In the list of ways of earning living through your creativity is submitting videos to Shutterstock. This is one of the popular online platforms where video creators meet stock footages buyers. If you have videos that reflect unique moments, splendid visuals or simply fascinating ideas, then it is time to show them to the whole world. This guide will take you through all necessary information needed when submitting your works on Shutterstock thus enhancing possibilities for making sales.
Understanding the Requirements for Video Submission
Prior to submitting your videos to the stock footage website, it is crucial for you to comprehend their requirements. Meeting them makes it possible that your clips will be accepted more often and sold later on. Following are some of the major considerations:
- Video Format: Upload your videos in MP4 format with H.264 compression.
- Resolution: The minimum resolution is 1920x1080 pixels (Full HD). Higher resolutions like 4K are also accepted.
- Duration: Videos should be between 5 seconds and 60 minutes long. Shorter clips tend to sell better.
- Frame Rate: A standard frame rate of 30 fps is recommended.
- Content Quality: Ensure your videos are well-lit, in focus, and free from excessive noise or artifacts.
- Model Releases: If your video features people, you may need a signed model release form.
- Property Releases: For private property, ensure you have the necessary property release forms.
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Preparing Your Videos for Upload
There’s something really important about preparing the videos for upload before submitting, and this is it: A step-by-step guide on how to prepare your videos before uploading them:
- Edit Your Video: Use editing software to trim unnecessary footage and enhance the overall quality. Adding simple transitions can make your videos look more professional.
- Add Metadata: Include a descriptive title, keywords, and a brief description. This information helps potential buyers find your videos. Aim for at least 5 to 10 relevant keywords.
- Check for Legal Issues: Make sure your content does not infringe on copyrights or trademarks. If your video includes recognizable locations or products, consider obtaining the necessary releases.
- Compress Your Files: Ensure your videos are compressed without losing quality. This makes the upload process faster and easier.
- Preview Your Video: Watch your video one last time to check for any errors or issues before submission.
The possibility of enjoying success at Shutterstock is augmented when you meticulously plan your videos. Now that you appreciate what it takes to meet its requirements and the preparation spells, let us submit.
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Steps to Submit Your Videos to Shutterstock
Sending your videos to Shutterstock is very simple. After preparing your videos, you can follow these steps to upload them onto the site and make them available for purchase:
- Create an Account: If you don’t already have an account, go to the Shutterstock website and sign up. It's free and easy to set up.
- Access the Contributor Dashboard: Once your account is created, log in and navigate to the Contributor Dashboard. This is where you'll manage all your uploads.
- Upload Your Videos: Click on the "Upload" button. You can drag and drop your files or browse your computer to select them. Make sure to choose the correct files you want to submit.
- Add Metadata: After uploading, you’ll need to fill out the metadata for each video. This includes a title, description, and keywords. Use relevant terms that potential buyers might search for.
- Review Your Submission: Check your entries for accuracy. Ensure your titles and descriptions are clear and concise. This is also a good time to double-check your video quality.
- Submit for Review: Once everything looks good, hit the “Submit” button. Your videos will be sent to Shutterstock for review. This process can take a few days.
You creative videos when approved may be sold enabling you to make money out of them!
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Tips for Increasing Your Video Sales
After making your videos available for viewing on Shutterstock, the next thing you must do is ensure that they can be easily found and bought by many people out there. The following are great ways to achieve this:
- Focus on Trends: Research current trends in video content. This can help you create videos that are more likely to sell.
- High-Quality Content: Always aim for high production quality. Clear, well-lit, and stable footage performs better in sales.
- Diverse Content: Offer a variety of content. Different themes, locations, and subjects can attract a broader audience.
- Optimize Keywords: Use relevant and popular keywords in your metadata. Think about what buyers might search for and include those terms.
- Regular Uploads: Keep your portfolio active by uploading new videos regularly. A larger library increases your chances of sales.
- Promote Your Work: Use social media platforms to showcase your videos. Engaging with your audience can drive more traffic to your Shutterstock portfolio.
Following the above guidelines will elevate your chances on sales in Shutterstock and hence create a blossoming video compilation.
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Common Issues in Video Submission
Submitting videos to Shutterstock is often seamless, but common problems can arise. These are the things to look out for:
- Video Rejections: If your video is rejected, check the reason provided by Shutterstock. Common reasons include poor quality, copyright issues, or not meeting technical specifications.
- Metadata Errors: Make sure your metadata is accurate and complete. Missing or incorrect information can lead to submission delays.
- Format Problems: Always ensure your videos are in the correct format. Submissions in formats other than MP4 with H.264 compression will be rejected.
- Long Review Times: Sometimes, your videos may take longer than expected to be reviewed. Patience is key, but if it takes too long, consider reaching out to support.
- Technical Glitches: Occasionally, you may experience issues with the upload process. Make sure your internet connection is stable and try again if something goes wrong.
Knowing about these normal adversities can guide you through the submission journey without any hitches and all your videos will be admitted without any issue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This is a collection of frequently asked questions regarding the submission of videos on Shutterstock. A good understanding of them will give you clarity in the process and make your experience better.
What types of videos can I submit?
There are many different kinds of videos that can be submitted, including:
- Nature and wildlife footage
- Travel and landscape videos
- People and lifestyle content
- Corporate and business-related videos
- Creative animations and motion graphics
How much can I earn from my videos?
Earnings can vary based on factors like video quality, demand, and how often your videos are downloaded. Shutterstock pays contributors based on the number of downloads, with potential earnings ranging from 25% to 40% of the sale price.
Do I need to pay to submit videos?
No, submitting videos to Shutterstock is completely free of charge. Revenue generation occurs only once the buyers make purchases on your content.
How long does it take for my videos to be reviewed?
Review times can vary but typically take between 1 to 3 days. During busy periods, it may take longer. You’ll be notified via email once your videos have been reviewed.
Can I edit my video after submitting it?
You cannot edit the video itself after submission, but you are able to update its metadata. If you need to do major changes, it is better to pull the video out of submission and submit a revised version instead.
What should I do if my video is rejected?
Upon receiving a rejection for your video submission, it is essential to thoroughly examine Shutterstock’s comments. Among the usual causes of rejection are concerns over technical details, copyright infringements or poor video quality. Make adjustments where necessary then think about doing it again.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking to cash in on your creativity, submitting videos to Shutterstock can be a great idea. The chances of winning are higher when you possess knowledge regarding the submission process, adhere to video quality best practices and properly address questions that arise frequently. As a result, continue producing and distributing original work since it is likely that in due course things will turn out well in your favor.