What’s the Royalty for Shutterstock

Shutterstock offers an excellent platform for photographers, illustrators, and videographers to sell their creative work. One of the most important aspects of contributing to Shutterstock is understanding how royalties work. Royalties are the payments you receive whenever someone purchases your images, videos, or other media on the platform. In this post, we will explore how Shutterstock's royalty system operates and how you can make the most out of your contributions.

Understanding Shutterstock’s Payment Structure

Shutterstock has a clear and structured payment system for its contributors. As a contributor, you earn a percentage of the sale price whenever someone downloads your content. However, the exact amount you earn depends on various factors, such as your contributor level and whether you are an exclusive contributor or not.

Here's an overview of Shutterstock’s payment structure:

• Download Type: Each download type (standard, enhanced, or subscription) has a different payment rate.
• Contributor Level: Your earnings increase as you reach higher contributor levels based on the number of downloads you've made.
• Exclusivity: Exclusive contributors earn a higher percentage compared to non-exclusive ones, but they must upload their content solely to Shutterstock.

Shutterstock offers a sliding scale based on your lifetime earnings, so the more you contribute, the better your earning potential. The payment percentage varies from 15% to 40%, and exclusive contributors can earn up to 45% for certain file types.

How Shutterstock Contributors Earn Royalties

Shutterstock contributors earn royalties each time someone downloads their content, but the process involves a few key steps to determine how much you’ll make:

• File Download: Every time your image, video, or vector is downloaded, you earn a royalty. The royalty amount depends on the buyer’s subscription type or licensing choice.
• License Type: There are different licensing models on Shutterstock, including standard licenses and enhanced licenses. Enhanced licenses often result in higher royalties.
• Contributor Status: Your earnings also depend on whether you are an exclusive or non-exclusive contributor. Exclusive contributors generally earn more, but they must upload their content only to Shutterstock.

Let’s break down how royalties can vary depending on factors like download type:

Additionally, Shutterstock pays out royalties monthly, and you can track your earnings via the Contributor Dashboard. Earnings can be paid via PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill, and you need to reach a minimum payout threshold before receiving a payment.

Factors that Affect Your Royalty Rate

Your royalty rate on Shutterstock depends on several factors. Understanding these elements can help you manage your expectations and maximize your earnings. Here are the key factors that impact your royalty rate:

• Contributor Level: As you upload more content and earn more, your contributor level increases. Higher levels typically result in higher royalty rates. Shutterstock rewards experienced contributors with better payment terms as their portfolios grow.
• Exclusivity: One of the biggest factors affecting your royalty rate is whether you are an exclusive contributor. Exclusive contributors, who upload their work only to Shutterstock, earn a higher percentage of royalties. Non-exclusive contributors have the flexibility to upload to other platforms but receive lower rates.
• Type of Download: Shutterstock offers various types of downloads, including standard, enhanced, and subscription-based downloads. Enhanced downloads, which are typically larger files or more expensive licenses, result in higher royalty payments compared to standard downloads.
• Image Type: Certain types of media, such as vectors or videos, can earn higher royalties than others. High-demand media types generally earn better rates.
• Geographic Location of Buyers: While not always predictable, the location of the buyer can influence royalties. Certain markets may have different purchasing patterns that affect the value of your content.

In short, if you want to increase your earnings, focusing on building a high-quality, exclusive portfolio is a great way to improve your royalty rate.

Shutterstock’s Royalty for Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Contributors

Shutterstock offers different royalty rates for exclusive and non-exclusive contributors. Understanding the difference is essential if you want to maximize your earnings from the platform.

Exclusive Contributors: If you agree to upload your content only to Shutterstock, you are considered an exclusive contributor. This status comes with higher royalty rates as a reward for your commitment. Exclusive contributors generally earn between 20% and 40% for standard downloads, and 25% to 45% for enhanced downloads.

Non-Exclusive Contributors: Non-exclusive contributors are allowed to upload their content to multiple platforms, which gives them more flexibility. However, Shutterstock compensates for this flexibility by offering lower royalty rates. Non-exclusive contributors typically earn between 15% and 30% for standard downloads, and 20% to 40% for enhanced downloads.

Here's a simple comparison:

As you can see, being an exclusive contributor offers a better chance of earning higher royalties, but it also requires you to commit solely to Shutterstock. Non-exclusive contributors have more freedom but earn less on each sale.

