width: 600px) {
  #content {
	width: auto;
	float: none;
  }
  #middle {
	width: auto;
	float: none;
	margin-left: 0px;
  }
  #sidebar {
	width: auto;
	float: none;
  }
}


/* for 480px or less */

@media screen and (max-width: 480px) {
  header {
	height: auto;
  }
  h1 {
	font-size: 2em;
  }
  #sidebar {
	display: none;
  }
}

#content {
  background: #f8f8f8;
}

#sidebar {
  background: #f0efef;
}

header,
#content,
#middle,
#sidebar {
  margin-bottom: 5px;
}

#pagewrap,
header,
#content,
#middle,
#sidebar,
footer {
  border: solid 1px #ccc;
}

If you use this code, here's what you'll see. As you can see in the 'Media Queries' section, column width, font size, and other page attributes are adjusted based on the size of the screen that is rendering the page.

For more information on best practices for media queries, you may find the following sites helpful:

• http://www.w3schools.com/css/css_rwd_intro.asp
• https://developers.google.com/web/fundamentals/design-and-ui/responsive/fundamentals/?hl=en

Using Page Visit Counters

Using the visit counter provided by eBay on your listing is a good idea, especially if you rely on page-view hits. Here's an example of what this feature looks like:

This feature eliminates the need to include an external page visit counter which may include active content.

Items That Should Not Be Embedded in Listing Descriptions

The item description is one of the most important parts of your listing because the basic information helps buyers complete the transaction. You should avoid information not directly related to the product in the item description. The following are some examples of unrelated information. If you are using active content to display this information you should discontinue its use:

• Embedded buyer feedback:
  
• You don't need to embed buyer feedback since it's easily accessible from the seller information box on your listing. Buyers simply need to click on the seller's feedback score and the following feedback profile page will load:
  
• Other examples of unrelated content that should not be included:
  • Currency conversion widgets: It's no longer necessary to include this feature. eBay will perform currency conversion for buyers and sellers when necessary.
  • Social sharing icons: Social media site links in listings are not allowed. See eBay's Links policy document for more information. Fortunately, eBay already has Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest sharing icons at the top of all eBay listings.
  • iframes: iframes are also not allowed in accordance with the eBay HTML and JavaScript policy.
    <!DOCTYPE html> will be added by eBay to the description document so that browser knows what type of document to expect.

  • The following HTML4 elements have been removed in HTML5. So please do not use them.

    Removed Element	Use Instead
    <acronym>	<abbr>
    <applet>	<object>
    <basefont>	CSS
    <big>	CSS
    <center>	CSS
    <dir>	<ul>
    <font>	CSS
    <frame>
    <frameset>
    <noframes>
    <strike>	CSS, <s>, or <del>
    <tt>	CSS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is changing?

eBay will disable the use of active content in all new listings across all devices, and it will not be rendered by default.

When will active content be disabled?

Starting June, 2017, active content will no longer load or be visible to buyers in your item descriptions.

Why is eBay making this change?

In an effort to improve the buyer experience on both mobile and desktop, we will be disabling active content on item description pages. It’s beneficial to remove active content from your listings now for faster page loading, cleaner presentation across all devices, and to improve security in the marketplace.

What is active content?

Active content is used by many sellers to provide interactivity, animation or video to their customers during the viewing and shopping experience. JavaScript, Flash, plug-ins, and other programming methods are used to form actions in listings. As we mentioned in the Spring 2016 seller release, active content can negatively impact the user experience by inhibiting mobile purchasing, creating longer load times, and increasing security vulnerabilities.

How can I find which of my listings have active content?

Click here to see a full list of your items that contain active content.

Will I still be able to brand/personalize my Store/listing?

You can still brand and customize your storefront and listings, but you'll have to do so without active content. You can get many of the same branding elements by using HTML and CSS.

How do I know if my item description will be impacted by this change?

You can preview each of your listings individually to see what your listing will look like when active content is disabled. If the listing looks the same, you may not need to do anything. If your listing is impaired, we recommend you remove all of the active content in that listing. To use the preview tool, go to your view item page and click on the preview link at the top of the item description section.

There are also 3P tools that have been shared on community boards that can offer assistance. Please note that eBay did not build, and does not endorse, these tools, but they may be of assistance to you. Here is one example:

• http://www.isdntek.com/ebaytools/ActiveContentScanner.htm

I use a third-party provider to design and manage my listings, and they assure me that their tools and features are already compliant. Why is eBay still sending me messages about my listings that need attention?

This typically occurs when:

• You have older Good ‘til Canceled (GTC) listings. If you originally listed those items before your provider updated your application, those listings may still contain the provider’s older features and content. Remember: Your provider lists your GTC listings the first time, and then eBay automatically relists them for you after that—but eBay does not modify your listings. We strongly recommend you contact your provider to learn how they can help you update your older GTC listings, draft listings, and/or older listing templates to be compliant.

Does this change mean eBay will no longer allow me to use a third-party provider to design and manage my listings?

