How to Make Money with Adobe Stock: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adobe Stock has emerged as a powerhouse in the world of digital content marketplaces, offering creators a platform to monetize their artistic talents. This innovative marketplace provides photographers, illustrators, and videographers with the opportunity to sell their high-quality images, videos, and other digital assets to a global audience. As the demand for visual content continues to grow, Adobe Stock has become a go-to source for businesses and individuals seeking top-notch stock media.

For those looking to make money with photos and videos, Adobe Stock presents a compelling avenue to explore. This guide will walk through the essential steps to become an Adobe Stock Contributor, covering everything from getting started and choosing a niche to creating marketable content and understanding pricing models. It will also delve into the nuances of submitting work, navigating the review process, and marketing a diverse portfolio to maximize earnings potential in this competitive yet rewarding field.

Getting Started with Adobe Stock

Creating a Contributor Account

To begin the journey of making money with Adobe Stock, aspiring contributors must first create an account. This process is straightforward and can be completed through the Adobe Stock Contributor portal. Individuals need to sign in using their Adobe ID or create a new one if they don’t have an existing account ^[1]. For those new to the platform, clicking the “Join now” button and following the prompts will guide them through the account creation process.

It’s important to note that contributors must be at least 18 years old to submit content to Adobe Stock ^[2]. When setting up an Adobe ID, users should carefully select their country of residence, as this information cannot be changed later ^[2]. This detail is crucial for tax purposes and ensuring proper royalty payments.

Once the account is created, contributors can upload their content through the Contributor portal or via Creative Cloud desktop applications. The portal offers a convenient drag-and-drop feature for files up to 45MB in size ^[1]. This user-friendly interface makes it easy for creators to start building their portfolio on the platform.

Understanding Adobe Stock’s Guidelines

Before submitting content, it’s essential for contributors to familiarize themselves with Adobe Stock’s comprehensive guidelines. These rules ensure that all content meets the platform’s standards and legal requirements.

Contributors must agree to the Contributor Agreement and adhere to the Account and Content Submission Guidelines ^[2]. These documents outline the terms of service and set expectations for content creators. Additionally, Adobe Stock has specific Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines that prohibit the infringement of copyright, trademark, or similar design rights ^[2].

The platform also enforces Third Party Rights Guidelines to protect publicity, privacy, property, and cultural rights ^[2]. For those using generative AI tools, there are separate Generative AI Content Guidelines that must be followed ^[2].

Metadata compliance is another crucial aspect. Contributors should avoid including logos, company names, or brands in their metadata. They also cannot imply that content depicts actual newsworthy events or use artist names, real known people, or fictional character names in titles or keywords ^[2].

Setting Up Your Profile

Creating a compelling profile is key to success on Adobe Stock. Contributors can manage their profile page to showcase their best work and attract potential buyers.

One effective strategy is to create a cover image that represents the contributor’s style and expertise ^[3]. This visual introduction can make a strong first impression on visitors to the profile page.

Contributors also have the option to feature collections on their profile page ^[3]. These curated sets of images can highlight specific themes, styles, or subjects that the contributor specializes in. By creating featured collections, contributors can organize their work in a way that appeals to potential buyers and showcases the diversity of their portfolio ^[3].

It’s worth noting that Adobe Stock allows creators to have multiple contributor accounts if they wish to track different asset types separately, such as video submissions versus image submissions ^[2]. This can be particularly useful for contributors who work across various mediums or want to maintain distinct portfolios for different styles of work.

As contributors begin to upload and describe their content, they should keep in mind that a trained moderation team will review all submissions ^[1]. This team evaluates content based on technical and esthetic quality, commercial viability, and proper permissions. While rejections are a normal part of the process for all contributors, understanding and following the guidelines can help increase the chances of acceptance and build a successful portfolio on Adobe Stock.

