Dreamstime review 2025

Dreamstime has established itself as a significant player in the stock photography industry, offering a vast bank of stock images, videos, and audio files to meet the diverse needs of content creators, marketers, and businesses worldwide.
In 2025, Dreamstime continues to evolve, adapting to the dynamic landscape of digital content and the ever-changing demands of its contributors. This review aims to provide an in-depth review of Dreamstime, focusing on the experiences and opportunities available to stock contributors in the current year.

By examining the registration process, content uploading guidelines, earnings potential, support systems, and community engagement, this Dreamstime review seeks to help potential contributors with the knowledge needed to succeed at Dreamstime in 2025.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a newcomer to stock photography, understanding the nuances of contributing to DT can significantly impact your creative journey and financial success.

How to register on Dreamstime?

Becoming a contributor on Dreamstime is a straightforward and cost-free process. Start your registration on Dreamstime by clicking on the image below.

Becoming a contributor on Dreamstime is a straightforward and cost-free process. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Create an Account: Visit Dreamstime’s website and sign up for a free contributor account. This account will serve as your gateway to upload and manage your content. So, click here on the “REGISTER FOR FREE” button.
   A form will appear with the following fields:
   * Desired login: – enter your desired username here; you can immediately check if this name is available for registration by clicking “Check username.”
   * Password: enter your password here (must be at least 6 characters)
   * Email address: your email address
   * Enter the code displayed below: enter the numbers indicated below.
   * Don’t forget to check the boxes “Fill in all account information” and “I agree with the terms and conditions.”
   After checking the box next to “Fill in all account information,” you will see additional fields to fill out (fill in all fields in Latin letters):
   * First name: Your first name
   * Last name: Your last name
   * Web site: if you have your website, you can indicate it
   * Company: company (do not fill this out!)
   * City: City
   * Address: street, house, apartment
   * Country: select your country of residence from the drop-down list
   * State: optional to fill or duplicate city
   * Zip Code: postal code
   * Phone: Your contact phone number in an international format
   * How did you find us: indicate “from www.microstock.top”
   * Your photo: you can upload your photo here (180 by 220 pixels), although this is not mandatory.
   * Bio/Artistic statement: filling out is not required
   * Promotional code: do not fill out
   * Referrer ID: indicate res1764599
   The section Optional informational (photographers only): (additional information for photographers only) is optional to fill out.
   Then click the “Submit” button. And, that’s it. Dreamstime registration is complete. You can start your work now.
2. Access the Upload Interface: Once logged in, locate the upload link or button on your dashboard. Clicking this will direct you to the upload interface.
3. Upload Your Content: In the upload interface, you can drag and drop your files or click to select them from your computer. Dreamstime accepts various formats, including JPEG, PNG, and TIFF for images; MP4 and MOV for videos; and MP3 and WAV for audio files. Ensure your content meets Dreamstime’s quality standards and guidelines.
4. Provide Metadata: After uploading, you’ll need to add relevant metadata to your content. This includes titles, descriptions, and keywords that accurately represent your work. Proper metadata enhances the discoverability of your content on the platform.
5. Submit for Review: Once you’ve added the necessary information, submit your content for review. Dreamstime’s editorial team will assess your submission to ensure it meets its quality and content guidelines. If approved, your content will be available for purchase by customers worldwide.

What to sell via Dreamstime?

Dreamstime welcomes a diverse range of content from contributors, including stock photos, editorial images, illustrations, videos, and audio files. To ensure your submissions meet the platform’s standards and have the best chance of approval, consider the following guidelines:

