Shutterstock Review 2025

Shutterstock stands as a prominent player in the microstock industry, offering photographers and illustrators a platform to monetize their creative works. Shutterstock, established in 2003 by Jon Oringer, has grown into a huge platform offering a vast array of digital content, exceeding 200 million royalty-free photos, vectors, illustrations, videos, and music.

This stock photo site operates from its headquarters in the Empire State Building in New York City, with additional offices in locations such as Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles. It has garnered a reputation for profitability among contributors.

In my opinion, the SS (Shutterstock) represents the optimal choice among photo stocks today, as it ensures a decent level of sales for contributors.

How to earn on Shutterstock

Earnings on Shutterstock are influenced by the type of subscription under which your content is downloaded and your cumulative earnings over time. There are two primary subscription models:

1. 25-A-Day Subscription: Allows buyers to download up to 25 images per day. Contributor earnings per download are tiered based on total lifetime earnings:
   • $0 – $500: $0.25 per download
   • $500 – $3,000: $0.33 per download
   • $3,000 – $10,000: $0.36 per download
   • Over $10,000: $0.38 per download
2. On Demand Subscription: Enables SS buyers to purchase a set number of downloads to use at their discretion. Shutterstock’s contributor earnings per download are as follows:
   • Small/Medium Size Downloads:
     • $0 – $500: $0.81
     • $500 – $3,000: $1.07
     • $3,000 – $10,000: $1.17
     • Over $10,000: $1.24
   • Large/Super Size Downloads and Vectors:
     • $0 – $500: $1.88
     • $500 – $3,000: $2.48
     • $3,000 – $10,000: $2.70
     • Over $10,000: $2.85

Additionally, extended license purchases yield a flat rate of $28 per sale.

What to sell on Shutterstock?

Shutterstock welcomes a wide range of content from stock contributors, including photographs, 3D visualizations, vector illustrations, and more. To maintain the platform’s high standards, each content type must adhere to specific technical and quality criteria.

Photographs

Photographic submissions should be in JPEG format, with a minimum resolution of 4 megapixels. This ensures images are suitable for various applications, from digital use to large-scale prints. Additionally, images must exhibit proper exposure, focus, and minimal noise to meet Shutterstock’s quality standards.

3D Visualizations

3D visualizations, often used in architectural renderings, product designs, and conceptual art, should be submitted as high-resolution JPEGs. These images must be rendered with attention to detail, accurate lighting, and realistic textures to appeal to potential buyers.

Vector Illustrations

Vector files must be submitted in EPS format, compatible with Adobe Illustrator version 8 or 10. This ensures broad accessibility for users with various design software. Vectors should be cleanly constructed, and free of stray points, unnecessary groups, and redundant shapes. Including a JPEG preview of the vector is also recommended to provide a quick overview of the artwork.

Additional Content Types

Beyond the aforementioned categories, Shutterstock also accepts:

• Editorial Content: Images that capture newsworthy events, recognizable public figures, or culturally significant scenes. These should be submitted with accurate, detailed metadata, including the date and location of the event, and must not be digitally altered to misrepresent the scene.
• Footage: Video clips should be submitted in MOV or MP4 format, with a minimum resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. Clips must be well-lit, stable, and free from compression artifacts. Including appropriate metadata and model or property releases, when applicable, is essential.
• Music and Sound Effects: Audio submissions should be high-quality recordings in WAV or MP3 format. Tracks must be original, free from background noise, and accompanied by detailed metadata to enhance discoverability.

General Submission Guidelines

All submissions undergo a review process to ensure they meet Shutterstock’s technical, legal, and aesthetic standards. Contributors should provide accurate titles, descriptions, and keywords to improve the visibility of their content. Additionally, obtaining and submitting appropriate model and property releases is necessary when featuring recognizable individuals or private property.

Photographs, 3D visualizations, and rasterized vector illustrations in formats from which the microstock itself generates TIF files are accepted for sale at the photo bank. Shutterstock accepts vector illustrations in EPS format. The size of images uploaded on Shutterstock must be at least 4 megapixels.

Contributor Assessment at Shutterstock

Becoming a Shutterstock contributor involves an evaluation process designed to maintain the platform’s high-quality content standards.

Registration Process

To begin, you must create an account on the Shutterstock Contributor Portal. This involves providing essential personal information, including a valid email address and contact details. Notably, contributors have the option to register as individuals or businesses. When registering as a business, it’s important to enter the full legal business name in the appropriate field.

