Depop Search: How Search works on Depop

Depop Search: Understanding the algorithm

If you want to learn how Depop search works, the best place to start is with the search algorithm. When a user searches for an item on Depop, we show them the most relevant search results. This means matching their search term with relevant listings that sellers have created, along with any filters that a user may have also applied in the search process.

Depop’s search algorithm then prioritizes relevant, clear listings from sellers who follow our guidelines and provide a positive customer experience for buyers. 

Depop Search Behaviors

An analysis of Depop’s recent buyer search behavior, especially in territories such as UK, EU and US, has shown that over half of buyers have at least 2 filters applied to their search query. This means that the most popular Depop searches are usually narrowed down to show the most relevant items that match both the query and the filters together.

When buyers apply filters to their searches, it therefore increases the chance of a successful sale. With this in mind, it’s important that your listings have accurate descriptions and relevant attributes so that they’re displayed to the right buyers when the algorithm does its magic work.

Depop Search Filters & Attributes

Recency is a small component of various attributes which determine your item’s ranking in search and will have a significantly lower effect on a listing’s ranking than relevance has. This applies even to the ‘recent’ sort function (which also takes relevance into account). Buyers are more likely to locate items they purchase by using specific search queries (including query rewrites, i.e. adding or removing more words to the search) and/or applying search filters post-search.

It therefore makes sense to write your listings and product descriptions in such a way that will empower users to find your items when using the Depop search bar and filters menu.

Improving Search Visibility on Depop

If you have been asking yourself ‘How can I improve my search visibility?’ in Depop search, or if you have ever wondered why your Depop items are not showing up in search, then our top search tips below will help. Follow these search strategies closely to increase the likelihood of your products appearing when a user searches for an item.

By having high-quality listings and a well-maintained shop, you can dramatically improve your chances of being more visible in search on Depop. Here are a few things you can do to optimize your search ranking and help buyers find your items easily:

• Boost your listings - learn more about the boosted listings feature in our help center article. 

• Create accurate and complete listings: detail and relevance are key

• Keep a positive selling record, including shipping your items quickly, using a tracked shipping method

• Make sure you’re listing items in line with seasonal needs. Think cozy jumpers in winter and shorts when the weather gets warmer. Read more on what to sell on Depop in our dedicated blog post 

• Follow Depop’s Terms of Service and selling guidelines.

The more info you include about your item, the better we can match it to buyer searches.

What can you do to make your Depop search listings stand out?

When a Depop user searches the platform, they won’t just be faced with your listings in the search results. There will be other sellers and products in the results too. To stand out from the crowd, follow these useful guidelines:

-   Use High-quality photos: Using high-quality photos can be a factor in whether a buyer clicks on your item. Upload 4 photos taken from several angles, making sure to show any flaws or clear signs of wear. Read more on how to take great photos in our Depop photography guide.

-   Write accurate descriptions: Start with a headline that summarises your item, then add any relevant item information including the material, measurements and item condition, making sure to include details of any flaws or clear signs of wear. If you want to add any reasons to buy from you – like bundle discounts, offers or shipping methods – make sure you add these at the end of your description.

-   Get specific: Relevant information helps display your items to the right buyers, so make sure you get specific (where relevant) with your listings, adding information such as:

- Tags

- Colours

- Condition

- Brand, Source, Age, and style

-   Provide a positive buyer experience: By ensuring you follow the above steps, you can make sure your buyers have a positive experience which will encourage them to leave a good review and get them coming back to your shop.

Pro tip: To provide the best possible buyer experience, send using tracked domestic and international options.

Here is an example of an accurate and complete listing: 

What should you not do with Depop search?

Last but not least, don’t forget to avoid the avoidable. In other words, don’t do things that will harm your chances of showing up in results when a user searches for something in the search bar.

• Don’t include irrelevant or repetitive keywords, hashtags, brands or tags in your item description.

• Follow Depop’s Terms of Service, including not accepting or making out-of-app payments and not listing counterfeit items. 

• Maintain good reviews.

For further details, read our Frequently Asked Questions on Depop search and our search and ranking disclosure.

Note: We’re always looking to optimize Search. These are some of the current best practices we recommend as of September 2022 and we’ll regularly update this content to keep you informed.