How do I sell my dessert recipes or a video course on Etsy as a digital download?

Hi! The most typical (and easiest for buyers) way to sell dessert recipes on Etsy is as an Instant Download digital file—usually a nicely formatted PDF recipe card/ebook (sometimes with a bonus JPG “recipe card” for printing). For a video course, most sellers either (1) keep it “Etsy-native” by uploading compressed video files (if small enough), or (2) deliver a PDF workbook/lesson guide through Etsy that includes instructions for accessing the videos (because Etsy’s built-in digital delivery has tight file limits).

A few practical “how sellers actually package it” options

• Written recipes (best fit for Etsy digital downloads):
  1–3 PDFs (single recipes, bundles, or a mini ebook) + optional JPGs. Set the listing as Digital item → Instant download so Etsy delivers automatically after purchase.

• Video course (common approach):

  • Workbook + lesson plan PDF (delivered via Etsy download), and then the PDF points the buyer to the videos. This is popular because Etsy limits you to 5 files per listing and each file has a max file size (commonly 20MB each), which video hits fast.
  • If you do try to upload video: keep videos short, compress them, and/or split into multiple parts and ZIP them—still staying under Etsy’s file limits.

Policies/restrictions to watch for (the big ones)

1. It must be your original content (made/designed by you).
   Don’t use other creators’ recipes, blog content, cookbook text, or branded materials. Also be careful with “copycat” branding like “Starbucks-style / Crumbl-dupe” if you’re using trademarks in the listing.

2. Avoid listing it as a “service” (especially anything live).
   Etsy is strict that listings need to be an item (including a digitally delivered item). A self-paced course is usually fine if the buyer receives digital files. But avoid positioning it as live classes, coaching, tutoring, or ongoing support/memberships/subscriptions—those can fall into “services” or prohibited/limited categories depending on how you structure it.

3. Be careful with off-platform delivery and external links.
   Etsy is very sensitive about anything that looks like taking a transaction off Etsy or redirecting buyers. If you use a cloud/video platform, make sure:

   • The Etsy listing is clearly selling your digital content, not a “paying for a link.”
   • You’re not asking buyers to contact you off Etsy or pay elsewhere.
   • You don’t request personal info that isn’t needed (and don’t add buyers to email lists unless they explicitly opt in).

   Practical tip: deliver at least one real digital file via Etsy (like the PDF workbook) so the order is clearly a digital product on Etsy, not just a redirect.

4. No medical/health claims.
   Don’t claim your desserts/ingredients “treat,” “cure,” or “prevent” conditions. Even for recipe education, keep wording to normal cooking outcomes (taste/texture) rather than health promises.

5. Refund expectations for digital downloads.
   Etsy generally treats digital items as non-returnable/non-cancelable once delivered/downloaded, so prevent issues by making your listing super clear: what they get, file types, skill level, equipment needed, and whether ingredients are by weight/volume.

If you tell me roughly how long the video course is (total minutes) and whether you want it to be “lifetime access” vs. “download files and keep,” I can recommend the safest delivery setup and how to word the Etsy listing so it stays compliant.