Statistics
Will I know which of my images and footage clips are downloaded?
Yes. Detailed statistics are kept automatically. You can login to your submitter account to see real time statistics at any time. Each image and footage clip that is downloaded is logged into the detail section in your account.
Why aren't my referred earnings showing up in my stats page?
Shutterstock is dedicated to defending our submitters and fighting fraud. To that end, we monitor high risk activities, such as referrals, and maintain a three month probationary period on earnings accrued from these activities. You can keep track of your delayed earnings
One of my images has a lot of downloads but does not show up in Most Popular search results...
Our "Most Popular" search algorithm returns the images that register the highest number of downloads after adjusting for how long they have been available to subscribers. However, we use an adjustment factor to prevent an image that has had a quick five or ten downloads in the first day from showing up in the search results. It would take extremely heavy downloading in the first few days for an image to overcome this adjustment and show up high on the "Most Popular" list. Our "Most Popular" sorting option orders the results based on which ones are popular in a sustained way, as opposed to favoring images that have been on the site longer or were initially popular but had no staying power. The same holds true for footage.
Submitting Photos
How do you protect my content from theft?
We watermark all images and video on our public server. Surfers and guests view watermarked images and video until they pay to download the actual content, at which point your account is credited for the download. If you have reason to believe your work has been stolen from Shutterstock, contact us immediately at submit@shutterstock.com.
My submission was not approved. What can I do?
Unfortunately we cannot provide details on why an image or footage clip was rejected unless the reviewer does so in the rejection email you receive. Since we receive thousands of submissions per day, your best bet is to check the Top 100 Downloads page to see what we would like, or visit our forums to discuss your image with other submitters. We only provide a rejection reason if your submission can be changed and resubmitted.
What is the method that I use to submit?
We have 3 different methods. FTP Upload, ActiveX Upload, and HTML Upload. After you create an account, instructions are provided inside your account for each method.
Can I upload any images or video I want?
We have very strict guidelines that determine what you can upload into our system. Please visit our for more information.
Can I upload content that I didn't create?
No, uploading images or video that you did not create is prohibited. For more detailed information, please read the
What are the requirements of an uploaded photo/illustration?
The size requirement for new submitters is 4.0MP (submitters who have been contributing to Shutterstock for some time may continue to upload 2.5MP images until further notice). There is no maximum size limit for photos, but illustrations cannot exceed 25MP. To determine the amount of pixels in an image, multiply the width by the length. For example: a photo that is 2400x1800 adds up to a total of 4.32 million pixels, so a photo of this size is valid. However, a photo which is 1000x1600 adds up to a total of 1.6 million pixels, which is smaller than our minimum size requirement for new submitters. Photos and illustrations must also adhere to our Content Guidelines or they will not be approved at all.
Can I change keywords after I upload a photo?
Yes - you can. Simply go to your list of approved or pending photos, and click on the pencil icon. Any modifications to the description, categories, or keywords, will result in the re-queuing of your photo for approval.
How do I know where my content will be used?
You may not know where your images or video are used, but buyers must agree to our Terms of Service allowing only certain uses of the content. This includes web, print, pamphlets, posters, etc. Buyers may not use them in resalable templates, and may not, under any circumstances, resell content downloaded from Shutterstock.
Is there a limit to the number of images or footage clips I can submit in a day?
You can submit as many images as you like as long as they meet our guidelines. For footage, no single batch should contain more than 20 clips.
How do I join as a Submitter?
Visit our Signup Page, fill out a short form, and within five minutes you'll be ready to upload your content.
In what file format do you want my photos/illustrations/vectors?
We require JPG/JPEG files for images and model releases. However, you are also welcome to upload TIFF's. TIFF files are ultimately converted into a JPG file by our system. Please note: All JPG files are converted to sRGB for online display. For vector files, we also accept EPS file formats. If you’re submitting a vector, we require that a low-res JPG file is also submitted for online display.
How long does it take for photos to be approved?
Photos are usually approved within 48 hours. During busy times, it could take a few additional days to get approval for a photo.
