Etsy Bars AI-Generated Recipes and Patterns Under New Listing Rules

Etsy is barring AI-generated recipes, patterns and other functional guides from its marketplace, narrowing what sellers can offer and adding new requirements for listing images.

Etsy announced the change Thursday, Oct. 22. The restrictions apply to functional guides such as recipes, patterns and instructions. Guide listings must show a real item made using the instructions. Separately, Etsy requires sellers to include at least one unedited photo of the actual item they are selling.

The company is also barring sellers from creating listings with bots when no human is involved. AI-generated art remains permitted if sellers play a clear role in creating it and disclose the AI use. Sellers cannot describe AI-created work as handmade or claim it was entirely their own creation.

Etsy said many active buyers cannot tell which items involve AI-generated content, calling that a “top-three barrier to shopping more often on Etsy.” The company also said sellers are concerned that misleading AI use makes it harder for buyers to recognize their role in creating items.