As part of the registration, Shutterstock requires verification of identity to ensure the authenticity and security of its contributor community. This step typically involves submitting a clear, valid government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license. The verification process is crucial for preventing fraud and protecting intellectual property rights.

Examination Submission

Once registered and verified, contributors are required to undergo an initial assessment to evaluate the quality and suitability of their work. This entails submitting a portfolio of 10 samples that reflect the contributor’s best work and adherence to Shutterstock’s content guidelines. The evaluation criteria focus on technical execution, originality, and commercial viability. To pass this examination, at least 7 out of the 10 submissions must meet Shutterstock’s standards. If unsuccessful, contributors are permitted to retake the examination after one month, allowing time for improvement and refinement of their submissions.

Preparation Tips

To enhance the likelihood of passing the Shutterstock exam, it’s advisable to:

• Review Shutterstock’s Submission Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the technical and quality requirements outlined by Shutterstock to ensure your submissions align with their standards.
• Submit Previously Accepted Works: Consider submitting works that have been accepted by other reputable platforms, such as Dreamstime and Fotolia, as this may indicate their suitability for Shutterstock’s marketplace.
• Seek Constructive Feedback: Engage with online communities or professional networks to receive critiques on your work, enabling you to make informed improvements.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and continuously refine your skills to produce content that meets market demands.

By diligently following these steps and preparing thoroughly, aspiring contributors can navigate Shutterstock’s registration and examination process successfully, paving the way for a rewarding experience in the stock content marketplace.

How to get money from Shutterstock?

Shutterstock provides its contributors with multiple ways to receive their earnings, accommodating various preferences and ensuring flexibility. Here’s a detailed look at the available payment methods and associated thresholds:

Electronic Payment Systems:

• PayPal: A widely recognized platform that facilitates quick transfers. Contributors opting for PayPal can access their funds promptly once the minimum earnings threshold is met.
• Payoneer: Ideal for international contributors, Payoneer offers features like a prepaid debit card, enhancing accessibility to funds. It’s essential to be aware of any transaction fees or currency conversion charges that may apply.
• Skrill (formerly Moneybookers): Another electronic option, Skrill supports global transactions, making it convenient for contributors worldwide. As with other platforms, understanding the fee structure is crucial to maximize earnings.

Minimum Payout Thresholds:

• Electronic Payments (PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill): Contributors must accumulate a minimum of $25 before initiating a payout.
• Check Payments: For those preferring traditional methods, check payments are available with a higher minimum threshold of $300. It’s important to note that receiving funds via check may involve longer processing times and potential bank fees upon deposit.

Payment Processing Schedule:

Shutterstock operates on a monthly payment cycle. At the beginning of each month, the platform calculates the previous month’s earnings. If a contributor’s earnings meet or exceed the selected payout threshold, Shutterstock initiates the payment process. The time it takes for funds to appear in your account can vary based on the chosen payment method and any intermediary processing times.

Setting Up and Managing Payment Preferences:

Contributors can select and adjust their preferred payment method through the “Payout Information” section within their Shutterstock account settings. It’s crucial to ensure that the payment details provided are accurate and up-to-date to avoid any delays. Additionally, contributors should be aware that sharing payment accounts (e.g., PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill) between multiple Shutterstock accounts is not permitted, as per Shutterstock’s policies.

Probationary Period for New Contributors:

New contributors should be aware of a 90-day waiting period that begins after their first stock image or clip is approved. During this time, earnings will accumulate in the contributor’s account but will not be eligible for payout until the period concludes. This measure ensures the integrity of the platform and allows new contributors to acclimate to Shutterstock’s standards and processes.

Additional Nuances:

• Currency Conversion: For contributors operating outside the United States, it’s important to consider that currency conversion may impact the final amount received. Exchange rates fluctuate, and some payment processors may charge conversion fees.
• Transaction Fees: While SS does not charge fees for disbursing payments, the chosen payment platform might. For instance, Payoneer may charge for bank withdrawals or currency conversions. Contributors are advised to review the fee structures of their selected payment methods to fully understand any deductions that may occur.
• Account Security: Maintaining the security of your payment accounts is paramount. Ensure that your Shutterstock account details match those of your payment accounts to prevent any discrepancies or potential payment delays.

By familiarizing themselves with these payment methods and thresholds, Shutterstock contributors can make informed decisions that best suit their financial preferences and needs.

For those serious about making money from their creative content, Shutterstock presents a potentially lucrative opportunity. In my opinion, it brings the most substantial earnings for contributors among all photo stock sites.