How to Become a Contributor on Shutterstock

Becoming a contributor on Shutterstock is a great way to monetize your photos, videos, and illustrations. Shutterstock is one of the largest stock image platforms in the world, with millions of customers constantly looking for fresh content. As a contributor, you get the opportunity to upload your work and earn money whenever someone downloads your content. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or digital artist, the Shutterstock Contributor Program offers an easy and flexible way to turn your creativity into income. Let’s dive into the steps you need to take to become a part of this global marketplace.

Understanding Shutterstock’s Contributor Program

Shutterstock’s Contributor Program allows individuals to sell their creative work to customers worldwide. As a contributor, you can upload photos, videos, illustrations, vectors, and music tracks, earning royalties whenever your content is downloaded. The program is designed to be accessible to all skill levels, from amateurs to seasoned professionals. By becoming a contributor, you join a community of over 500,000 contributors who upload new content every day. Shutterstock offers various ways to earn, whether through a single image or a bulk collection, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to make money from their work.

Here are some key features of the Shutterstock Contributor Program:

• Global Marketplace: Your content is available to buyers worldwide.
• Flexible Uploading: Upload your work at your own pace, whether it's one image or thousands.
• Royalties: Earn money each time your content is downloaded or licensed.
• Tools & Insights: Use Shutterstock’s analytics to track your performance and optimize your portfolio.

Creating a Shutterstock Account and Setting Up Your Profile

The first step to becoming a Shutterstock contributor is creating an account. If you already have a Shutterstock account, you can simply convert it into a contributor account by following a few quick steps. Setting up your profile is crucial, as it helps buyers understand your style and the type of content you create. A well-crafted profile can make your content stand out, attracting more downloads and higher earnings.

Follow these steps to set up your contributor account:

• Step 1: Go to the Shutterstock Contributor page and click on "Join." If you already have a Shutterstock account, you can log in and proceed to the next step.
• Step 2: Complete your registration by entering your personal details, such as name, email, and country.
• Step 3: Accept the terms and conditions of the Shutterstock Contributor Program.
• Step 4: Once your account is created, you'll be directed to set up your profile. This includes uploading a profile picture and writing a bio that showcases your experience, interests, and the type of content you specialize in.

Your profile should be engaging and professional. Highlight your skills and the kind of work you’ll be uploading. The better your profile, the more likely buyers will trust you as a contributor. Additionally, make sure your contact information is up-to-date and that your payment details are properly linked to receive earnings.

Preparing Your Content for Upload

Before uploading your content to Shutterstock, it’s essential to prepare it to meet the platform's quality standards. Shutterstock only accepts high-quality images, videos, and other assets, so ensuring your content is polished and professional will increase your chances of acceptance. To help you get started, let's go over some important steps for preparing your work for upload.

Here are some key tips for preparing your content:

• Resolution: Make sure your images and videos are high resolution. Shutterstock typically accepts images with a minimum resolution of 4 MP (megapixels) for photos, and videos should be at least 1920x1080 pixels for HD quality.
• File Format: Images should be in JPEG format, while videos must be in MP4 format. For illustrations, you can upload vectors in EPS or AI formats.
• Metadata: Adding appropriate keywords, titles, and descriptions is vital for your content to be found by potential buyers. Make sure your metadata accurately reflects your content.
• Model and Property Releases: If your images feature recognizable people or private properties, you will need to submit signed model and property release forms.
• Editing and Retouching: Perform basic editing to enhance your images. Avoid over-editing, as it can make the images look unnatural. Keep things sharp, bright, and true to life.

By following these guidelines, you'll ensure that your content meets Shutterstock’s standards and stands a better chance of being accepted and purchased by users.

How to Upload Your Photos and Videos on Shutterstock

Once you’ve prepared your content, the next step is to upload it to Shutterstock. Uploading is a simple process, but there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s how to upload your photos, videos, and other content to the platform.

Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Log in to your Shutterstock contributor account.
• Step 2: Click on the "Upload" button found in your account dashboard.
• Step 3: Select the files you want to upload. You can upload images, videos, or both, and you can choose multiple files at once for bulk uploads.
• Step 4: Add metadata such as titles, descriptions, and keywords for each file. Be specific with your keywords as this will help buyers find your content more easily.
• Step 5: Review your content and metadata before submitting it. Double-check the resolution, file format, and any other details to ensure everything is correct.
• Step 6: Click the "Submit" button to complete the upload. Your content will be sent to Shutterstock’s review queue.

Shutterstock also offers a feature called "Batch Upload," allowing you to upload a large number of files at once. This is especially useful if you have many images or videos to submit at the same time.

Once uploaded, your content will be processed and reviewed by Shutterstock’s team before it appears for sale on the platform. Make sure your files are named clearly and have descriptive metadata to improve their chances of being found by buyers.