Choosing Your Niche and Content Type

When embarking on a journey to make money with Adobe Stock, selecting the right niche and content type is crucial for success. Contributors should focus on areas they are passionate about and have expertise in, as this authenticity often resonates with potential buyers ^[4]. For instance, a surfing enthusiast is more likely to capture compelling surfing photos that appeal to customers compared to photographers unfamiliar with the sport ^[4].

To stay competitive, contributors must keep abreast of market trends and customer demands. This involves conducting thorough research, analyzing trends in specific niches, and monitoring news headlines and advertising campaigns ^[4]. Adobe Stock provides valuable resources to help contributors stay informed, including regular calls for content on the Artist Hub, strategic insight reports on the Adobe Stock blog, and the annual Creative Trends forecast ^[4].

Photography

For photographers, diversification is key to reaching a broader audience of buyers ^[5]. The stock photography market is dynamic, and having a varied portfolio can increase the chances of making sales. Even with a relatively small portfolio of 900 images, consistent sales indicate that a contributor is on the right track ^[5].

When creating stock photography, it’s essential to consider the commercial viability of the images. Contributors should ask themselves why a customer would purchase their photos for a project ^[6]. Investigating current trends, such as food and health topics, environmental issues, or legislative discussions, can provide inspiration for relevant content ^[6].

To gage what images are selling well, contributors can use Adobe Stock’s search function, filtering for images and sorting by downloads ^[6]. This approach helps identify popular subjects and styles that resonate with buyers.

Illustrations and vector art

For illustrators and vector artists, creating high-quality, distinctive stock vectors is crucial. Businesses, ad agencies, design studios, and marketers are constantly seeking visually appealing and versatile vector artwork ^[7]. When creating vector illustrations, artists should adhere to best practices to ensure their work is commercially viable and user-friendly.

Some key considerations for vector artists include:

Organizing layers and ensuring all filled shape paths are closed ^[6].
Expanding pattern fills for compatibility across different versions of Adobe Illustrator ^[6].
Using text sparingly and considering creating outlines for text unlikely to be modified by buyers ^[6].
Avoiding the embedding of pixel-based images (JPEGs) in vector files ^[6].

It’s important to note that while quantity is beneficial, submitting multiple variations of the same vector art with minor changes is discouraged. Instead, focus on creating original content that offers unique value to potential buyers ^[6].

Video footage

Video content creators should aim for the highest quality standards when producing stock footage. Businesses and creative professionals seek well-lit, properly exposed, and visually stable videos free from noise and artifacts ^[8]. When preparing video content for Adobe Stock, contributors should consider the following:

Make clean cuts and create short clips ranging from 5-60 seconds in duration, with a recommended minimum of 15 seconds ^[8].
Leave edit handles of 1-5 seconds at the beginning and end of video clips ^[8].
Process video subtly, ensuring clean color footage that is in focus ^[8].
Preserve ambient sound if the quality is good, but remove unusable audio ^[8].
Submit variations including multiple camera angles and composition options ^[8].

For all content types, effective titling and keywording are crucial for discoverability. Avoid using trademarked names, camera specifications, or content types in titles or keywords ^[6] ^[8]. Instead, focus on descriptive and relevant terms that accurately represent the content and help potential buyers find your work.

By carefully selecting a niche, staying informed about market trends, and adhering to best practices for each content type, contributors can maximize their potential for success on Adobe Stock.

Creating High-Quality Stock Content

Equipment and Software Recommendations

To create high-quality stock content, contributors should aim for the highest quality standards. Businesses, ad agencies, design studios, and marketers seek great-looking, distinctive stock photos and illustrations with commercial value ^[9]. To achieve this, it’s essential to use appropriate equipment and software.

For photography, a high-quality camera with manual controls is recommended. This allows for precise adjustments to exposure, focus, and other settings. Additionally, a variety of lenses can help capture different perspectives and styles. For videography, a stable camera setup, such as a tripod or gimbal, is crucial for producing smooth, professional-looking footage.

