How to Make Money on Shutterstock: A Comprehensive Guide

Shutterstock has become a powerhouse in the world of stock media, providing a platform for creative individuals to earn money from their visual content. As the demand for high-quality images, videos, and illustrations continues to grow, many aspiring contributors wonder how to tap into this lucrative market. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the process of making money on Shutterstock, offering valuable insights for both newcomers and experienced contributors alike.

The journey to success on Shutterstock involves more than just uploading random photos or videos. It requires a strategic approach, including understanding the platform’s guidelines, creating marketable content, and optimizing submissions for better visibility. This guide will walk readers through the essential steps to set up for success, build a robust portfolio, and leverage Shutterstock’s tools to maximize earnings. Additionally, it will explore ways to scale one’s Shutterstock business and provide tips to stand out in a competitive market.

The Basics of Shutterstock

Shutterstock has established itself as a leading platform in the stock media industry, connecting content creators with a global audience of customers seeking high-quality visual assets. Understanding how Shutterstock operates is crucial for those looking to monetize their creative work through this platform.

How Shutterstock Works

Shutterstock functions as a marketplace where contributors upload their content, and customers download it for various purposes. The process can be broken down into several key steps:

Content Creation: Contributors produce high-quality images, videos, and other visual content that meets Shutterstock’s standards ^[1].
Submission: Using Shutterstock’s user-friendly platform, contributors upload their content. The company provides tips and guidance to help creators succeed in this process ^[1].
Metadata and Optimization: Contributors add descriptions, keywords, categories, and location information to their content. This metadata is crucial for making the content discoverable through Shutterstock’s search and discovery tools ^[2].
Customer Downloads: When a customer downloads content, the contributor earns a percentage of the sale price ^[3].
Payment: Earnings are calculated at the beginning of each month, and payments are issued by the 15th, provided the contributor has reached the minimum payout threshold ^[4].

Shutterstock offers various tools to streamline this process for contributors:

Mobile App: Contributors can upload and submit images directly from their mobile devices, as well as track activity and earnings on the go ^[1].
Dashboard: This feature allows contributors to monitor their earnings and track their progress through Shutterstock’s earnings levels ^[3].
Shot List: A monthly guide that provides insights into customer demand, helping contributors create content that aligns with current and upcoming trends ^[5].

Types of Content Accepted

Shutterstock welcomes a diverse range of visual content, catering to various customer needs. The platform accepts:

Images: Including photographs, illustrations, and vector graphics.
Videos: Motion content for various applications.

Specific categories that are in demand include:

Landscape and Photojournalism
Automotive
Family
Animals and Pets
Product
Food and Beverage ^[6]

It’s important to note that Shutterstock has strict guidelines for content submission:

Commercial Content: Descriptions and keywords for commercial content must not contain trademarks, brand names, or product names ^[2].
Editorial Content: For documentary editorial content, accurate year and geographical location must be included in the description ^[2].
Ethical Considerations: Content related to race, ethnicity, disabilities, age, religion, gender, or sexual orientation should accurately and respectfully represent people’s identities. Offensive, hateful, or discriminatory terminology is strictly prohibited ^[2].

Contributors should also be aware of Shutterstock’s earnings structure. There are six earnings levels for both images and videos, ranging from 15% to 40% of the sale price. Contributors can progress through these levels independently for images and videos based on their download count in each category ^[3].

By understanding these basics, contributors can better position themselves to succeed on the Shutterstock platform, creating content that meets market demand while adhering to the platform’s guidelines and ethical standards.

Setting Up for Success

To embark on a successful journey as a Shutterstock contributor, it’s crucial to have the right equipment and software. This section explores the essential tools and recommendations to help creators produce high-quality content that meets Shutterstock’s standards.