1. Accepted Formats and Guidelines:
   • Images: Submit high-resolution JPEG files in RGB or sRGB color modes. Each stock image for selling should be free of noise and artifacts, with a minimum size of 3 megapixels (MP) and a maximum of 70 MP. Aim for well-defined commercial concepts and marketable compositions that demonstrate creative insight. The subject should be as generic as possible, with a clear composition and no distracting elements.
   • Videos: Videos should adhere to standard resolutions such as 720p, 1080p, 4K, or 8K. Ensure the footage is stable, well-lit, and free from any distracting elements.
   • Illustrations: Illustrations should be submitted in high-resolution JPEG format. You can also upload additional formats like AI, PNG, CDR, SVG, or EPS after the JPEG upload using the FTP upload/Additional sub-folder.
   • Audio: Audio files should be in MP3 or WAV formats, with clear sound quality and no background noise.
2. Metadata and Documentation:
   • Titles and Descriptions: Provide clear and descriptive titles and descriptions for each submission. This information enhances the discoverability of your content on the platform.
   • Keywords: Use relevant keywords that accurately represent your content. This practice improves searchability and helps potential buyers find your work.
   • Model and Property Releases: If your content includes recognizable individuals or private property, ensure you have the necessary model or property releases. Attach these documents during the upload process to comply with legal requirements.
3. Quality and Technical Standards:
   • Image Quality: Ensure your images are sharp, well-exposed, and free from noise or artifacts. High technical quality is essential for approval.
   • Video Quality: Videos should be stable, well-lit, and free from any distracting elements. Ensure the footage is of high technical quality.
   • Audio Quality: Audio files should have clear sound quality and no background noise.
4. Uploading Process:
   • Batch Uploads: Dreamstime allows batch uploads, enabling you to submit multiple files simultaneously. This feature streamlines the process and saves time.
   • FTP Upload: For large volumes of content, consider using FTP upload. This method is efficient and supports bulk submissions.
   • Review and Approval: After uploading, your content will undergo a review process. Ensure all metadata is accurate and complete to facilitate a smooth review.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the quality and marketability of your submissions, increasing the likelihood of approval and successful sales on Dreamstime.

Dreamstime Earnings Model

Dreamstime offers contributors a structured and transparent earnings model, with commission rates varying based on content exclusivity and sales volume. Understanding these details is crucial for maximizing your revenue potential.

Commission Structure

Dreamstime’s commission rates are tiered, rewarding both exclusive and non-exclusive contributors. Here’s a breakdown:

• Non-Exclusive Contributors:
  • Images: Earn 25% of the sale price.
  • Videos: Receive 27.5% of the sale price.
  • Audio: Gain 60% of the sale price.
• Exclusive Contributors:
  • Images: Earn 60% of the sale price.
  • Videos: Receive 60% of the sale price.
  • Audio: Gain 60% of the sale price.

These rates apply to various content sizes and licenses, including standard and extended licenses. For instance, an exclusive contributor can earn $3 for an extra-large image sale.

Content Pricing and Licensing

Dreamstime offers flexible purchasing options for customers, which directly impact contributor earnings:

• Royalty-Free (RF) License: This standard license allows customers to use the content without time or usage restrictions. Prices for RF images vary based on size and resolution, starting as low as $0.77 per credit.
• Extended License (EL): This license grants customers additional rights, such as the ability to use the content in merchandise for resale. ELs are priced higher than RF licenses, reflecting the extended usage rights.

The exact earnings per sale depend on the content’s size, resolution, and the license purchased.

How to receive Dreamstime payouts?

Payment Methods

Dreamstime offers multiple payment options to accommodate contributors worldwide:

• PayPal: A widely used online payment system.
• Payoneer: Provides a prepaid MasterCard for direct access to funds.
• Skrill (MoneyBookers): An online payment system for international transfers.
• Bank Checks: Physical checks mailed to your address.

To request a payment, your earnings must reach a minimum of $100. You can initiate a payment request through the ‘My Account’ section on the Dreamstime website.

Payment Processing

Once a payment request is submitted, Dreamstime processes it promptly. However, the actual receipt of funds may vary depending on the chosen payment method and your location. For example, PayPal transfers are typically faster than bank checks.

