How to Sell Videos on Shutterstock

Shutterstock is an online platform that allows users to buy high-quality stock footage from content creators and photojournalists. By selling your videos on this site, you can earn money while showcasing your artistic talents. Whether you are seasoned videographer or a newbie, you can join this marketplace. You only need the right approach and some instructions. In this article, we will take you through the whole process from the beginning to the end including how to make your videos ready for submission.

Understanding the Shutterstock Platform

It’s important to understand the inner workings of Shutterstock before diving in. The creators of videos can upload them onto this platform and they become available for sale worldwide. The following are some key points you need to know:

• Royalty Structure: Shutterstock pays contributors a percentage of the sale price each time their video is downloaded.
• Market Demand: Buyers include businesses, marketers, and content creators who need stock footage for various projects.
• Quality Standards: Shutterstock has specific quality guidelines that videos must meet before approval.
• Licensing Options: You can choose different licensing options to control how your videos are used.

Gaining insight into these factors will enable you develop content which corresponds with customers’ requirements thereby enhancing your possibility of selling goods.

Read This: How to Sell Stock Footage on Shutterstock

Preparing Your Videos for Submission

Preparation is important for success on Shutterstock. Here are some ways to ready your videos for submission:

1. Choose the Right Topics: Think about trends and what buyers are looking for. Popular themes often include nature, technology, and lifestyle.
2. Focus on Quality: Ensure your videos are high resolution and well-edited. Aim for at least 4K quality when possible.
3. Add Relevant Keywords: Use specific keywords that describe your video content. This helps potential buyers find your videos more easily.
4. Consider Your Audience: Think about who will buy your videos and what they will use them for. This can help guide your content creation.

In submitting your work, you establish a solid base for it when you prioritize quality and relevance. Always bear in mind that the more painstakingly prepared your videos are, the higher will be their chances of thriving on this platform.

Read This: Is Shutterstock Free

Navigating the Upload Process

After you have prepared your videos, the subsequent thing to do is go through the uploading procedure on Shutterstock. At first sight it may look hard but in reality it is very simple. Here’s how to get the best out of this:

1. Creating an Account: If you haven’t already, sign up for a contributor account on Shutterstock. It’s free and only takes a few minutes.
2. Uploading Your Videos: After logging in, go to the upload section. You can drag and drop your video files directly or browse to select them. Make sure your files meet the platform’s technical specifications.
3. Adding Titles and Descriptions: Give your videos catchy titles and informative descriptions. This is your chance to entice buyers. Think about what keywords they might use to find your content.
4. Choosing Categories: Select relevant categories for your videos. This helps buyers find your work in specific genres, whether it’s travel, business, or lifestyle.
5. Review and Submit: Once everything is filled out, review your submission to catch any mistakes. After that, hit the submit button!

Subsequent to submission, your videos shall undergo a review phase. They are examined by Shutterstock for quality and relevance to the guidelines. The key here is being patient; it may take days before they are approved. Consequently, once they have been accepted, your videos will be available live on the platform!

Read This: What Shutterstock Costs

Setting Your Prices and Licensing Options

When selling videos, it is essential to comprehend the pricing and licensing options. Here is what you should know:

• Royalty Rates: Shutterstock pays contributors based on the number of downloads. Typically, the more videos you sell, the higher your royalty percentage.
• Pricing Models: Shutterstock uses a subscription model. Buyers can choose from different plans, which affects how much you earn per download.
• Licensing Types: You can offer Standard or Enhanced licenses.
  • Standard License: Allows customers to use your video for most personal and commercial projects, with some restrictions.
  • Enhanced License: Offers broader usage rights, often at a higher price.

Sales can be greatly affected by the competitive pricing and the choice of licensing options. To ensure the pricing is in line with demand and also reflects the quality of your work, keep an eye on market trends.

Read This: How Shutterstock Licensing Works

Promoting Your Video Content

Once your videos have been taken live, it is crucial to promote them so as to enhance sales. Some strategies that can effectively be used include:

1. Utilize Social Media: Share your videos on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.
2. Build a Portfolio Website: Create a personal website or blog to showcase your videos. This not only serves as a portfolio but also boosts your online presence.
3. Engage with the Community: Participate in forums or groups related to videography and stock footage. Networking can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.
4. Collaborate with Other Creators: Partner with other videographers or content creators for joint projects. This expands your reach and introduces your work to new audiences.
5. Consider Paid Advertising: If budget allows, consider using paid ads on social media to promote your top-selling videos or new content.

Be aware that for purposes of visibility, promoting content routinely is essential. Employing a forward-looking strategy could draw in more clientele and increase your income through Shutterstock.

Read This: Is It Illegal to Use Shutterstock Photos Without an Account

Tracking Your Sales and Earnings

To comprehend your performance and development, it is crucial to monitor your sales and earnings on Shutterstock. Fortunately, Shutterstock offers instruments that facilitate this task. Here’s a guide on how to track your progress efficiently:

1. Accessing Your Dashboard: Once logged into your contributor account, navigate to your dashboard. This is your central hub for all sales-related information.
2. Understanding Your Earnings Report: Shutterstock offers a detailed earnings report that shows your total sales, downloads, and royalties. Here’s what to look for:
   • Total Earnings: The cumulative amount you've earned from your videos.
   • Downloads: The number of times your videos have been downloaded.
   • Pending Earnings: Earnings that are not yet finalized but will be credited soon.
3. Setting Goals: Use the data to set realistic sales goals. For example, if you notice certain types of videos perform well, aim to create more of that content.
4. Analyzing Trends: Look for patterns in your sales data. Are there specific times when your sales spike? Understanding this can help you time your promotions better.

In order to optimize your earnings from selling videos on Shutterstock, you should keep an eye on sales and income so as to change the strategy.

Read This: What Is Better: Shutterstock or Adobe Stock

FAQs About Selling Videos on Shutterstock

You probably have a lot of questions if you are new to selling videos on Shutterstock. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help clear things up:

1. What types of videos sell best?Generally, videos that are high-quality, trendy, and cater to specific needs like business, lifestyle, and nature tend to perform well.
2. Do I need special equipment to create videos?While professional equipment can help, many successful sellers use high-quality smartphones and basic editing software to create impressive content.
3. How often should I upload new videos?Regular uploads can help maintain your visibility. Consider setting a schedule that works for you, whether that’s weekly or monthly.
4. Can I sell the same videos on other platforms?Yes, as long as you follow the licensing rules. Many creators sell the same content across multiple platforms to maximize earnings.

What’s a good place to start for selling your videos on Shutterstock? It is the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) by people like you who are just starting their careers as video sellers. Should you have any additional questions, feel free to contact support channels provided by Shutterstock!

Read This: How to Reference Shutterstock Images

Conclusion on Selling Videos on Shutterstock

Finally here are my thoughts: Shutterstock video selling is an enjoyable journey who love video shooting this way. In fact, you might want to know that success does not come instantaneously but requires time in order to create a collection of works, monitor your sales closely or to improve on what you have created over time (Read more). Henceforth those interested should see these as means via which one’s love for making videos becomes like a stable source of revenue if they grasp how the platform functions as well as come up with effective strategies for marketing.

If you traverse this unparalleled odyssey, feel free to keep on experimenting and learning. Every single video you do is a chance to grow and improve yourself. Remain in touch with the people, stay up to date with movements of enterprises and do not fear to explore new methodologies. As stock photography scope is very wide-ranging and always changes it contains enough space for your exclusive ideals and artistic expression. Good luck and enjoy shooting!