Equipment Essentials

Camera: A camera capable of shooting in 4K resolution is essential for creating stock footage that will remain in demand for an extended period. While it doesn’t need to be excessively expensive, a camera with a large sensor and good dynamic range is beneficial ^[7].
Lenses: Prime lenses with wide apertures are recommended. A 35mm lens is considered a must-have, along with an 18mm and 85mm lens. These three lenses provide a solid foundation for creating stunning images ^[7].
Stabilization Tools: For video content, stability is crucial. Gimbals, sliders, and cranes can add smooth and stable camera movement to shots. Some contributors use advanced tools like the Emotimo Spectrum motion control head for timelapse and video shots with precise motion ^[7].
Lighting Equipment: For studio or indoor work, a good lighting kit is indispensable. Starting with two or three quality lights from a reputable brand is recommended. Fluorescent daylight lights are versatile for indoor and studio shooting situations ^[7].
Portable Light Source: A small lamp with adjustable temperature settings and smooth power adjustment can be invaluable for illuminating human faces and details in low light conditions, both indoors and outdoors ^[7].
Reflector: A foldable reflector is an essential tool for outdoor shoots, particularly for portrait photography. It helps enhance overall image quality by providing soft, reflected light ^[7].
Tripod: A reliable tripod is crucial, especially for landscape photographers navigating uneven terrain or capturing night sky images. Choose between a heavy, solid model or a compact travel tripod based on your needs ^[8].
Camera Strap: A sturdy camera strap is not only a form of insurance against dropped cameras but also helps create rapport with subjects by allowing easy movement between shooting and interacting ^[8].
Cleaning Kit: Keep a lens cleaner and cleaning cloth handy to maintain spotless equipment and subjects, particularly for product photography ^[8] ^[7].
Power Bank: An external power bank is essential for charging devices in the field, especially during extended shoots or in remote locations ^[8].
Camera Bag: A quality camera bag, such as the Lowepro Slingshot 2AW, is invaluable for safely transporting gear, particularly for photographers who frequently work in diverse environments ^[8].

Software Recommendations

Editing Software: Proficiency in image and video editing software is crucial for enhancing and finalizing content. Tools like Shutterstock Editor offer a range of features for both beginners and experienced creators ^[9] ^[10].
Shutterstock Editor: This free, browser-based tool allows contributors to:
- Resize, crop, and modify images
- Apply color filters (e.g., Sepia, Black and White)
- Adjust brightness, blur, vignette, exposure, and saturation
- Create designs for various purposes using custom templates
- Modify canvas transparency, background color, and size
- Export in multiple formats, including PNG and PDF vector ^[10]
Smart Resize Tool: This feature in Shutterstock Editor saves time by allowing quick resizing of images for multiple platforms ^[10].
Color Grading and Editing Tools: Software that enables fixing, color grading, and editing of footage is essential for creating high-quality stock content ^[7].

By equipping themselves with these essential tools and software, Shutterstock contributors can significantly enhance their ability to create marketable, high-quality content. Remember, while having the right gear is important, creativity and skill in using these tools effectively are equally crucial for success on the platform.

Creating Marketable Content

To succeed on Shutterstock, contributors need to focus on creating content that appeals to buyers and meets market demands. This involves understanding both trending topics and evergreen subjects that consistently sell over time.

Evergreen Subjects

While trending topics are important, creating a stable income on Shutterstock also requires focusing on evergreen subjects that sell consistently over time. Here’s how to approach evergreen content:

Diversify Your Portfolio: Ukrainian photographer Artem Medvedev advises treating content uploads like investment diversification. Capture different topics and track which ones are most in-demand ^[11].
Focus on “Blue Chip” Subjects: Medvedev recommends betting on topics that sell consistently, such as lifestyle, business, and health. These subjects form the foundation of a long-term investment strategy ^[11].
Balance Trendy and Timeless: Combine stable, timeless topics with trendy subjects in technology, fashion, or current events. This “day trader’s” approach allows for both fast-selling images and long-term investments ^[11].
Create Problem-Solving Content: Develop content that addresses persistent issues or provides solutions to challenges that won’t go away. This type of content remains relevant regardless of time or trends ^[13].
Develop How-To Guides: Create tutorials and guides that don’t require frequent updates. These can become valuable evergreen assets in your portfolio ^[14].
Produce List Posts: Consider creating list-style content, which has been shown to perform better in terms of click-through rates and social sharing engagement ^[14].
Craft Timeless Visual Content: For visual artists and photographers, create standalone images or graphics that have lasting appeal. These can be used in social media campaigns or as evergreen content for your portfolio ^[14].

By balancing trending topics with evergreen subjects, Shutterstock contributors can create a diverse portfolio that appeals to a wide range of buyers and ensures a steady income stream over time. Remember to regularly review and update your content to maintain its relevance and marketability in the ever-evolving stock media landscape.

Optimizing Your Submissions

Metadata Best Practices

Optimizing submissions on Shutterstock goes beyond creating high-quality content. Accurate and precise metadata plays a crucial role in connecting customers with contributors’ products ^[15]. Metadata, which includes descriptions, titles, keywords, categories, and location information, drives Shutterstock’s search and discovery tools ^[2].