In terms of software, Adobe’s suite of creative tools is widely used in the industry. Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are essential for photo editing and post-processing. For video editing, software like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects can help create polished final products. These tools offer a range of features for adjusting exposure, color, and other elements to enhance the overall quality of the content ^[10].

Composition and Lighting Tips

Composition plays a crucial role in creating visually appealing stock content. One fundamental principle is the Rule of Thirds. This technique involves mentally dividing the frame into thirds both vertically and horizontally and placing the main subject at one of the intersection points. This creates a more dynamic and visually interesting composition compared to centering the subject ^[11].

Another important compositional technique is the use of leading lines. These are natural or man-made lines within the frame that guide the viewer’s eye towards the main subject. This technique helps create a sense of depth and directs attention to the most important elements of the image ^[11].

Lighting is equally crucial in creating high-quality stock content. Understanding different types of light and how to use them effectively can significantly improve the look of photos and videos. For instance, the “golden hour” – the hour after sunrise or before sunset – provides warm, soft light that’s ideal for landscape and portrait photography. On overcast days, the clouds act as a natural diffuser, creating even, flattering light for various subjects ^[11].

For indoor shoots, it’s important to pay attention to the location and lighting setup. Before starting the production process, contributors should scout the location, considering factors such as versatility, lighting conditions at different times of the day, and potential distractions that may need to be removed ^[12].

Post-Processing Techniques

Post-processing is a crucial step in creating high-quality stock content. It allows contributors to refine their work and ensure it meets the standards expected by Adobe Stock and potential buyers.

One essential post-processing technique is adjusting exposure. This can be done using tools like Curves in Photoshop or Lightroom, which allow for fine-tuning of light levels in different parts of the image ^[10]. It’s important to aim for a balanced exposure that preserves details in both highlights and shadows.

Color correction is another vital aspect of post-processing. The HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) panel in Lightroom is a powerful tool for adjusting individual colors without affecting others. This allows for precise control over the color palette of the image ^[10].

Sharpening is particularly important for RAW images, which typically require some level of sharpening to appear crisp. However, it’s crucial not to overdo it, as excessive sharpening can introduce noise and unwanted texture ^[10].

For retouching, tools like the clone brush and healing brush in Photoshop can be used to remove unwanted elements or blemishes. However, it’s important to maintain a natural look, especially when retouching people. Skin should retain its texture, and only unintentional blemishes should be removed ^[12].

Finally, it’s crucial to keep edits subtle and clean. Avoid excessive HDR, filters, over-saturation, or styles that are faded or “vintage” without creative intent. The goal is to create polished, natural-looking images that provide flexibility for buyers to adapt to their specific needs ^[12].

Submitting Your Work to Adobe Stock

Preparing files for upload

When submitting work to Adobe Stock, contributors must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure their content meets the platform’s standards. For vector art, files should be in AI, EPS, or SVG formats, with a recommended minimum artboard size of 15 megapixels and a maximum of 65 megapixels ^[7]. The maximum file size allowed is 45MB, and the document color mode should be RGB ^[7].

Contributors should organize their vector files with labeled, human-readable layers and groups. It’s crucial to optimize anchor points by simplifying paths or combining objects, and to outline all strokes as paths or shapes ^[7]. Removing solid background layers can improve usability, and text should be minimized and outlined when included ^[7].

For photographs, contributors can upload JPEGs through the Adobe Stock Contributor portal, Photoshop Lightroom, or Adobe Bridge ^[13]. Raw photos uploaded through Lightroom or Bridge are automatically converted to JPEG format at 300 ppi and assigned the sRGB color profile ^[13].

Adding metadata and keywords

Effective metadata is crucial for the success of content on Adobe Stock. Titles should be short, factual descriptions of the content, limited to 70 characters or fewer to enhance searchability ^[14]. They become part of the Adobe Stock URL and should be accurate, relevant, and precise ^[14].

