Depop descriptions and hashtags: what to write so buyers find you

You've seen Depop listings with a description that's just a wall of hashtags: #vintage #y2k #grunge #aesthetic #nike #adidas #carhartt. It looks like it should work. It usually doesn't, and Depop's own guidance says it can count against you.

On Depop, the description does more work than on most sites, because there's no separate title field. The words at the top of your description are what buyers search against and what they read first. This guide uses Depop's help centre and seller guides to cover what to write, how to use hashtags and which fields matter.

Start with a title line

Depop's first tip for descriptions is to start with a title: add the relevant words you would search for as a buyer (Depop help: tips for describing your item).

So your first line should read like a title on any other marketplace:

Brand + item type + key detail + colour + era or style (if it's accurate)

For example: "Vintage Levi's 550 relaxed fit jeans, light wash, 90s". Think about what someone would actually type into Depop search, not how you'd describe the item to a friend. "Cute top" isn't a search. "Ribbed halter crop top, white" is.

Then the details buyers need

Depop's list of what to include after the title:

• Measurements and fit notes. Sizes vary between brands, so give the exact measurements and say how it fits, like "fits like a UK 10" or "oversized on a size S".
• Condition, including any flaws or signs of wear.
• Shipping info and any bundle options.

And their advice on length: keep it short and to the point, and only include relevant words, hashtags, brands and tags.

A description template

[Brand] [item type], [key detail], [colour], [era or style]

Size [label size], fits [true to size / small / large / oversized]. Pit to pit [x] in, length [x] in. [Material, if known.] Condition: [honest summary, flaws and which photo shows them]. [Bundle note, e.g. "Bundle 2+ items for a discount."]

#[style] #[item type] #[era] #[brand-related or aesthetic] #[one more]

How to use hashtags

You can add up to five hashtags to a description (Depop help: how to list an item). Use them for words that describe the item but didn't fit naturally in the title line, like a style ("grunge", "coquette"), an era ("y2k", "90s") or the item type in another word ("cardigan" for a "knit").

What not to do: Depop's search guidance says that adding an unrelated brand, to try to appear in that brand's search results, can harm the item's exposure (Depop help: search ranking). Depop's seller handbook also warns that irrelevant brands or tags can get listings caught by spam filters. So "#nike" on a no-name hoodie isn't a free extra search. It's a risk.

Depop also generates tags and keywords for your listing automatically. You can keep those or add your own.

The fields matter as much as the words

Depop says the more complete your listing is, the better it can match it to buyer searches. Fill in:

• Category and subcategory. Buyers browse and filter by these.
• Brand. The real one.
• Size and condition.
• Colour, up to two.
• Style and quantity where they apply.

Search results on Depop are personalised, and when a buyer applies filters, such as colour or condition, your item only shows up if its listing details match. If a field is empty or wrong, it can drop out of a filtered search even if the description mentions it.

Photos

On the app you can add up to four photos and one video. On Depop.com you can add up to eight photos. Depop's search guidance says to show the item from every angle and highlight details and flaws. Worn photos and close-ups of labels help buyers judge fit and authenticity.

What else Depop says helps

From Depop's search ranking article and its seller guides:

• Price it well. When you list, Depop suggests a price range based on similar items. You don't have to use it, but it's a good starting point.
• List regularly, spread out rather than all at once.
• Refresh items that aren't selling, by updating photos, description or price, rather than deleting and reposting them.
• Follow the rules. Depop says following its policies, such as the Community Guidelines, is one of the main factors in ranking, and listings that don't can be ranked lower or removed.
• Boosted listings are a paid option for more visibility. Get the listing right before paying to show it to more people.

A worked example

This is a made-up listing to show the process. "Saltmarsh" isn't a real brand.

Before:

"Sooo cute knit!! Perfect for autumn #vintage #y2k #grunge #carhartt #ralphlauren #aesthetic #cosy #knit"

Problems: no searchable title line, no size, measurements or condition, two unrelated brands, and more than five hashtags.

After:

"Saltmarsh chunky cable knit jumper, cream, oversized, wool blend

Size M, fits oversized on a UK 8 to 12. Pit to pit 23 in, length 26 in. 70% wool, 30% acrylic. Condition: very good, one small pull on the back hem (photo 6). Bundle 2+ items for 10% off.

#cableknit #fisherman #oversized #cosy #winter"

Brand, category, size, colour (cream) and condition are also set in the fields. A buyer searching "cream cable knit jumper" now finds it. One searching "Ralph Lauren" doesn't, which is how it should be.

If you list a lot

Writing a title line, measurements and hashtags for every item adds up, especially if you also sell on Vinted or eBay. Our guides to Vinted titles and descriptions and selling on several platforms cover what changes between sites.

YelloShelf is a paid tool that drafts listing text from your product photos. It doesn't have a free plan or trial. You buy a credit pack, starting at $10, and your first purchase comes with a money-back guarantee. Depop also has its own listing features, so try those first. We're helping you remove the manual, tedious, time-consuming work. You still read it, edit it and paste it in yourself, and add the measurements only you can take.

Quick checklist

• First line reads like a title: brand, item type, detail, colour.
• Measurements and fit notes.
• Condition and flaws, shown in a photo.
• Five hashtags or fewer, all relevant, no unrelated brands.
• Category, subcategory, brand, size, colour and condition filled in.
• As many photos as the app or web allows, including worn shots and labels.
• Refresh slow items instead of deleting and reposting.