Does content I submit have to be approved?
Yes. Our review team will approve or deny uploaded images and video within 48 hours during normal times. During busier periods, it may take some extra time to get your work approved.
Do you accept illustrations or 3D renders?
Yes! You will find several in our catalog. Feel free to upload them. You are allowed two categories -- one must be Illustrations/Clip Art, the other category can be chosen by you depending on the subject matter of the image.
Can I remove a photo I submitted?
Yes. Any photo you submit can be removed by you at any time. Removal is immediate and not reversible.
Where else will my photos be sold?
Photos will be sold from our main Shutterstock.com website - http://www.shutterstock.com. Some affiliates may sell our photos also though a co-branded site - you will be paid for all downloads resulting from these cobranded sites as well.
Does it cost anything to become a submitter?
No -- We want to pay you! It's free to contribute, and you will get paid each time your content is downloaded.
Do I need to create several resized photos to be uploaded?
No. Our system automatically created the different sizes that our customers will have access to. You should upload the largest version of the file that you have.
I am currently selling my content on other sites - is this OK?
Yes. Shutterstock's Submit Terms of Service is not exclusive; therefore, you may also submit to other agencies.
I will be scanning my images - what DPI should I use?
The higher the better. We suggest using at least 300 DPI for images, but obviously you will have to increase the DPI dramatically if you are scanning negatives. Use a DPI to reach a target size of around 3000x4000.
Can I add extra keywords to my images just so they will show up in more searches?
You are responsible for choosing keywords for your own images, but we do not recommend using a thesaurus, and keyword-spamming (using unrelated words) in order to be included in more searches is against our Submitter rules. We will disable your account if we find out that you are keyword-spamming. Please see our Submitter Guidelines for clarity on this and other related submitter policies.
How do I submit a vector illustration?
Simply upload two files for each vector illustration you want to submit. One file is the vector in EPS format (.eps extension) The second file is a JPEG preview of that vector. The preview should be approximately 400x500 pixels. Each file should be named the same - except for the extension. (e.g. vector_example.jpg, vector_example.eps)
Please wait until both files have uploaded before visiting the submission page - otherwise the system may not get the chance to process and recognize your files as a vector submission. We support EXIF data in the jpeg and in the eps file. Please keep your vector files under 5 megabytes and be sure to save them for compatibility with Illustrator 8. A file that is saved for a lower version of Illustrator is not backwards compatible to subscribers using older versions of Illustrator and it will be rejected. Also please note that Illustrations go only in the Illustration category.
Why was my submitter ID rejected?
Your ID could have been rejected for any of the following reasons: Not a valid form of ID; ID did not upload properly; User already has an active account with us; User has a disabled account with us; ID is already pending in another account; Name or ID is not legible; Name is not in English; Name on ID does not match name on file; Country on ID does not match country on file. Keep in mind that the best ID is always a passport valid for international travel.
Payment
Is there a minimum payout?
Yes, you must accumulate at least $75 to be paid by Paypal or Moneybookers, or $300 to be paid by paper check. All earnings are brought forward into the next pay period until you reach the minimum, at which time a payout will be issued automatically. If you close your account before your earnings reach the minimum, you will forfeit those earnings. The default minimum payout is set to $100 - you can change it to $75 if you would like within the 'My Account' part of the website.
How often will I be paid?
Monthly, checks are sent out for the previous month's payouts. For example: On the 15th of March, payments will be sent for February downloads. If during any period you haven't reached the minimum payout, your earnings will be brought forward to the next pay period.
Do I need to request a payout?
No - once you reach the minimum earnings amount for your payment type, a check or e-payment will automatically be processed. Please make sure we have accurate information so that payments aren't delayed. You may set your minimum payout to be as low as $75 for Paypal or Moneybookers payments.
How exactly do you compute payment?
Each time a user downloads your photo, your commission is added to your earnings. You will be able to see detailed statistics in the member's area.
At 25 cents per download, how am I going to make any money?