To maximize the visibility of their content, contributors should follow these best practices:

Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that all metadata relates directly to the depicted subject matter. Content may be rejected if the metadata doesn’t align with the visual content ^[2].
Comply with Intellectual Property Guidelines: For commercial content, avoid using trademarks, brand names, or product names in descriptions and keywords ^[2].
Use Respectful Language: When describing content related to race, ethnicity, disabilities, age, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, use accurate and respectful terminology. Offensive, hateful, or discriminatory language is strictly prohibited ^[2].
Protect Sensitive Information: Never include personally identifiable information such as social security numbers or financial details in titles or keywords ^[2].
Maintain Quality: Titles and keywords should be free of spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, emojis, and spam. Avoid including case numbers in these fields ^[2].
Think Conceptually: Include words that describe feelings or emotions for images depicting models. For illustrations of objects like computers, use conceptual words such as “technology” and “communication” ^[15].
Use the Keyword Suggestion Tool: Shutterstock provides a tool on the Submit content page to help contributors choose appropriate keywords based on their subject matter ^[16].

Effective Titles and Descriptions

Creating compelling titles and descriptions is essential for attracting potential buyers. Here are some strategies to enhance these elements:

Craft Descriptive Titles: Think of the title as a news headline, answering the key questions of Who, What, When, Where, and Why ^[15]. For example, instead of a generic title like “Beach Sunset,” use “Vibrant Orange Sunset Over Tropical Beach in Bali, Indonesia.”
Avoid Repetition: Don’t use the exact same title or set of keywords for a series of similar images. This practice can hurt sales potential ^[15].
Highlight Unique Features: Mention any specific technique, look, or angle that differentiates your image from others with similar subject matter ^[15]. For instance, “Aerial View of New York City Skyline at Twilight, Captured with Drone.”
Consider Search Intent: Put yourself in the customer’s shoes. If you were searching for the exact image you’re uploading, what terms would you use? Incorporate these into your title ^[17].
Balance Technical and Searchable Terms: Use a mix of technical terms and more commonly searched phrases. For example, include both “bokeh” and “blurred background” in your keywords ^[17].
Be Specific with Model Descriptions: When applicable, use accurate terms to describe models’ ages, races, and genders ^[17].
Include Emotional and Conceptual Keywords: Consider adding terms like “inspire,” “funny,” or “Instagram-worthy” to capture potential customer searches ^[17].
Tailor Descriptions to Image Type: For photos, focus on visual elements. For illustrations, emphasize style and concept. For videos, describe action and movement ^[17].

By implementing these best practices for metadata, titles, and descriptions, contributors can significantly improve the discoverability of their content on Shutterstock, potentially leading to increased sales and success on the platform.

Building a Robust Portfolio

Building a robust portfolio on Shutterstock is essential for contributors looking to maximize their earnings and visibility on the platform. A well-curated portfolio not only showcases a contributor’s skills but also increases the chances of attracting potential buyers. To achieve this, contributors should focus on two key aspects: balancing quantity with quality and diversifying their content.

Quantity vs. Quality

When it comes to building a portfolio on Shutterstock, contributors often face the dilemma of choosing between quantity and quality. While it’s important to have a substantial number of images or videos, the quality of the content should never be compromised.

Uploading new content regularly helps keep a portfolio fresh and relevant, as customers are always on the lookout for high-quality, up-to-date material ^[18]. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balance. Rather than flooding the portfolio with mediocre content, contributors should aim to consistently upload high-quality images that appeal to buyers ^[19].

One area where quality trumps quantity is in the use of metadata. When it comes to keywords and titles, it’s better to have fewer effective and accurate keywords than a multitude of irrelevant ones ^[18]. This approach ensures that the content is more likely to appear in relevant search results, increasing the chances of downloads.

Diversifying Your Content

Diversification is key to building a robust portfolio that appeals to a wide range of customers. By creating content that covers various subjects, styles, and concepts, contributors can attract a broader audience and increase their chances of generating sales ^[19].