Shutterstock’s Review Process for Contributors

After you upload your content, it goes through a review process to ensure it meets Shutterstock’s quality standards. This is an important step, as only content that passes the review will be available for sale on the platform. The review process usually takes a few days, but it can vary depending on the volume of submissions. Here’s a closer look at how the review process works:

Key steps in the review process:

• Initial Review: Once you submit your content, it is first checked for technical quality. This includes checking the resolution, clarity, file format, and whether the content adheres to Shutterstock’s file requirements.
• Content Assessment: After the technical review, your content is assessed for its overall quality. Shutterstock checks for proper lighting, composition, and whether the content is in focus and free of any noticeable errors or imperfections.
• Keyword and Metadata Review: Shutterstock ensures that your keywords, titles, and descriptions are accurate and relevant to your content. Having well-structured metadata helps improve the discoverability of your content.
• Rejection or Approval: Once the review is complete, Shutterstock will either approve or reject your content. If approved, your content will be listed on the platform for sale. If rejected, you will be given a reason, and you can make improvements and resubmit it.

If your content is rejected, don’t be discouraged. Review feedback can be a valuable learning tool. For example, if your image was rejected due to poor lighting or blurry focus, take note of the feedback and improve these aspects for future uploads.

It’s important to remember that Shutterstock’s review process helps maintain high-quality content on their platform, so even if your submission is rejected, it’s part of ensuring that only the best content makes it to buyers.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings as a Shutterstock Contributor

Once you’ve uploaded your content and started getting some downloads, it’s time to think about how to maximize your earnings as a Shutterstock contributor. While Shutterstock allows you to earn money with each download, there are strategies you can use to increase your sales and boost your income. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Upload Consistently: The more content you upload, the more chances you have to get noticed by buyers. Uploading regularly helps build your portfolio and increases your chances of making sales.
• Focus on Popular Keywords: Research the most popular and relevant keywords for your content. This can help your images and videos appear in more search results, making them more likely to be downloaded.
• Upload High-Quality Content: Quality matters! The better your content, the more likely it is to get downloaded. Ensure your photos are sharp, well-composed, and properly lit. For videos, focus on high resolution and smooth editing.
• Stay on Trend: Keep an eye on trends and try to create content that aligns with current needs. For instance, if a particular industry or event is trending, producing related content can help you tap into a high-demand market.
• Offer Variety: While niche content can sell well, offering a variety of images and videos in different styles, subjects, and formats helps reach a wider audience.
• Use Collections: Group your content into collections to make it easier for buyers to find related items. Collections can help improve your visibility and increase the likelihood of multiple downloads from the same buyer.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to increasing your earnings and achieving success as a Shutterstock contributor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shutterstock Contributor Program

If you’re new to the Shutterstock Contributor Program, you probably have a few questions. Don’t worry – here are some of the most commonly asked questions, along with their answers, to help guide you as you get started:

• How much can I earn as a Shutterstock contributor? Earnings depend on the number of downloads your content receives. Shutterstock pays contributors a percentage of the sale price for each download. Your earnings can range from a few cents to several dollars per download, depending on the content’s license and usage.
• How do I get paid? Shutterstock offers several payment options, including PayPal, Skrill, and bank transfer. You can select your preferred payment method in your contributor account settings.
• How often can I upload content? You can upload content as often as you like. There’s no limit to the number of files you can submit, and the more content you upload, the more chances you have to earn money.
• What happens if my content is rejected? If your content is rejected, Shutterstock provides feedback on why it didn’t meet their standards. You can use this information to improve your work and resubmit it. Don’t be discouraged – many contributors face rejection and bounce back stronger.
• Can I submit the same content to other stock platforms? Yes, Shutterstock allows you to submit the same content to other platforms. However, keep in mind that some platforms may have exclusivity requirements, so it’s important to review the terms of each site.
• Do I need to have a professional camera to be a contributor? Not necessarily. While having a high-quality camera can help, the most important thing is creating clear, well-composed, and properly edited content. Many contributors start with just a smartphone and work their way up as they gain experience.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions. As you continue contributing, you’ll gain more insights into how the platform works and how to make the most out of your efforts.

Conclusion on Getting Started as a Shutterstock Contributor

Getting started as a Shutterstock contributor can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or illustrator, the platform offers a chance to showcase your work to a global audience and earn money every time someone downloads your content. By following the steps outlined in this guide and applying the tips for success, you can build a solid portfolio and increase your chances of making consistent sales.

Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to understand the platform, perfect your craft, and develop a strong presence. But with persistence, high-quality content, and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy the benefits of being a Shutterstock contributor.

If you’re ready to get started, take the first step today by signing up for the Shutterstock Contributor Program and start uploading your best work. The world of stock photography and videos is waiting for you!