Additional Considerations

• Payment Fees: Be aware that certain payment methods may incur fees. For instance, PayPal may charge a transaction fee, and bank checks might have associated mailing costs.
• Payment Delays: In rare cases, Dreamstime may delay payments if there are concerns about account activity. It’s advisable to maintain consistent and legitimate activity on your account to avoid such issues.

By understanding Dreamstime’s commission structure and payment methods, you can make informed decisions to optimize your earnings and payouts as a contributor.

Dreamstime’s Support and Community

Dreamstime fosters a vibrant community and offers robust support to its contributors, ensuring they have the resources and assistance needed to succeed.

Community Engagement

Dreamstime provides several platforms for contributors to connect, share experiences, and seek advice:

• Forums and Message Boards: Contributors can engage in discussions, ask questions, and share insights on various topics related to stock photography. The forums cover a wide range of subjects, from technical aspects to marketing strategies.
• Blog: The Dreamstime blog serves as a resource hub, offering articles, tutorials, and success stories. Contributors can learn about industry trends, photography tips, and platform updates.
• Social Media: Dreamstime maintains active profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. These channels provide updates, showcase featured contributors, and facilitate community interaction.

Support Resources

Dreamstime offers comprehensive support to assist contributors:

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): The FAQ section addresses common inquiries about uploading, sales, payments, and account management. It’s a valuable resource for quick answers.
• Contact Support: For issues not covered in the FAQs, contributors can reach out to Dreamstime’s support team via email or phone. The contact information is available on the website.
• Contributor Guidelines: Detailed guidelines are provided to help contributors understand the platform’s requirements and best practices for submitting content. These guidelines cover technical specifications, content quality, and legal considerations.

Community Initiatives

Dreamstime is committed to supporting global communities and charitable organizations. In 2011, the company doubled its community’s donations during the “Give Thanks, Give Back” campaign for Doctors Without Borders, demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility.

By actively participating in these community and support platforms, DT contributors can enhance their experience, stay informed, and connect with fellow professionals.

Pros and Cons

Dreamstime offers a useful service for contributors to monetize their creative work. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of this stock photo agency can help you make an informed decision about contributing with its.

Dreamstime Pros

• Large Global Reach: Dreamstime has a substantial international customer base, providing contributors with exposure to a wide audience.
• Fair Royalty Payments: The platform offers competitive royalties, ensuring contributors receive fair compensation for their work.
• Diverse Media Types: Contributors can sell various media types, including photos, videos, illustrations, AI-generated images, and audio files, allowing for creative diversity.
• Accepts Editorial Content: Unlike some stock media platforms, Dreamstime accepts editorial content, enabling contributors to sell news-related images and videos.
• Quick Review Times: Uploaded content is typically reviewed within hours, allowing media to go live on the site promptly.
• AI-Generated Images: Dreamstime is among the few stock media sites that allow contributors to sell AI-generated images.

Dreamstime Cons

• Low Sales Volume: Compared to some other stock media sites, Dreamstime’s sales volume is lower, making it challenging for contributors to generate a steady income. Achieving significant earnings may require thousands of files.
• High Competition: With a large number of contributors, standing out and getting noticed by potential buyers can be difficult.
• Tedious Uploading Process: Dreamstime requires contributors to add different titles and captions for each image, which can be time-consuming for those with a large portfolio.

Dreamstime stands as a reputable stock agency for contributors aiming to monetize their creative works. It offers a broad global audience, competitive royalty rates, and a diverse range of media types, including stock photos, videos, illustrations, AI-generated images, and audio files. The DT’s acceptance of editorial content further broadens the scope for contributors.

However, contributors should be aware of certain challenges. The competitive environment can make it difficult to achieve significant sales, and the uploading process may be time-consuming, especially for large portfolios. Additionally, the sales volume on Dreamstime may not be as high as on some other stock media sites, like Shutterstock, potentially affecting overall earnings.

In summary, Dreamstime offers a solid platform for contributors willing to invest time and effort into creating high-quality, in-demand content. While it may not be the primary source of income for all contributors, it can serve as a valuable component of a diversified portfolio in the stock media industry.