Here are some strategies to diversify a Shutterstock portfolio:

Explore Different Niches: Cater to various themes and industries to broaden the appeal of your portfolio.
Experiment with Styles: Try different photography or illustration styles to showcase versatility.
Cover Multiple Concepts: Create content that addresses various conceptual needs, from business and technology to lifestyle and nature.
Utilize Sets: Shutterstock allows contributors to organize their portfolio into collections called “sets.” These can be curated groups of images or clips based on subjects, concepts, or trends. Sets can be made public or private and help in tracking earnings from specific collections ^[18].
Stay Current: Keep an eye on trending topics and incorporate them into your portfolio while maintaining a balance with evergreen content.
Consider Different Formats: If you primarily focus on photos, consider branching out into vector illustrations or video clips to diversify your offerings.

By diversifying their portfolio, contributors can appeal to different buyers and increase their chances of success on the platform. It’s important to remember that Shutterstock serves a global network of customers, so creating content that resonates with diverse audiences can significantly enhance a portfolio’s appeal ^[20].

To effectively build and maintain a robust portfolio, contributors should:

Regularly upload new, high-quality content to keep their portfolio fresh and relevant.
Use accurate and effective metadata to improve discoverability.
Create diverse content that caters to various niches and themes.
Utilize Shutterstock’s tools, such as sets, to organize and showcase their work effectively.
Stay informed about market trends and customer preferences to guide their content creation.

By following these strategies, contributors can create a strong, diverse portfolio that stands out in Shutterstock’s competitive marketplace, increasing their chances of success and generating consistent income through the platform.

Leveraging Shutterstock Tools

Contributor Dashboard

The Contributor Dashboard serves as a central hub for Shutterstock contributors to track and analyze their performance on the platform. This powerful tool provides valuable insights into downloads, earnings, and overall portfolio performance ^[21]. The dashboard offers a range of features designed to help contributors optimize their content and maximize their earning potential.

One of the key components of the Contributor Dashboard is the interactive map that displays where images and videos are being downloaded based on customers’ IP addresses ^[21]. This geographical data can help contributors identify trends and tailor their content to specific markets.

The dashboard also provides a quick overview of earnings, broken down into lifetime earnings, monthly earnings, and current Image and Video Levels ^[21]. Contributors can filter these results by media type (video or images) and select different time periods (all time, 3, 6, or 12 months) to gain a more detailed understanding of their performance ^[21].

For those looking to track the performance of specific collections, the dashboard allows contributors to monitor up to five collections of their choice directly from their homepage ^[21]. This feature enables contributors to quickly assess which collections are performing well and adjust their strategy accordingly.

The dashboard also highlights the top five performing images, which can be filtered by media type and time range ^[21]. This information can be invaluable for contributors looking to understand what types of content resonate most with buyers.

It’s worth noting that Shutterstock has made some recent changes to the dashboard layout. While these changes have been met with mixed reviews from contributors, the platform continues to refine and improve its tools based on user feedback ^[22].

Earnings Estimator

While not explicitly mentioned in the provided keypoints, the Earnings Estimator is another valuable tool for Shutterstock contributors. This tool helps contributors understand their potential earnings based on their current performance and progression through Shutterstock’s earnings levels.

Shutterstock operates on a tiered earnings system, with six separate levels for both images and videos, ranging from 15% to 40% of the license price ^[3]. Contributors can progress through these levels independently for images and videos based on their download count in each category ^[3].

As contributors accumulate more downloads, they move up through the levels, increasing the percentage they earn from each license ^[3]. This system incentivizes contributors to consistently upload high-quality content that appeals to buyers.

The Earnings Estimator can help contributors set goals and understand how their earnings might change as they progress through these levels. It’s important to note that levels for all contributors reset to level 1 on January 1st of each year ^[3], providing a fresh start and new opportunities for growth.

To make the most of these tools, contributors should:

Regularly check their Contributor Dashboard to track performance and identify trends.
Use the geographical data to inform content creation strategies.
Monitor top-performing images and collections to understand what resonates with buyers.
Utilize the Earnings Estimator to set goals and plan for future growth.
Strive to consistently upload high-quality content to progress through earnings levels.

By effectively leveraging these Shutterstock tools, contributors can gain valuable insights into their performance, optimize their content strategy, and ultimately increase their earnings on the platform.

Scaling Your Shutterstock Business

As contributors look to expand their presence on Shutterstock, they can employ various strategies to streamline their workflow and increase productivity. Two key approaches to scaling a Shutterstock business are batch uploading and outsourcing tasks.

Batch Uploading

Batch uploading is a powerful feature that allows contributors to upload multiple images simultaneously, significantly reducing the time and effort required for individual uploads ^[23]. This method is particularly beneficial for those with large volumes of content to share.

