How Shutterstock's payment system works
Shutterstock's payment system is based on a royalty model, which means that creators receive a commission for every sale made. Here are the key things to consider:
Registration: The first thing you need to do is register as a contributor on Shutterstock's platform. You can create a free account and start uploading your images for review.
Image review: Once you have uploaded your photos, the Shutterstock team will review them to make sure they meet quality and content standards. It is important to keep in mind the acceptance guidelines and avoid copyright infringement.
Approval and publication: If your images are approved, they will be added to the Shutterstock catalogue and available for purchase by customers. It is important to note that you retain the copyright to your images.
Sales and royalties: Every time someone buys one of your images, you will receive a commission based on the type of licence and the size of the image sold. Royalties vary by contribution level and may increase as you earn more sales.
Payment: Shutterstock makes monthly payments through different methods, such as bank transfer or PayPal, depending on your geographical location. It is important to reach the minimum payment threshold before you can request a withdrawal.
Quality: Make sure your images meet the highest quality standards. Edit carefully, avoid noise, and make sure your photos are sharp and well-lit.
Diversity: While it is important to have a specialisation in your photographic work, it is also beneficial to offer a variety of subjects and styles. This will broaden your audience and increase your chances of selling.
Keywords: Use relevant and descriptive keywords to tag your images. This will help customers find your photos more easily on the platform.
Promotion: Take advantage of social media and your own website to promote your work on Shutterstock. The more visibility you get, the more chances you have to sell your images.