How to Make Money with Shutterstock

Shutterstock offers an excellent opportunity for photographers, videographers, and designers to make money by sharing their creative work. With millions of customers around the world, Shutterstock has become one of the leading platforms for stock images, videos, and music. By contributing to Shutterstock, you can earn a passive income every time someone purchases your content. Whether you're just starting or looking to grow your stock image portfolio, this platform provides the tools and resources you need to succeed. In this post, we’ll explore how you can make money with Shutterstock effectively.

Understanding Shutterstock's Contributor Program

The Shutterstock Contributor Program allows creatives to sell their photos, videos, illustrations, and music tracks. Once you sign up, you can upload your content, and Shutterstock’s customers can purchase it. Here's how it works:

• Royalty Payments: As a contributor, you earn royalties every time your content is downloaded. The more popular your work becomes, the more you can earn.
• Quality Control: Shutterstock reviews each submission to ensure it meets their quality standards before it is made available for sale.
• Licensing: Shutterstock offers two types of licenses—Standard and Enhanced. The type of license chosen by the buyer affects your earnings.
• Global Reach: Shutterstock has a vast global market, which means more potential customers and more opportunities for your work to be downloaded.

By consistently uploading high-quality content and understanding Shutterstock's terms, you can build a steady income stream through their platform.

How to Get Started as a Shutterstock Contributor

Getting started on Shutterstock is easy, and it only takes a few steps to start earning money. Follow these instructions to begin:

1. Create an Account: Visit the Shutterstock Contributor sign-up page and create an account. You’ll need to provide basic information, including your name, email address, and payment details.
2. Submit Your Work: Once your account is set up, start uploading your content. You can submit images, videos, and other creative works. Make sure your files are high quality and adhere to Shutterstock’s content guidelines.
3. Tag and Describe Your Work: Properly tag and describe your content. Adding accurate keywords, titles, and descriptions helps customers find your work easily, which can increase your chances of a sale.
4. Content Review: Shutterstock will review your submissions to ensure they meet their quality standards. Once approved, your content will be available for purchase.
5. Start Earning: After your content is live, you can start earning royalties every time it is downloaded. Keep track of your earnings through your contributor dashboard.

By following these steps, you can quickly start earning money from your creative work on Shutterstock. Keep uploading, improving your portfolio, and engaging with the platform to increase your income potential.

What to Sell on Shutterstock to Earn More

To make money on Shutterstock, it's essential to understand what types of content sell the best. Shutterstock has a vast customer base with varying needs, so the more diverse your portfolio, the better your chances of success. Here are some popular types of content to consider:

• High-Quality Photos: Photographs are the backbone of Shutterstock's marketplace. Images that cater to business, lifestyle, travel, and nature niches are highly in demand. Focus on subjects like work environments, family activities, and popular destinations.
• Videos: Short video clips are increasingly popular, especially in industries like advertising, social media, and digital marketing. A good video should be high quality, visually appealing, and relevant to current trends.
• Vectors and Illustrations: Graphic designs, logos, icons, and illustrations are always needed for various projects. Creating original, visually striking designs in different styles (flat design, vintage, minimalism) can appeal to a wide audience.
• Music Tracks: If you're a musician or sound designer, consider uploading music tracks for use in videos, commercials, and other multimedia projects. High-quality audio tracks in different genres, such as corporate, ambient, or upbeat music, are always sought after.

Focus on producing high-quality, relevant content that aligns with popular trends and fills gaps in Shutterstock’s existing library. Regularly updating your portfolio with fresh content will increase your chances of more downloads and higher earnings.

Optimizing Your Shutterstock Portfolio

Your Shutterstock portfolio is your store on the platform. To stand out and maximize earnings, you need to optimize it carefully. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your portfolio:

• High-Quality Submissions: Always upload images and videos in high resolution. Make sure your work is free from noise, blurry spots, or anything that might compromise its quality.
• Keywording: Proper keywording is crucial to making your content discoverable. Include keywords that are relevant to your work and are commonly searched by buyers. Think about what someone might type when looking for your content.
• Write Detailed Descriptions: Each image or video should have a clear and concise description. This helps buyers understand the context of the image, and good descriptions help improve SEO within Shutterstock’s search engine.
• Variety is Key: Diversify your portfolio with a wide range of subjects and styles. Include various compositions, angles, and types of content, such as photos, illustrations, and videos. This attracts different buyers who need specific assets for their projects.
• Focus on Niche Markets: Consider focusing on niche markets that might be underrepresented on Shutterstock. Unique topics or styles can attract buyers looking for something specific that they can’t find elsewhere.