Not at all. In fact, eBay has recently released new capabilities to make it even easier for third-party providers to help sellers manage inventory. We support and encourage the use of third-party providers.

What does the term “no longer render” or “disabled” mean in relation to active content?

The experience that the content was meant to enable (video, animation, etc.) will not load, or will not display as expected. The static content available in the listing will continue to display, however, the active component from that description will not be available.

What if my item description includes features that use active content?

Remove or replace all active content by using safer and more mobile-friendly techniques with HTML and CSS, text only, or use existing built-in eBay capabilities. If you use a third party and they include features which use active content, know that we are working with them to transition to mobile-friendly, safe content wherever possible. You may need to work with your partner to reference a new template.

If I don’t take action before June 2017, what will happen to my listings?

Your eBay listings may not function as expected when we begin to disable active content in June. Videos may not work, links may not open, images may not enlarge, and other active elements may not perform as they had before.

Note: Failure to adjust active content in your listings may impact a buyers' ability to discern item information after June 2017. This means you may be responsible, as a seller, should a buyer claim be filed as a result.

What if my eBay store includes features that use active content?

We will only disable active content in your listings in 2017. However, we highly recommend that sellers discontinue any investment in a custom html stores experience since this option will not be supported long term. We will provide additional information to let you know when active content will no longer be permitted in Store pages.

Will there be exceptions for using active content in item descriptions?

No, there will be no exceptions.

Are links allowed in item description?

If links are included in your item description target="_blank" attribute should be added to the link.

Example: <a href="url" target="_blank">link text</a>

Links in your item descriptions should only be used if they comply with eBay's link policy.

If your item descriptions contain links, they will need to open in a new tab or window. To achieve this, include the target=”_blank” attribute in the html code in your links. If you don’t include this attribute, the link may not work for some browsers starting in June 2017.

An example of a link which is defined properly:

✔ <a href="www.ebay.com" target="_blank">eBay</a>

An example of a link defined incorrectly:

✘ <a href="www.ebay.com" >eBay</a>

What happens to links that do not include target=_”blank” attribute?

Links that do not include the target=_blank attribute will open within an iframe in your item description page. This view will only show a portion of the linked to site and will not be a good experience. Including the target=_blank attribute will open the linked to site in a new window, allowing the buyer to read all of the site content as normal.

✔ With target=blank:

✘ Without target = blank

How do I bulk-update my listings using the target="_blank" attribute?

Sellers who use eBay’s web tools can do the following to bulk update their links and active content in listings in Seller Hub or Selling Manager:
Select the listings you want to edit
Click on Edit fields ->> Item description
Under the Select action drop down, select Edit listings in bulk - find and replace

1. Under Find type in target= "_self". Under replace leave it empty.
2. Find target="_top" replace with <empty> to remove it.
3. Find target="_parent" replace with <empty> to remove it.
4. Find target="_blank" replace with <empty> to remove it. *These are examples of standard HTML target values, replace any other target values you may have.
5. Find <a replace with <a target=”_blank” to add the correct target attribute on ALL links.

Many third parties who have relied on active content in the past have created tools for current or former customers to remove this content. Click on these links to access the tools:

• CrazyLister
• Frooition
• Esellersolutions
• Auctiva
• Inkfrog

I received notification from eBay that I have active content in my listings but I didn’t include any? How is this?

Your listings may include active content which was previously embedded by a third party provider.

To see if the experience of the listing is impaired after the June enforcement date, use the Item Description preview tool.

To discover the specific details regarding the active content in your listing, make sure you check for the below tags in the HTML code behind the listing using the cub listing editor tool.
Javascript
<script
/vbscript
on[a-z]*[\s\t]*=[\s\t]*['"]?
javascript:
Flash or other plug-ins:
<object
<embed
.swf
<applet
Form actions
<form action
iFrame

How do I remove active content from listings?

Search for the following tags in your listings (HTML code).

Javascript
<script
/vbscript on[a-z]*[\s\t]*=[\s\t]*['"]?
javascript:
Flash or other plug-ins:
<object
<embed
.swf
<applet
Form actions
<form action
iFrame

Remove those tags. It may be simpler to copy the pertinent text content, delete the entire code and replace with just the text based version of that content.

How can I remove Active Content in bulk?

There are third party providers who can review listings and help with removal (for a fee). You can see their information in the above table.

What is the i-ways template creator?

The i-ways template creator is a free template creator provided by one of our third party partners.

What does i-ways template creator do?

The i-ways template creator builds mobile responsive listing templates in less than 5 minutes. You can customize it and upload a business logo.

Who should use the i-ways free template creator?

Small and medium sized business sellers who need template assistance

What are the benefits of the i-ways free template creator?

• Fully mobile responsive
• Free of charge and compliant with the latest eBay policies
• Templates can be saved
• Once implemented in live listings for the first time, any future changes to the template will be applied automatically to all live listings
• Hosting is guaranteed for a minimum 3 years