KDP Categories 2025. A Simple Guide to Better Placement
This page shows how Amazon uses categories, how to pick better browse paths in 8 minutes, and how to change them after launch. Use the tools linked below to move faster.
What KDP categories do
Categories are Amazon browse paths that group similar books. They influence where your book appears in store navigation, the type of readers who see it, and the competitiveness of your shelf neighbors. They are not the same as keywords. You set them during setup and you can adjust them later.
How many categories you get
Amazon lets you assign categories during setup and you can request additional placements after the book is live. Keep a simple record of your chosen paths and the examples you used to justify relevance.
| Step | Action | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Pick your initial categories | Prefer specific subpaths over broad parents |
| After launch | Request additional placements | Provide ASIN examples and exact browse paths |
Choose categories in 8 minutes
- List two audience aligned categories to start.
- Open each category’s first page on Amazon and scan review counts for difficulty.
- Favor precise subpaths that match your subgenre or topic.
- Check top 5 books for tone and comp fit.
- Record your chosen paths and example ASINs.
Want automated ideas and difficulty checks? Use the tool below.
Change categories after launch
You can adjust categories when results or relevance suggest a better fit. Track the change date and any rank movement for a week after the switch.
Fiction strategy
- Pick the subgenre your comp readers are already buying.
- Use series branding and A+ modules to reinforce subgenre signals.
- Recheck after ARC feedback or early sales.
Nonfiction strategy
- Choose the path aligned to the core promise of the book.
- Check SERP style on Amazon. List vs carousel suggests different intent.
- Avoid mismatched niches to chase easy badges.
Mistakes to avoid
- Mismatching subgenre to chase lower review counts.
- Ignoring adult content flags in romance or dark fantasy.
- Setting and forgetting after metadata changes.
Tools and templates
FAQs
How long do category changes take to show?
Most changes reflect within a few days. Track rank movement for one week after a change.
Should I pick the easiest category?
No. Relevance matters. Pick the path your readers expect for long term visibility.
Do categories affect ads?
They influence where a book is browsed and discovered. Ads target differently, but strong relevance helps conversion.
Can I copy another author’s paths?
Use them as examples only. Ensure your book truly fits.
Do keywords and categories overlap?
They support each other. Use keywords to match search intent and categories to anchor placement.