diff --git a/jib-core/src/main/java/com/google/cloud/tools/jib/builder/steps/PullBaseImageStep.java b/jib-core/src/main/java/com/google/cloud/tools/jib/builder/steps/PullBaseImageStep.java
index 71a1da0d8f..ccc4b52d08 100644
--- a/jib-core/src/main/java/com/google/cloud/tools/jib/builder/steps/PullBaseImageStep.java
+++ b/jib-core/src/main/java/com/google/cloud/tools/jib/builder/steps/PullBaseImageStep.java
@@ -270,8 +270,12 @@ private ManifestAndDigest<?> obtainPlatformSpecificImageManifest(
     List<String> digests = manifestListTemplate.getDigestsForPlatform("amd64", "linux");
     if (digests.size() == 0) {
       String errorMessage =
-          "Unable to find amd64/linux manifest in manifest list at: "
-              + buildContext.getBaseImageConfiguration().getImage();
+          buildContext.getBaseImageConfiguration().getImage()
+              + " is a manifest list, but the list does not contain an image manifest for amd64/linux."
+              + " If your intention was to use a non-amd64/linux base image,"
+              + " see https://github.com/GoogleContainerTools/jib/blob/master/docs/faq.md#how-do-i-specify-a-platform-in-the-manifest-list-or-oci-index-of-a-base-image"
+              + " to learn how to specify a manifest instead of a manifest list, until Jib fixes"
+              + " https://github.com/GoogleContainerTools/jib/issues/1567 to allow specifying architecture and OS.";
       buildContext.getEventHandlers().dispatch(LogEvent.error(errorMessage));
       throw new RegistryException(errorMessage);
     }