Shutterstock is a subscription-based stock library. Buyers may download a few hundred pictures in a single month's membership. We get a wide variety of users subscribing, so the more images you have in our library, the more you can make! The .25 per download payout adds up fast - for example, if your images are downloaded 1000 times over the course of a month, you will receive $250 for that month! And after earning a total of $500, your rate will increase to $.33 per download, with a tiered set of pay increases as you reach the $3,000 and $10,000 milestones. If you make $250 per month, that's $3000 per year from images that would normally be collecting dust on your hard disk!
How much will I be paid as a submitter?
Our current payout rate for Standard License 25-A-Day Subscription downloads is: $.25 (25 cents per image download). After earning a total of $500, your rate increases to $.33 per download. Once you surpass a total lifetime earnings of $3,000, your rate will increase to $.36 per download, and after you reach $10,000 in lifetime earnings, your rate will increase to $.38 per download.
Our current payout rate for On Demand Subscription downloads is: $.81 for the Small/Medium Image Size plan, and $1.88 for the All Sizes plan. After earning a total of $500, the rate increases to $1.07 per download for Small/Medium and $2.48 for All Size. Once you surpass a total lifetime earnings of $3,000, your rate will increase to $1.17 for Small/Medium and $2.70 for All Size. After you reach $10,000 in lifetime earnings, your rate will increase to $1.24 for Small/Medium and $2.85 for All Size.
Additionally, the royalty for an Enhanced License image download is $28. A chart outlining payout rates can be found here.
What if I don't receive payment?
Payments don't go out till mid-month. Checks can take up to 4 weeks to arrive at their destination and 6 weeks if sent internationally. If you still do not have your check six weeks after the end of the calendar month, please contact support and we will send you a new check. We can only reissue payment in the original form of payout.
What is a warning?
A warning puts you on notice that a large percentage of your images contain flaws. The most common problem is noise in the images. Be sure to check your work at 100%.
Here are some more common reasons people get warnings:
1. Submitting more than one of the same image
2. Keyword spamming (using the same keywords for unlike images)
3. Frequent miscategorization
4. Large numbers of out-of-focus or noisy photos in a batch
5. Submitting an image that has already been rejected without leaving a note for the reviewer as to why it was resubmitted
6. Multiple combinations of images with problems (i.e. poor framing, focus, keywording, etc. all in the same batch)
7. Upsizing of images more than 5%
8. Large batches (over 50) with all poor quality shots (this includes unrotated images, snapshots, noise, etc.)
Please see the Submitter Guidelines for additional detail on this.
What is a $.05 download?
Shutterstock subscribers have the option of asking us to back up the photos they have downloaded during their subscription onto a CD. We mail this CD to them at the end of each month. When they choose this option, we pay our submitters an additional $.05 per image -- this is our way of incenting submitters to participate in the CD backup program. Submitters are free to opt in or out of the CD backup program at anytime.
Do Paypal/Moneybookers charge fees?
Most people do not incur fees when receiving their commission payments through these e-payment platforms, but it depends on your geographic location and the type of PP/MB account you have. Please contact them directly to inquire about fees and services in your geographic area.
Editorial Stock
Does Shutterstock accept editorial stock?
Yes. If you have an image that's newsworthy, and it contains people, and it doesn't have a release, then you can select 'Editorial, does not need release' at the keywording phase of the submit process.
Will Shutterstock subscribers know that the image isn't released?
Yes. All editorial photos will have a disclaimer below them indicating that the image may need additional releases to be used in a commercial manner.
How is editorial stock different from commercial stock?
Commercial stock images are used in advertisements, promotions, and anything that would endorse a product or service. Editorial stock is a newsworthy account of events.
Why will editorial stock photos be downloaded less?
While we cannot guarantee that this will always be true, commercial designers will NOT be able to use your image. Your image will only be able to used by newspapers, magazines, TV, and other news organizations that aren't endorsing a product or service.
Where can I find more information?
We found a great description here: http://www.photoaim.com/gen599.html. If you find any others, let us know - so we can add it to this list.
Is a photo with a person without a model release always considered editorial?
