How to Increase Sales on iStockphoto?

On the iStockphoto microstock platform, I found an interesting article in the articles section about what exactly iStock buyers need and what is in high demand. Essentially, this material will be most useful for those who are just starting their work in microstocks or for those who cannot figure out the theme for specialization in their work.

Also, I believe that this material will be useful for those interested in increasing image sales not only on iStock but also on other microstock platforms. I have translated this article.

Below you can read iStock’s advice in the form of brief summaries describing the items, themes, and concepts that are lacking in the iStock collection and which attract buyers’ attention.

These briefs will help you identify unoccupied or under-served niches in iStock. Some of these ideas have already been implemented and presented by iStock authors, but the article’s authors believe that original ideas regarding the presentation of these items have not yet been exhausted. The briefs are open and fairly short. More detailed descriptions are provided below in the form of separate paragraphs.

In general, you will quickly notice recurring trends, themes, and headings. Here are the main requests from iStock buyers:

• Natural, authentic images and videos of people;
• Local content relevant to your region;
• A new vision of classic stock concepts;
• Conceptually strong editorial images;
• All types of high-quality illustrations;
• All kinds of professionally made videos.

More detailed information is revealed below.

Simple Video

iStockphoto video buyers express a constant interest in simpler transitions and backgrounds:

• Storyboarding;
• Abstract and “ethereal” content;
• Backgrounds.

Although there is a good selection of this type of content available, high demand means a constant need for new, fresh works.

Natural Video

We need more stock video where people are filmed in a more natural and authentic style. Customers on iStockphoto consistently say they are looking for images of people in everyday life, acting naturally and not posing. Such video can later be used in various directions.

Remember that those who want to buy videos on microstock platforms primarily work on briefs from their own clients. So, video concepts that are highly specific and stylized, despite their coolness, are fairly limited in use and, consequently, in sales.

There is a constant demand on iStockphoto for video works featuring people in the following areas:
Seasonal and holiday themes;

• Finance;
• Medicine;
• Food and beverages;
• Everyday home and family life.

Games and Their Analogues

The platform has a high demand for images, illustrations, and videos of people playing games. Moreover, these are regular games, not video games. Of course, video games are also great, but that’s a separate topic.

Images focusing on different people (not just businesspeople but regular folks) in real-life situations — indoors and outdoors — playing recognizable games of all types are in demand. Think about families, children, and adults enjoying games together. Concepts illustrating family fun, bonding, culture, and strategy.

Several types of games are most in demand by buyers:

• Board games (as there may be copyright issues, approach this creatively);
• Role-playing games;
• Traditional games: mahjong, dominoes, checkers, chess;
• Games for the elderly: bingo, shuffleboard.

Holiday entertainment: “donkey tail,” piñata, hide-and-seek, and so on.

To be continued…

Author: iStockphoto
Link: https://www.istоckphoto.com/article_view.php?ID=1237