To leverage batch uploading effectively, contributors can explore several options:

Shutterstock Contributor Desktop App: This application enables users to upload photos in batches directly from their computers ^[24]. It streamlines the process by allowing contributors to select multiple photos, add required metadata (titles, descriptions, keywords), and submit them for review in one go.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): For uploads exceeding 50 MB, FTP is the recommended method ^[24]. Contributors can use FTP clients like FileZilla to connect to Shutterstock’s servers and transfer large volumes of content efficiently. The process involves:
- Downloading an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla)
- Connecting to Shutterstock’s FTP server (ftp.shutterstock.com)
- Entering Shutterstock login credentials
- Dragging and dropping photos into the client window or browsing for folders
Third-Party Tools: Some contributors use specialized tools like Xpiks or services like MicroStock Bridge to manage uploads across multiple stock photo sites ^[25]. These tools can help save login details and streamline the upload process.

While batch uploading significantly reduces upload time, it’s important to note that contributors still need to upload to each stock site separately ^[25]. However, using FTP clients or specialized tools can help manage multiple site logins more efficiently.

Outsourcing Tasks

As a Shutterstock business grows, outsourcing certain tasks can be an effective way to scale operations and focus on core creative activities ^[23]. Here are some areas where outsourcing can be beneficial:

Image Editing: Many photographers find that editing consumes more time than shooting ^[26]. Outsourcing editing tasks to professional retouchers can free up valuable time for content creation. This approach is particularly popular among high-volume photographers, such as those in the wedding industry.
Keyword Research and Metadata: SEO experts can craft metadata that improves the discoverability of content ^[26]. Outsourcing this task can lead to better search rankings and potentially increased sales.
Uploading Process: Some contributors choose to outsource the actual image uploading process to save time ^[23].
Accounting: For emerging photographers and business owners, hiring an accountant can be a game-changer in managing finances effectively ^[26].

When considering outsourcing, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with editors or service providers ^[26]. Provide clear guidelines, references, and explain your specific requirements to ensure the final product aligns with your vision.

It’s also important to strike a balance between efficiency and creative control. Some photographers, like Aleksandra Suzi, prefer to handle editing themselves as it’s an integral part of their creative process ^[26]. Others find that outsourcing allows them to focus on shooting and growing their business.

By implementing batch uploading techniques and strategically outsourcing tasks, Shutterstock contributors can scale their businesses more effectively. These approaches allow for increased productivity, enabling contributors to focus on creating high-quality content and expanding their portfolios.

Conclusion

The journey to make money on Shutterstock involves more than just uploading content. It requires a strategic approach, including understanding the platform’s guidelines, creating marketable content, and optimizing submissions for better visibility. By leveraging Shutterstock’s tools and implementing effective strategies to scale their business, contributors can boost their chances of success on the platform. This comprehensive guide has aimed to provide valuable insights to help both newcomers and experienced contributors navigate the Shutterstock marketplace.

To wrap up, success on Shutterstock hinges on a combination of creativity, technical skill, and business acumen. By focusing on creating high-quality, diverse content that meets market demand, optimizing metadata, and continuously refining their approach based on performance data, contributors can build a thriving business on the platform. Remember, persistence and adaptability are key in the ever-changing world of stock media. With dedication and the right strategies, contributors can turn their passion for visual content into a profitable venture on Shutterstock.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to earn income through Shutterstock?
Yes, as a contributor to Shutterstock, you earn a portion of the revenue generated from licensing your content. Contributors can earn between 15% and 40% in royalties, with six different earnings levels for both images and videos. Your progression through these levels is based on the number of your downloads in each category.

2. What kinds of photos are most popular on Shutterstock?
The most sought-after photo categories on Shutterstock in 2023 include People, Technology, Buildings/Landmarks, Art, Editorial content, Objects, Nature, and Sports/Recreation.

3. How can I withdraw my earnings from Shutterstock?
You can withdraw your earnings from Shutterstock once you accumulate at least $25. To receive your payment, ensure you have a completed tax form on file and choose an electronic payment method such as PayPal, Skrill, or Payoneer.

4. Is becoming a Shutterstock contributor worthwhile?
Becoming a Shutterstock contributor can be a lucrative opportunity if you possess appealing photos or content. Shutterstock operates on a royalty-free license basis, allowing customers to use your content repeatedly without additional fees. This model also enables you to earn repeatedly from the same image, enhancing your potential long-term earnings.

References

How to Make Money on Shutterstock: A Comprehensive Guide

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