Keep your portfolio updated and organized. A regularly refreshed portfolio not only increases your visibility but also shows buyers that you’re an active contributor who adds new, valuable content.

Promoting Your Shutterstock Work

• Social Media: Share your Shutterstock portfolio on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Post your best work, engage with your audience, and use appropriate hashtags to reach potential buyers. You can also create behind-the-scenes content to give your followers a glimpse into your creative process.
• Create a Website or Blog: Having your own website or blog allows you to showcase your portfolio in a more personal way. You can include links to your Shutterstock profile and create blog posts about your creative journey, tips for buyers, or industry insights. This helps you build credibility and attract more customers.
• Collaborate with Influencers or Brands: Consider reaching out to influencers, content creators, or brands who could benefit from your work. A collaboration or feature on their platform can direct more traffic to your Shutterstock profile.
• Engage with Shutterstock’s Community: Shutterstock has an active contributor community. Join forums, participate in discussions, and network with other creatives. Sometimes, collaborations within the Shutterstock community can lead to more exposure.
• Use Paid Ads: If you have the budget, consider running targeted ads on platforms like Facebook or Google to promote your Shutterstock work. Ads can drive traffic directly to your portfolio and help you reach a more focused audience.

Promoting your work consistently will help you build a strong online presence and attract more buyers, ultimately leading to higher earnings on Shutterstock.

Tips for Increasing Sales on Shutterstock

If you're looking to boost your earnings on Shutterstock, it's important to take strategic steps to increase your visibility and appeal to a wider audience. Here are some practical tips to help you make more sales:

• Upload Frequently: The more content you upload, the more opportunities you have for sales. Try to upload consistently, whether it's a few images or videos each week. Regular uploads show potential buyers that you're active and provide a steady stream of fresh content.
• Focus on Trends: Pay attention to current trends in the market. If you notice a rise in demand for certain themes, like seasonal events or popular topics, create content related to those trends. This can help you tap into a high-demand market.
• Optimize Metadata: Proper metadata—titles, descriptions, and keywords—are crucial for making your content searchable. Spend time ensuring your keywords are relevant and specific. The better your metadata, the higher the chances of your content being found by potential buyers.
• Offer Variety in Your Portfolio: Providing a variety of content types can help you reach different buyers. Include different angles, compositions, and variations of your images. Also, try offering both standard and enhanced images to cater to a wider range of buyers.
• Participate in Shutterstock Challenges: Shutterstock often hosts creative challenges. Participate in these events to not only earn rewards but also get exposure. Winning or even being featured in these challenges can help you gain more visibility and boost your sales.
• Engage with Your Audience: Build a relationship with your customers by responding to feedback or comments on your content. If buyers feel connected to your work, they’re more likely to return and purchase from you again.

By following these tips, you'll increase the chances of your content being noticed, downloaded, and purchased on Shutterstock, leading to higher earnings.

FAQ

How much money can I make on Shutterstock?
The amount you can make on Shutterstock depends on factors like the quality and quantity of your content, how often it's downloaded, and the licensing type. On average, contributors earn between 15% to 40% of the sale price, but this can vary. The more popular your work, the higher your earnings.

Do I need to be a professional photographer to contribute to Shutterstock?
No, you don't need to be a professional photographer. Shutterstock accepts content from both beginners and seasoned photographers. The key is producing high-quality work that meets their guidelines.

How long does it take for my content to be approved?
Typically, it takes 1-3 business days for Shutterstock to review and approve your content. If your work doesn’t meet their standards, they may reject it, and you can make necessary improvements before re-submitting.

Can I contribute content from my smartphone?
Yes, you can upload content captured with a smartphone, as long as it meets Shutterstock’s quality requirements. High-quality images, good lighting, and proper resolution are important for success, regardless of the camera used.

Is it possible to sell the same content on other platforms while being on Shutterstock?
Yes, you can sell your content on multiple stock platforms. However, be sure to check the licensing agreements of each platform, as some may have specific rules regarding exclusivity.

Conclusion

Making money on Shutterstock is a great way to turn your creative passion into a source of income. By consistently uploading high-quality content, optimizing your portfolio, and promoting your work, you can increase your visibility and sales. Keep an eye on market trends, engage with buyers, and refine your approach to meet Shutterstock’s quality standards. Remember, success on Shutterstock doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and persistence, you can build a steady income stream from your creative efforts.