How Much You Can Expect to Earn on Shutterstock

How much you can expect to earn on Shutterstock depends on multiple factors, such as the number of downloads your content receives, the type of content you create, and whether you are exclusive or non-exclusive. However, having a rough idea can help you set realistic expectations.

Here’s a general breakdown of how your earnings might look:

• Download Volume: The more your content is downloaded, the higher your earnings. A well-performing portfolio can generate steady income. Many top contributors make hundreds or even thousands of dollars monthly from their Shutterstock sales.
• Content Type: High-demand content, such as business photos, lifestyle images, and popular videos, tends to generate more downloads. Niche content might not sell as frequently, but it can still provide valuable earnings over time.
• License Type: Enhanced licenses tend to earn more than standard licenses, so if your content is purchased under an enhanced license, you will receive a larger royalty.

For example, if you are an exclusive contributor and your image sells under a standard license, you might earn around 25% of the sale price. However, if your image is downloaded under an enhanced license, you could earn as much as 45% of the sale price.

While it’s difficult to predict exact earnings, it’s possible to start small and gradually build up a steady income. Some successful contributors report earnings of $100 to $500 per month after a few months, and top contributors can make over $10,000 monthly, depending on their portfolio size and sales volume.

To maximize earnings, focus on creating high-quality, in-demand content, and consider becoming an exclusive contributor for higher royalty rates.

How to Maximize Your Shutterstock Royalties

Maximizing your Shutterstock royalties is all about strategy. It's not just about uploading images—it's about uploading the right images and making smart decisions that will boost your earnings over time. Here are some key tips to help you get the most out of your Shutterstock account:

• Focus on Quality: High-quality, sharp, and well-composed images are more likely to be downloaded. Ensure your photos meet Shutterstock’s technical standards to increase your chances of success.
• Upload Consistently: The more content you upload, the greater your chance of making sales. Keep your portfolio fresh by regularly adding new images or videos.
• Keyword Optimization: Use relevant keywords that accurately describe your content. The right keywords help potential buyers find your work more easily.
• Exclusive Contributor Status: Consider going exclusive. As an exclusive contributor, you will earn higher royalties for each download. This can be a great way to increase your earnings, especially if you’re committed to uploading only to Shutterstock.
• Offer a Variety of Content: Don’t limit yourself to one style or type of media. Offering a mix of images, videos, vectors, and illustrations can attract different types of buyers.
• Monitor Your Analytics: Shutterstock provides detailed analytics that shows how well your content is performing. Use this data to adjust your strategy—focus more on what works and improve areas that aren’t selling as well.

By applying these strategies, you can increase your chances of earning more and growing your presence on Shutterstock.

FAQ about Shutterstock Royalties

If you have questions about Shutterstock royalties, you’re not alone. Here are some frequently asked questions to help clear things up:

• How much do Shutterstock contributors earn? Earnings depend on the type of download (standard or enhanced), your contributor level, and whether you are an exclusive contributor. Generally, contributors can expect between 15% and 40% for standard downloads and 20% to 45% for enhanced downloads.
• How do I become an exclusive contributor? To become an exclusive contributor, you need to upload content only to Shutterstock. In return, you will receive higher royalty rates, but you must commit to this exclusivity.
• Can I earn royalties on old content? Yes, you can continue to earn royalties on older content as long as it remains available for sale and is downloaded by buyers.
• When do I get paid? Shutterstock pays royalties monthly, but you must reach the minimum payout threshold before you receive your earnings. Payment options include PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill.
• Can I sell the same images on other platforms? As a non-exclusive contributor, you are allowed to upload the same content to other platforms. However, exclusive contributors are limited to selling their content only on Shutterstock in exchange for higher royalty rates.

If you have any other questions, Shutterstock’s support center is always available to provide further assistance.

Conclusion

Understanding Shutterstock royalties is crucial for maximizing your income as a contributor. Whether you are an exclusive or non-exclusive contributor, your earnings depend on various factors, such as the type of downloads, your contributor level, and the quality of your content. By uploading consistently, optimizing your keywords, and offering a variety of high-quality media, you can increase your chances of making more sales.

If you're committed to building a strong portfolio and following the tips mentioned, you can significantly improve your Shutterstock royalties over time. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and strategy, you can turn your Shutterstock account into a steady source of income.