iStock is the microstock arm of Getty Images, selling royalty-free photos, illustrations, vectors and videos at mid-range prices. Contributors apply through the Contributor by Getty Images app, and accepted content can appear on iStock, Getty Images and partner sites. It doesn’t accept files made or modified with generative AI.
At a glance
| What it is | Getty Images’ royalty-free stock site |
| How you earn | Royalties on each licence of your content |
| Non-exclusive royalty | 15% on photos and illustrations, 20% on video |
| Exclusive royalty | Higher, up to 45% |
| Application | Through the Contributor by Getty Images app |
| Where it works | Worldwide |
Royalties
Getty Images says contributors earn between 15% and 45% per licence, depending on their contributor agreement. Non-exclusive contributors earn 15% on photos and illustrations and 20% on video. Exclusive contributors, who sell their content only through Getty and iStock, earn higher rates. Since January 2025, non-exclusive contributors’ downloads no longer change their royalty rate.
Getty Images in 2026
Getty Images had a turbulent 2026. Its planned merger with Shutterstock was called off in July after UK regulators demanded the sale of Shutterstock’s editorial business. In October, Getty filed for a prepackaged Chapter 11 restructuring that will take it private under the Getty family and Koch Equity Development. Getty says operations continue as normal, and suppliers are slated to be paid in full, but keep an eye on any changes to contributor terms.
How to apply
Download the Contributor by Getty Images app, create an account and upload a small set of sample images or clips. If accepted, you’re invited to iStock or Getty Images, sign the contributor agreement and start uploading. You’ll need model and property releases for commercial content.
Exclusive or not?
Going exclusive raises your royalty rate but means you can’t sell the same content on other agencies. It makes sense if iStock sells your work well; otherwise, most contributors stay non-exclusive and spread their portfolio across several sites.
What sells
Authentic people and lifestyle, business, healthcare, education, diversity, seasonal themes and video. Getty’s buyers expect high technical quality and accurate keywords.
Getting started
Apply with your strongest, most commercial work. Once accepted, upload consistently and study which files sell to plan your next shoots.
Keywording on iStock
Getty uses a controlled vocabulary for keywords, so you choose from suggested terms rather than typing anything you like. This keeps search accurate but takes time to learn. Focus on what the image shows, the concept it represents and the people in it, such as age, ethnicity and number of people. Good titles and descriptions help buyers and the search engine understand your content.
Getty Images vs iStock
Getty Images is the premium collection, with higher prices and stricter selection, while iStock sells at mid-range prices to a wider audience. When you apply, Getty decides which collection suits your work. Some contributors earn more from iStock’s volume than from Getty’s higher prices, so either outcome can work.
Is iStock worth it?
If your work is commercial and high quality, it’s worth adding to your portfolio. Watch the restructuring for any changes to terms.
Payouts
Getty and iStock pay royalties monthly once you pass the payment threshold. Set up your tax details and payment method in the contributor account early so payments aren’t delayed.
Building a portfolio
Successful iStock contributors plan shoots around buyer needs: workplaces, families, healthcare, education and everyday life, with diverse models and natural light. A steady flow of new, well-keyworded content does more than a large upload once a year.
Owen’s take
iStock gives access to Getty’s large buyer network, but non-exclusive royalties are among the lowest in the industry. Exclusivity can pay off for strong portfolios. With Getty restructuring, I’d diversify rather than depend on it alone.
Who it suits
It suits photographers and videographers with commercial, high-quality work, especially those considering exclusivity. It suits less well contributors who rely on AI tools or want high per-sale royalties without exclusivity.
Similar options
- Shutterstock is the largest microstock marketplace.
- Alamy suits editorial and niche images.
- 123RF is another microstock option.
- Envato Market licenses creative assets.
More options are in Stock Media.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Access to Getty’s global buyers
- Higher royalties for exclusives
- Content appears across Getty’s network
Cons
- 15% royalty for non-exclusive photos
- Parent company in restructuring
- No AI-assisted content
FAQ
What royalty does iStock pay?
Between 15% and 45% depending on your agreement; non-exclusive contributors get 15% on photos and 20% on video.
How do I become an iStock contributor?
Apply through the Contributor by Getty Images app with sample files.
Does iStock accept AI images?
No. It doesn’t accept files created or modified with generative AI.
Is Getty Images still operating?
Yes. It’s restructuring through a prepackaged Chapter 11 and plans to continue operating normally.
Should I go exclusive?
Only if iStock sells your work well enough to offset losing other agencies.