It can be! However, we would like to keep this category of images newsworthy. Some examples of newsworthy editorial images are: a parade, a speech by a public figure, a sports event, a crowd outside a high profile trial, a political demonstration, a celebrity sighting - basically anything you would see in the newspaper that isn't endorsing a product or service.
How do model releases work with editorial stock?
You do not need them. News is a separate arena - one where no model releases are needed. However, images with people without model releases will not be downloaded by commercial designers - currently the bulk of Shutterstock's subscribers. Therefore, you should obtain a release whenever possible to increase your sales.
General
I have a comment/suggestion/bug-report. Want to hear it?
Yes! Visit our Contact Page and send it to us by email. All suggestions and comments are welcome!
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Do you have a discussion forum?
Yes - click on the 'Forum' link in the header of this page, or Click Here
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Do you have an affiliate program?
Yes! Login to your account, and click on the Affiliate Program link. You will get paid for each photograph that's downloaded from a photographer that you refer!
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Can I join if I am outside the USA?
Yes! Certain high fraud areas of the world may require prior approval before an account is created. If your country isn't listed on the signup form, please contact support and submit your portfolio. We may also require references. As long as you can receive and cash checks by air postal mail, and your pictures are 100% yours, you can join. Checks will be drawn in US dollars - so make sure your bank is capable of cashing this type of check.
What are the forum rules?
The forum is like any other social venue. People visit our forum to learn and to enjoy the camaraderie of other photographers. We ask that you are kind to your fellow photographers and don't use profanity. Do not post R- rated images as some users read the forum at work. Always search the forum for answers to common questions. Most of the time, the question has been answered over and over. Our Forum guidelines can be found in the Submitter FAQ.
Can my images be removed from the site?
Yes. Shutterstock reserves the right to remove any image from the site, at any time, for any reason.
How many warnings do I get?
In most cases, you can recieve up to 5 warnings before you are penalized. After the 5th warning (or when so notified by Shutterstock), your account is reset to review/probation. This means that you will have to upload 10 new images, and that 7 of them have to be acceptable. If 7 of the 10 are not acceptable, you will have to wait 30 days before you can upload another batch of 10 for review.
What is the Critique forum?
The critique forum is a powerful tool. Your fellow photographers have seen what gets accepted here on Shutterstock, and also what sells well over time. Always post your images for critique with a 100% crop. There are tons of places on the web to post your images and link them to the forum. Without a 100% crop it is hard for people to see what the issue might be with the image, and so hard for them to help you improve.
Will my previously approved files still be online while I am on probation?
Yes! And you can still earn through referrals and you can still post on the forums. We don't take your old images down, but this might be a good time for you to look at them and see what worked (and sold) and what didn't. Your gallery should reflect your current abilities, not your learning curve. If you have older photos which are not selling and do not reflect your current abilities, you should remove them from the library.
Model Releases
I have pictures of people from a 3rd world country who cannot sign their name on a release form. Can I upload them?
Yes - you must upload these photos as editorial - there is an option in our upload utility. These photos will be considered editorial/news photos.
How do I get my model releases to you?
By uploading them along with the photo containing the model. Our photo upload system supports the uploading of a model release along with a photo. The only way to submit a model release is by uploading - we no longer accept faxing or snail mailing of model releases.
Does every photo I upload require a model release?
If you do not have a model release, you can upload the photo as an editorial photos. Photos that aren't model released can only be used by editorial designers - they cannot be used by commercial designers. Typically, a photo will be downloaded more if it has a valid model release.
If the picture I submit has myself in it, do I need a model release?
Yes - you need to sign a model release yourself.
Where can I download a valid model release?
Our Legal Documents page contains both an adult and minor (with adult permission) model release.
How do I get a model release for a deceased relative?
The next of kin - or a close relative must sign the release on their behalf - Or you can upload the photo as an editorial image.
Does Shutterstock accept nudes?
We do not accept X-Rated pictures, but we may accept tasteful nudes. Any nude with definable features such as a face, scar, or tattoo must be accompanied by both a model release AND a valid ID stating that the model is 21 years of age or older.