Keywords are equally important and should be arranged in order of importance. Contributors can enter up to 49 keywords, focusing on describing who or what the subject is, what actions are depicted, and the setting ^[14]. It’s beneficial to include words from the title in the top 10 keywords for improved search relevance ^[14].

When describing people, contributors should use caring, engaged language and avoid demeaning or derogatory terms ^[14]. For accuracy in representing models, it’s essential to communicate directly with them about how they’d like to be represented ^[15].

Navigating the submission process

To begin the submission process, contributors can use the Adobe Stock Contributor portal to drag-and-drop files up to 45MB in size ^[13]. For larger files or videos, FTP upload is available ^[13]. Some Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as Photoshop Lightroom and Bridge, also offer direct upload options ^[13].

Before submitting, contributors should carefully review their work. For vector art, it’s recommended to view the file in outline mode to ensure gradients have maintained their integrity and there are no raster images ^[7]. Zooming in to 100% or closer helps identify any stray anchor points or badly joined lines ^[7].

It’s crucial to adhere to Adobe Stock’s content guidelines. Submissions must not infringe on intellectual property rights or third-party rights, as detailed in the IP Guidelines and Third Party Guidelines ^[2]. Content created using generative AI tools must meet specific Generative AI Guidelines ^[2].

Contributors should avoid including logos, company names, or brands in their metadata ^[2]. They also cannot imply that content depicts actual newsworthy events or use artist names, real known people, or fictional character names in titles or keywords ^[2].

By following these guidelines and best practices, contributors can increase their chances of having their work accepted and discovered by potential buyers on Adobe Stock.

Understanding Adobe Stock’s Review Process

Adobe Stock employs a rigorous review process to ensure that all submitted content meets their quality standards. This process is designed to maintain the platform’s reputation for providing high-quality, commercially viable assets to customers. Contributors should be aware that every file submitted undergoes scrutiny by a trained moderation team ^[16].

Common reasons for rejection

There are several common reasons why content may be rejected during the review process:

Noncompliance: This includes mislabeling generative AI submissions, referencing copyrighted artists in prompts or keywords, using names of real people or fictional characters, implying depiction of newsworthy events, or referencing third-party intellectual property ^[16].
Lack of esthetic or commercial appeal: Contributors should ask themselves, “If I were the customer, why would I buy this image?” If there’s no clear answer, it may be time to reconsider the approach ^[16].
Intellectual property issues: Content protected by intellectual property laws cannot be accepted to protect contributors, customers, and Adobe Stock ^[16].
Quality or technical issues: Images and videos must be in focus, well-lit, and free from artifacts. Vector files should be organized with closed shape paths ^[16].
Similar content already submitted: Each file must offer something unique. Submitting multiple copies of identical or similar content can be perceived as spamming and may lead to account closure ^[16].

Improving your acceptance rate

To improve the chances of content acceptance, contributors should focus on creating high-quality assets that meet Adobe Stock’s standards. Here are some tips:

Ensure proper exposure: Check the histogram and adjust shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to capture the scene correctly ^[17].
Maintain focus: Use appropriate camera support and image stabilization techniques. For videos, minor rolling shutter artifacts may be accepted, but wobble or “jello” artifacting will be declined ^[17].
Avoid artifacts: Be mindful of noise caused by high ISO settings, invasive post-processing, or sensor dust ^[17].
Pay attention to composition: Ensure horizons are straight and leave room for designers to add text or objects ^[17].
Apply appropriate editing: Color grading should be subtle, and any sharpening should not introduce artifacts ^[17].
For vector files: Ensure all filled shape paths are closed and avoid embedding pixel-based images ^[17].

Contributors should aim for an acceptance rate of 50% or higher ^[18]. While there’s no official minimum acceptance rate, maintaining a higher rate indicates that the contributor is creating high-quality assets that have the potential to sell ^[18].

