Shutterstock is one of the largest stock content marketplaces in the world, licensing photos, illustrations, vectors, videos and music to businesses and creators. Anyone can sign up as a contributor, upload content and earn a royalty each time it’s downloaded. It’s the classic starting point for microstock photography.
At a glance
| What it is | A stock marketplace for images, video and music |
| How you earn | Royalties each time your content is licensed |
| Royalty | About 15% to 40%, based on yearly volume |
| Reset | Royalty levels reset every January |
| Exclusivity | Non-exclusive |
| Where it works | Worldwide |
How royalties work
Since 2020, Shutterstock pays a percentage of each licence that depends on your royalty level. Levels are based on how much of your content was licensed in the current calendar year, and they reset every 1 January. Rates start around 15% and climb to around 40% at the highest levels. Subscription downloads earn small amounts each, while single purchases and extended licences earn more. Video usually pays more per download than photos. Shutterstock has also paid contributors when their content is licensed as data for AI training.
The business picture
Shutterstock’s paid downloads and subscribers fell in 2025 and 2026 as AI image tools competed for cheap, generic images. A planned merger with Getty Images was cancelled in July 2026 after UK regulators set conditions. For contributors, the practical lesson is that generic photos earn less than they used to, and distinctive, authentic content matters more.
What sells
Authentic people and lifestyle images, business and technology concepts, diverse and inclusive scenes, seasonal and holiday content, food, travel and video footage. Commercial images need model and property releases. Strong keywords and clear titles make a big difference to discovery.
How to contribute
Create a contributor account, upload content and add titles, keywords and categories. Shutterstock reviews each file for quality and legal issues. Once approved, your content goes live. Upload regularly, since a bigger portfolio raises your chances of downloads and higher royalty levels.
Getting started
Upload a few dozen of your best commercially useful images. Learn from rejections, study what sells in your niche and add content steadily. Many contributors upload the same work to several agencies to spread their income.
Video and music
Shutterstock accepts stock footage and music as well as images. Video clips usually earn more per download, and fewer contributors produce good footage, so competition is lower. Short clips of real people, workplaces, nature, cities and technology are steady sellers. Music tracks for background use in videos and ads are another option for composers.
Releases and rejections
Any recognisable person needs a signed model release, and private property or artworks may need property releases. Shutterstock rejects files for technical issues such as noise, focus and lighting, as well as for missing releases or trademarks. Read each rejection reason, fix the issue and resubmit. Over time, your acceptance rate improves as you learn what reviewers expect.
Is Shutterstock worth it?
As part of a portfolio spread across several agencies, yes. On its own, earnings are usually small unless you upload consistently and focus on content AI can’t easily replace.
Payouts
Shutterstock pays monthly once your earnings pass the minimum threshold, through methods such as PayPal, Payoneer and Skrill. Set up tax information early so payments aren’t held back.
Using the contributor app
Shutterstock’s contributor app lets you upload, keyword and track sales from your phone. Mobile photos can be accepted if they meet quality standards, which makes it easier to add content regularly.
Owen’s take
Shutterstock is still the biggest audience for stock contributors, but earnings per download are low and the yearly reset is frustrating. It works best as one part of a multi-agency approach, with content that AI can’t easily replace.
Who it suits
It suits photographers, illustrators and videographers with large, keyword-rich portfolios who sell on several sites. It suits less well anyone hoping for big income from a small portfolio.
Similar options
- iStock is Getty Images’ microstock site.
- Alamy suits editorial and niche photography.
- 123RF is another microstock agency with tiered pay.
- Envato Market licenses creative assets.
More options are in Stock Media.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Huge buyer base
- Accepts photos, video, vectors and music
- Non-exclusive
Cons
- Low earnings per download
- Royalty levels reset every January
- Pressure from AI images
FAQ
How much does Shutterstock pay contributors?
A royalty of roughly 15% to 40% of each licence, depending on your royalty level for the year.
Do royalty levels reset?
Yes, every 1 January.
Did Shutterstock merge with Getty Images?
No. The planned merger was cancelled in July 2026.
Can I sell the same photos elsewhere?
Yes. Shutterstock is non-exclusive.
What sells best on Shutterstock?
Authentic lifestyle, business, seasonal and video content with good keywords.
