Is Shutterstock Contributor Worth It

The Shutterstock Contributor Program is a platform that allows photographers, videographers, and other content creators to sell their images, videos, and illustrations to customers around the world. Contributors upload their work to Shutterstock’s marketplace, and when someone buys their content, they earn a commission. This program is open to anyone with original content, making it an excellent opportunity for both amateurs and professionals to monetize their creative work.

As a contributor, you can upload your work and reach a large audience of buyers from various industries. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or make it a full-time job, Shutterstock offers an accessible and flexible platform to start earning money from your photography or video content.

Benefits of Being a Shutterstock Contributor

Joining the Shutterstock Contributor Program comes with several advantages that make it an attractive option for creators. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Passive Income Potential: Once your content is uploaded and approved, you can earn money from it anytime, even while you're not working. Every time someone purchases your content, you receive a royalty.
• Global Exposure: Shutterstock has a massive customer base, giving you exposure to buyers worldwide. Your content could be purchased by businesses, advertisers, media companies, and more.
• Flexible Work: You can upload content at your own pace and from anywhere. Whether you're at home or traveling, you can continue contributing as long as you have access to the internet.
• Creative Freedom: You control the type of content you upload, allowing you to showcase your unique style and creativity. You can focus on subjects you’re passionate about.
• Access to Resources: Shutterstock offers educational resources, including tips for improving your content and maximizing sales. Their support team is also available to assist you with any issues.

How Much Can You Earn as a Contributor on Shutterstock

As a Shutterstock contributor, your earnings depend on several factors, including the number of downloads your content gets, the type of content you upload, and your level of exclusivity with the platform. Shutterstock pays contributors through a royalty system, and earnings are determined by the price of the content purchased and the license type. Here's a general breakdown of how much you can earn:

• Standard Licenses: For standard licenses, contributors typically earn 15-40% of the sale price, depending on their contributor tier and how much content they’ve uploaded.
• Enhanced Licenses: For enhanced licenses, which allow buyers to use the content in more extensive ways (such as for large-scale commercial uses), contributors can earn a higher percentage, generally around 30-40% of the sale price.
• Image or Video Type: Generally, images tend to have a lower payout than videos. Videos and vector graphics can earn you higher royalties due to the higher price point and demand for high-quality video content.
• Contributor Tier: Shutterstock uses a tier system for contributors. As you upload more content and make more sales, your commission percentage can increase. Higher tiers earn higher royalty percentages.

It’s important to note that earnings are influenced by market demand and the quality of your submissions. The more relevant and high-quality your content is, the more likely it is to be purchased, leading to more potential earnings.

Shutterstock Contributor Requirements

Before you can start uploading content to Shutterstock as a contributor, there are a few key requirements you need to meet. These requirements ensure that your content is of high quality and fits within Shutterstock's marketplace guidelines. Here's a breakdown of what you need:

• Original Content: Only original content that you’ve created can be uploaded. This includes photos, videos, illustrations, and vector graphics. Using third-party content or stock images is strictly prohibited.
• Content Quality: Your content must meet Shutterstock's quality standards. This includes high resolution (at least 4 MP for photos) and professional-level visuals. Poorly lit, out-of-focus, or heavily edited images may be rejected.
• Legal Considerations: You must have the proper rights to all the content you upload. For example, if your photos include people, you'll need to provide model releases. Similarly, if your images show private properties or trademarks, you’ll need a property release.
• Shutterstock Account: To become a contributor, you’ll need to create a Shutterstock account. This is where you’ll upload your content, track your sales, and receive payments.
• Content Approval: All submissions will be reviewed by Shutterstock’s team. If your content is approved, it will be added to their library. If rejected, you’ll receive feedback on what needs improvement.

Once you meet these requirements, you’re ready to start contributing and earning money from your creative work!

How to Get Started with Shutterstock Contributor Program

Getting started with the Shutterstock Contributor Program is easy. Just follow these simple steps to begin uploading your content and start earning:

• Create an Account: Go to the Shutterstock Contributor website and sign up for a free account. You'll need to provide some basic information, including your name and email address.
• Submit Content: Once your account is set up, start uploading your content. You can upload images, videos, or illustrations. Remember to tag your content with relevant keywords to make it easier for customers to find.
• Content Review: After uploading, your content will be reviewed by Shutterstock’s editorial team. If everything meets their quality standards, it will be accepted and published on their platform.
• Start Earning: Once your content is live, you’ll start earning royalties whenever someone purchases your work. You can track your earnings and download reports from your contributor dashboard.
• Keep Uploading: To increase your chances of earning more, keep uploading high-quality content regularly. The more content you have on the platform, the higher the potential for sales.