Dealing with rejections

When content is rejected, Adobe Stock provides a reason for the rejection to help contributors improve their submissions. However, it’s important to note that there is no appeal process for rejected content ^[19]. This is to maintain efficiency in the review process and prevent backlogs.

If a contributor receives a “Quality Issues” rejection, it means the content does not meet Adobe Stock’s standards. This is a catch-all reason that may be used when the technical components of the image are fine, but other aspects fall short ^[19].

To learn from rejections and improve future submissions, contributors can:

Seek feedback from the Adobe Stock contributor community on platforms like Discord or the Adobe Stock contributor forum ^[19].
Analyze rejected content objectively and identify areas for improvement.
Continue to develop skills and stay updated on current trends and market demands.
Focus on creating unique, high-quality content that offers clear commercial value.

By understanding the review process and consistently working to improve the quality of submissions, contributors can increase their acceptance rates and build a successful portfolio on Adobe Stock.

Pricing and Licensing Models

Understanding different license types

Adobe Stock offers various license types to cater to different customer needs. The standard license allows perpetual use of the licensed image, but with certain limitations. Print runs are restricted to 500,000 copies, and the image cannot be used in items intended for sale ^[20]. However, this print run limit does not apply when the image is used solely for display on websites, social media, or mobile applications ^[20].

For more extensive usage rights, customers can opt for an extended license. This license removes the print run limitations and permits the use of assets in resale items, such as merchandise ^[20]. Some subscriptions offer extended licenses at a 20% discount ^[20].

Adobe Stock also provides enhanced licenses for specific asset types. All videos come with an enhanced license, which allows unlimited viewers but prohibits the distribution of standalone files or the creation of merchandise for resale ^[21]. Similarly, audio tracks are licensed royalty-free, enabling unlimited use in projects worldwide, subject to certain restrictions ^[21].

Setting prices for your work

As a contributor to Adobe Stock, it’s important to understand that prices for stock images are fixed by Adobe ^[22]. The amount paid to contributors is a percentage of the set price, which varies depending on the type of subscription and license purchased by the customer ^[22].

Contributors can find detailed information about their potential earnings in the “Royalty details for contributors to Adobe Stock” document ^[22]. The payout percentages may differ across various stock providers, but the basic system remains consistent ^[22].

Exclusive vs. non-exclusive content

Contributors have the option to choose between exclusive and non-exclusive content submission. Non-exclusive contributors can upload their content to multiple stock agencies, providing greater exposure for their work ^[23]. Some agencies offer the option to contribute only some content as exclusive while maintaining non-exclusive status for other works ^[23].

Exclusive content offers several advantages:

Higher royalty rates
Increased upload limits
Faster review times
Improved search engine ranking
Legal protection from the agency
Access to special programs and offers
Potential for showcasing work on the website’s home page ^[23]

However, exclusive content also has limitations:

Higher selling prices may deter some customers
Inability to sell the content elsewhere, including personal websites
Rejected images cannot be sold on other platforms
Restrictions on offering files for free to attract customers ^[23]

It’s worth noting that Adobe Stock does not require exclusivity from contributors ^[24]. This means that contributors can submit work already available on other stock sites and retain the right to sell directly ^[24]. However, submitting the same assets to multiple sites may potentially dilute sales potential on Adobe Stock, especially if customers can find the same image at a lower price elsewhere ^[24].

When deciding between exclusive and non-exclusive content submission, contributors should carefully consider their goals, the quality of their work, and the potential benefits and limitations of each option.

Marketing Your Adobe Stock Portfolio

Building your brand as a contributor

To succeed as an Adobe Stock contributor, individuals should focus on developing a strong personal brand. This involves creating a lasting bond with the intended audience that communicates value, relevance, and necessity ^[25]. Contributors should aim to become specialists in their chosen niche, demonstrating consistency and self-awareness in their work ^[25]. By confidently conveying their abilities through visuals and words, they can build trust with potential clients ^[25].

