Stocksy is a premium stock photo, video and illustration agency founded in 2012 and based in Victoria, Canada. It’s an artist-owned cooperative: contributors are members with a say in how it’s run. Its prices are higher than microstock sites, and so are its royalties. Artists receive 50% of standard licence sales and 75% of extended licences. The trade-off is entry: Stocksy says it accepts about 1% of applicants.
At a glance
| What it is | Artist-owned premium stock co-op |
| Founded | 2012, Victoria, Canada |
| Content | Photos, video, illustration |
| Royalties | 50% standard, 75% extended licences |
| Acceptance | About 1% of applicants |
| Collection | More than 2 million assets |
How membership works
You apply during Stocksy’s calls to artists with a portfolio that fits its style: authentic, modern and diverse images rather than staged stock. If accepted, you upload through the contributor tools, editors review each submission and approved work goes on sale straight away.
What it pays
Standard licences start from about $15 per image, and extended licences from about $100. Your royalty is 50% or 75% of the licence price. As a co-op, Stocksy has also paid patronage dividends to artist members in good years.
Rules to know
You must own all rights to anything you upload and have model and property releases where needed. Stocksy also asks for content that isn’t sold elsewhere, so check the exclusivity terms before moving work across from other agencies.
Getting started
Watch for Stocksy’s calls to artists and prepare a tight portfolio of your best, most distinctive work. Read its guidelines on style, diversity and releases before applying.
What Stocksy looks for
Stocksy favours work that feels real: natural light, genuine moments and diverse people and places, rather than polished studio setups. Editors review every submission and give feedback, so expect some files to be declined. Shooting in series around a theme helps buyers find more of your work.
Life as a member
Members get creative briefs, educational material and editor feedback, and a voice in the co-op’s decisions through meetings and forums. Royalties are paid regularly, and patronage dividends depend on the co-op’s results each year.
Is it worth applying?
If your portfolio already sells well elsewhere and has a distinctive look, yes. Applying costs only time, and acceptance gives you some of the best royalties in stock. If you’re turned down, keep shooting and apply again at the next call to artists.
Owen’s take
Stocksy is the opposite of high-volume microstock: fewer files, more care and much better royalties. If your work stands out and you get in, it’s one of the best places to sell stock.
Who it suits
It suits skilled photographers, filmmakers and illustrators with a distinctive style. It suits less well beginners or anyone producing generic stock.
Similar options
- Getty Images sells premium stock and editorial images.
- Adobe Stock is open to most contributors.
- Alamy pays a share of each licence sold.
- Foap sells mobile photos to brands and buyers.
More options are in Stock Media.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 50% to 75% royalties
- Artist-owned co-op
- Premium prices
Cons
- Very hard to get in
- Content restrictions
- Fewer, slower sales than microstock
FAQ
How much does Stocksy pay?
50% of standard licences and 75% of extended licences.
How hard is it to join Stocksy?
Stocksy says it accepts about 1% of applicants.
Is Stocksy a cooperative?
Yes, it’s owned by its artists.
Can I sell my Stocksy images elsewhere?
Check Stocksy’s exclusivity terms before you do.
What does Stocksy look for?
Authentic, modern and distinctive work.