Shutterstock also offers helpful resources and tutorials to guide you along the way, so you’ll have all the support you need to succeed.

Common Challenges Faced by Shutterstock Contributors

While the Shutterstock Contributor Program offers great earning potential, it’s not without its challenges. Many contributors face common hurdles when starting out. Here are a few challenges and tips for overcoming them:

• Content Rejection: One of the most common issues new contributors face is content rejection. Shutterstock has strict quality guidelines, so it’s important to ensure your images or videos meet their standards. If your work is rejected, review the feedback carefully and improve your content before submitting it again.
• Low Sales Early On: In the beginning, it might be hard to make significant sales. It takes time to build a portfolio and gain visibility. To increase your chances of success, upload consistently, optimize your keywords, and focus on creating content that’s in high demand.
• Competition: Shutterstock has millions of contributors, so standing out can be difficult. Focus on niche markets or unique perspectives to set your content apart. High-quality, original work is more likely to catch the attention of buyers.
• Model and Property Releases: If you include people or private property in your content, you’ll need to provide model or property releases. Ensuring these are correctly filled out can be time-consuming but is essential for getting your content accepted.
• Staying Up to Date with Trends: Shutterstock’s library is constantly evolving, so keeping track of trends and updating your portfolio is important. Pay attention to seasonal or trending themes and create content that fits those demands.

Despite these challenges, persistence and improvement will pay off. By focusing on producing high-quality content, following the guidelines, and staying consistent, you can increase your chances of success in the Shutterstock Contributor Program.

Shutterstock Contributor vs Other Stock Platforms

When considering becoming a stock photo contributor, Shutterstock is one of the most popular platforms. However, it’s not the only one. There are several other stock image platforms where you can sell your content, such as Adobe Stock, iStock, and Dreamstime. Each platform has its own set of benefits and challenges, so it's important to understand how Shutterstock compares to the competition.

Here’s a quick comparison of Shutterstock with other major stock platforms:

In summary, Shutterstock offers one of the largest and most competitive marketplaces with a substantial revenue potential. However, if you’re looking for less competition or a higher royalty rate, platforms like Adobe Stock or Dreamstime might be better choices. Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your content type, your goals, and how much effort you’re willing to invest in marketing and keyword optimization.

FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions about the Shutterstock Contributor Program:

• How do I get paid as a Shutterstock Contributor?

  You get paid through PayPal or Skrill once your earnings reach a minimum threshold, typically around $35 for PayPal payments.

• Do I need to be a professional photographer to contribute?

  No, you don’t need to be a professional. As long as your content is high-quality and meets Shutterstock’s guidelines, you can contribute regardless of your experience level.

• How many uploads can I submit?

  There’s no limit to how many uploads you can submit, but it’s important to maintain a consistent quality to increase your chances of sales.

• What happens if my content gets rejected?

  If your content gets rejected, Shutterstock will provide feedback. You can revise and resubmit it. If it doesn’t meet their standards, it will remain rejected, so improving your work based on feedback is crucial.

• Can I sell the same content on multiple platforms?

  Yes, Shutterstock allows non-exclusive content, so you can sell the same images or videos on other stock platforms, as long as you comply with their terms.

Conclusion

The Shutterstock Contributor Program offers a great opportunity to earn passive income by selling your content to a global audience. With a straightforward submission process, flexible work options, and a vast marketplace, Shutterstock remains one of the top choices for aspiring stock photographers and videographers. However, it’s important to consider the competition and the potential for lower earnings in the beginning.

To succeed on Shutterstock, focus on consistently uploading high-quality content that resonates with current market trends. Pay attention to keywords, categories, and buyer needs to maximize your content’s visibility. While challenges like rejection and competition exist, persistence and dedication can lead to steady growth and increased earnings over time.

Whether you’re new to stock photography or an experienced creator, Shutterstock provides the tools and exposure to help you turn your passion into profit.