When defining a personal brand, it’s crucial to avoid exaggeration and instead present an authentic representation of oneself ^[25]. This approach helps contributors discover their passion and build a brand that complements their ideal lifestyle ^[25]. To effectively position themselves, contributors should identify their primary business goals and understand that branding is a means of manifesting these objectives ^[25].

Utilizing social media

Social media platforms play a vital role in promoting an Adobe Stock portfolio. Contributors should create a social media content calendar to schedule posts strategically ^[25]. By consistently creating and sharing content, a brand can essentially promote itself ^[25]. However, it’s important to note that while posting images to social media sites may not directly generate sales, it can increase visibility and awareness of a contributor’s work ^[26].

When using social media for promotion, contributors should be cautious about posting images on platforms where they can be easily stolen ^[26]. If choosing to share on such sites, it’s advisable to include a watermark on the images ^[26]. Additionally, contributors can include links to their Adobe Stock portfolio on their social media profiles, allowing contacts to easily access their available content ^[26].

Cross-promoting on other platforms

To maximize exposure, contributors should consider integrating Adobe Stock with various marketing platforms. This integration allows for a seamless experience of searching and licensing Adobe Stock assets from within different applications ^[27]. Some potential integrations include:

Email platforms
Content Management Systems (CMS)
Advertisement builder tools
Social media marketing and management tools ^[27]

For Adobe Creative Cloud members and Stock Contributors, setting up an Adobe Portfolio website is a free option to help promote and sell Stock Collections ^[28]. This platform can serve as a central hub for showcasing work and directing potential buyers to a contributor’s Adobe Stock portfolio.

To stay competitive in the stock content market, contributors should diversify their content and stay informed about current trends. This involves researching and analyzing trends in specific niches, monitoring news headlines, and browsing inspiration galleries ^[4]. Adobe Stock provides resources such as the Call for Content channel on Discord, Behance Live for inspiration, and Adobe Stock Contributor newsletters to help contributors stay updated on trending themes and styles ^[4].

By implementing these marketing strategies and consistently producing high-quality, diverse content, contributors can increase their visibility and potential for success on Adobe Stock.

Conclusion

Adobe Stock offers a compelling opportunity for creators to monetize their talents in the digital content marketplace. The platform’s comprehensive guidelines, diverse content types, and global reach provide a solid foundation for success. By focusing on niche selection, adhering to quality standards, and understanding the submission process, contributors can build a thriving portfolio that resonates with buyers worldwide.

To maximize earnings potential, creators should pay attention to market trends, optimize their metadata, and actively promote their work across various channels. The platform’s pricing models and licensing options cater to different customer needs, allowing contributors to reach a wide audience. With dedication, continuous learning, and a strategic approach to content creation, Adobe Stock contributors can turn their passion into a rewarding venture in the ever-evolving world of stock media.

FAQs

1. How can I make money using Adobe Stock?
To earn money through Adobe Stock, you can sign up as an Adobe Stock artist using your Adobe ID if you possess high-quality photos, videos, or vector content and hold all the rights to them. Registration is free, and you can start uploading your content to sell.

2. Is it possible to earn a living solely from Adobe Stock?
Earning a living exclusively from Adobe Stock can be challenging. It primarily serves as a source of supplementary income rather than a substantial financial solution. With a portfolio of over 2000 images, you might begin to see regular, albeit small, sales, provided that your content aligns with what buyers are seeking.

3. What is the profitability of Adobe Stock?
Adobe Stock is projected to experience a robust growth rate, with an estimated five-year revenue compound annual growth rate of around 11%. This growth is expected to come from its digital media and digital experience sectors, although the growth rate may decelerate over time.

4. How do I withdraw my earnings from Adobe Stock?
To withdraw your earnings from Adobe Stock, navigate to the Contributor portal and check your total available balance in the upper right corner. Click on the total to go to the Insights page. If your balance is at least $25, the Payout button will become active. You can then click on Payout and select a payment method such as PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill to receive your funds.

References