Shutterstock is one of the world’s largest stock content marketplaces where creators (photographers, videographers, designers) can upload their work and sell licenses to customers (businesses, advertisers, media).
Founded: 2003
Over 400 million images, videos, and music tracks
Used globally by millions of buyers
Pays contributors royalties every time their content is downloaded
Website: www.shutterstock.com
👩🎨 Who Can Sell on Shutterstock?
Photographers
Videographers
Illustrators & graphic designers
3D artists
Anyone with original content that meets Shutterstock’s quality and legal guidelines
📝 How to Become a Contributor?
Step 1: Create an Account
Step 2: Upload Content for Review
Upload 10 sample images/videos to be reviewed
Shutterstock checks for quality, composition, technical standards, and copyright compliance
Approval usually takes 1–7 days
Step 3: Start Uploading Regularly
Once approved, upload photos, videos, or illustrations regularly
Use relevant titles, descriptions, and keywords (tags) to help buyers find your content
📷 What Content Can You Upload?
Content Type Details Requirements Photos JPG, high resolution, sharp and clear Min 4MP, no watermarks, well-composed Videos HD or 4K footage MP4, minimum 1920×1080 pixels Illustrations Vector or raster images AI, EPS, or JPG formats Music & Sound Effects Royalty-free audio files WAV or MP3, for Shutterstock Music
💰 How Does Shutterstock Pay You?
Royalty Model
You earn royalties each time your content is downloaded by buyers.
Payment is based on your contributor lifetime earnings level , which determines your royalty rate.
Earnings Tier (lifetime) Royalty Rate (per download) $0 – $500 15% $500 – $3,000 20% $3,000 – $10,000 25% $10,000 – $50,000 30% $50,000+ 35%
Video royalties are usually higher than photos.
Contributors are paid monthly via PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill once minimum payout threshold ($35) is reached.
📈 Tips to Maximize Earnings
Upload high-quality, unique content that stands outFocus on popular and trending subjects (business, lifestyle, technology, nature)
Use accurate, detailed keywords and descriptions
Upload consistently to build your portfolio
Explore niche markets with less competition
Shoot videos or illustrations if you want to increase earnings potential
Check Shutterstock’s trending searches regularly for ideas
📋 Shutterstock Contributor Dashboard
View your sales stats and earnings in real-time
Track downloads by content type, geography, and buyer segment
Manage and edit your portfolio
Submit new content or remove old files
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
✅ Pros:
Large global customer base → good sales potential
Passive income once content is uploaded
Trusted, well-established platform
Simple payment system
Opportunity to build a creative business
❌ Cons:
Highly competitive marketplace
Strict content review process
Lower royalties compared to some exclusive platforms
Requires consistent uploads for noticeable income
📊 How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely depending on portfolio size, content quality, and demand.
Beginner contributors typically earn a few dollars per month.
Successful contributors with large, high-quality portfolios can earn hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly .
Top contributors make $10,000+ per month.
🎯 Summary Table
Feature Details Signup Cost Free Content Types Photos, videos, illustrations Review Time 1–7 days Payment Threshold $35 Payment Methods PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill Royalty Rate 15%–35% depending on lifetime sales Best For Photographers, videographers, graphic designers
