Wirestock used to distribute creators’ photos and videos to stock agencies. In 2026 it stopped that service and retired its marketplace to focus on supplying licensed content to AI companies. Creators now earn in two ways: fixed payments for approved work made to a brief, and a 50% commission each time their approved content is licensed. Joining is free.
At a glance
| What it is | Creator marketplace for AI training content |
| Fixed Payment | Pay per approved asset made to a brief |
| Commission Based | 50% of each license of your content |
| Old stock distribution | Discontinued in 2026 |
| Challenges and Premium plans | Discontinued |
| Cost to join | Free |
How it works
You build a profile showing your skills and apply to projects that match. Some projects ask for a test task. For Fixed Payment projects, you create content to a brief, and you’re paid a set rate for each approved asset. For Commission Based projects, your approved content sits in project listings that AI buyers license over time.
What you earn
On Fixed Payment projects, you earn the rate per asset times the number approved: submit 20 photos, have 15 approved, and you’re paid for 15. On Commission Based projects, you earn 50% each time an asset is licensed. Wirestock has said specific, high-need pieces can earn around $15 to $20 each, while bulk content pays much less per item.
What changed in 2026
Wirestock stopped distributing to stock marketplaces, retired its portfolio and marketplace, ended its challenges and refunded Premium subscribers. Content that was already approved moved automatically into Commission Based projects; unapproved content was removed.
Who it’s for
Photographers, videographers, illustrators, 3D artists and photo editors can all find projects. Wirestock also offers editing tasks, such as retouching AI-generated images.
Getting started
Complete your profile with your skills and samples, apply to projects that fit and take test tasks seriously, since they decide whether you get more work.
Common mistakes
Some creators treat it as the old stock distributor and wait for agency sales. Others apply to projects outside their skills and fail the test. A third mistake is not reading each project’s usage rights and payment terms.
Usage rights
Each project explains how your content will be used and licensed. Because the buyers are AI companies, your work will be used to train models. Read the terms before submitting, and only submit content you’re comfortable licensing that way.
Test tasks
Many projects ask for a test task first. Follow the brief exactly, since reviewers check against a rubric. Passing tests leads to more projects, so the effort pays off.
Keeping track
Your dashboard shows approved assets and earnings from both payment types. Compare per-asset project pay with commission income to see which is worth more of your time.
Is it worth it?
For creators who can work to briefs quickly, yes, especially as AI companies pay for specific, high-quality content.
What kind of work pays
Projects vary: original photos and videos, illustrations, 3D work and editing of AI-generated images. Specific, hard-to-find content tends to pay more per item than bulk submissions.
Owen’s take
Wirestock is no longer a stock distributor, but it’s a real earning route for creators comfortable supplying AI training content. If you used it for agencies before, upload directly to them now.
Who it suits
It suits creators who want paid briefs and don’t mind their work training AI. It suits less well those who want classic stock sales.
Similar options
- Adobe Stock pays a Firefly bonus for training use.
- Shutterstock is a large stock agency.
- Foap pays for brand photo missions.
- Storyblocks shares subscription revenue.
More options are in Stock Media.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Paid briefs with clear per-asset rates
- 50% commission on licensed content
- Free to join
Cons
- No longer distributes to stock agencies
- Work used to train AI
- Projects aren’t guaranteed
FAQ
Does Wirestock still send photos to Shutterstock and Adobe?
No, it stopped distributing to stock marketplaces in 2026.
How does Wirestock pay now?
Per approved asset on Fixed Payment projects, or 50% of each license on Commission Based projects.
Is joining the creator pool a guarantee of work?
No, you apply to projects and may need to pass a test.
What happened to my old Wirestock content?
Approved content moved into Commission Based projects; unapproved content was removed.
Is Wirestock free?
Yes.
