Shutterstock: What is it & how Shutterstock works

Shutterstock is a digital marketplace for images, videos, and other media. Founded in 2003, Shutterstock has become one of the leading providers of stock media worldwide, with millions of users accessing its vast library of high-quality content daily. Shutterstock is great if you are looking for high-resolution photography, short video clips, or audio. Shutterstock is more expensive and offers more service as it tries to be a one-stop shop for marketing content.

How do you sell on Shutterstock, and how does using it work?

At its core Shutterstock is a stock photography website that allows users to buy and sell stock photos, stock illustrations, and stock videos. To sell on Shutterstock, photographers must submit sample images which are then reviewed. Once approved, photographers can upload their photos to the site and set their prices. When a customer purchases an image, the photographer receives a percentage of the sale. In addition to selling photos, Shutterstock offers subscriptions allowing customers to download a certain number of photos per month. Individuals can also purchase credits that can be used to download images. Shutterstock can be an excellent way for photographers to sell their work and earn money.

How much does Shutterstock pay for images?

Shutterstock pays contributors based on the number of downloads of their images and the price per image. This price is much higher than the contributors pay, and many images don’t get significant downloads. Contributors earn 15-40% depending on how many downloads they get in the period.

As you can see, for an image to earn any money, it has to accrue significant downloads; Shutterstock can pay as little as .10 cents per image download and maxes out at $5.80 for standard images.

So how much you can make selling on Shutterstock depends mainly on the popularity of your images. You can do some things to increase your earnings potential, such as submitting high-quality photos and offering unique or niche content. If you’re serious about making money as a Shutterstock contributor, you must invest time and effort to build a strong portfolio.

What photos sell best on Shutterstock?

Buyers generally seek high-quality, well-composed images that clearly illustrate the subject matter. Popular images with buyers include nature scenes, cityscapes, close-ups of objects, and inspiring lifestyle shots. However, the best way to find out what sells well on Shutterstock is to browse the site and see what images are in high demand.

How much does a Shutterstock subscription cost? How much do images cost?

Shutterstock is a stock photo agency that offers several subscription plans for individuals and businesses. The individual plans start at $0.26 per image with a monthly plan of $29 or an annual plan of $149. Discounts are available for prepaying for multiple months or years in advance. Shutterstock offers several monthly and yearly plans for businesses starting at $99 per month or $999 per year for up to 750 downloads. Images can also be purchased individually for $49 each. Discounts are available for business plans if multiple employees use the account, or various images will be downloaded monthly.

Is Shutterstock expensive? How do their prices compare to competitors?

There are cheaper alternatives to Shutterstock, such as Depositphotos or iStock. To decide whether Shutterstock is worth the investment, it is essential to consider various factors. On the one hand, Shutterstock has an extensive library with millions of images in various categories, including photography, illustration, video footage, and music.

On the other hand, some users find that Shutterstock’s pricing structure can be more expensive than alternatives, especially if you regularly purchase photos for commercial use or website design projects. Ultimately, the key to making an informed decision about whether Shutterstock is worth your time and money comes to evaluating your individual needs and considering all your options.

How does Shutterstock compare to Getty images?

Shutterstock and Getty Images are two of the most famous names in digital stock photography. Both offer millions of high-quality images, videos, and illustrations, making them ideal for businesses and individuals needing visual content. However, there are some critical differences between the two companies. Shutterstock is known for its low prices and extensive selection, with over 200 million royalty-free images.

On the other hand, Getty Images offers a more curated selection of photos and exclusive access to some of the world’s most sought-after photographers. In terms of pricing, Getty Images is generally more expensive than Shutterstock. Still, they also offer subscription plans that can save money if you need a large volume of visuals. Ultimately, your best choice will depend on your budget and needs. If you’re looking for a wide selection of affordable images, Shutterstock is a great option. However, Getty Images is worth considering if you need access to exclusive or high-end photography.

How does Shutterstock compare to iStock?

Shutterstock and iStock are leading providers of royalty-free stock photos, videos, and illustrations. Both companies offer a large selection of high-quality content, and customers can purchase credits or subscriptions to download images. However, there are some critical differences between the two services.

For example, Shutterstock offers a broader range of content, including editorial images and video clips. In addition, Shutterstock’s prices are generally lower than iStock’s, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious customers.

Finally, Shutterstock offers a more flexible licensing model, allowing customers to use images in unlimited projects. As a result, Shutterstock is an excellent option for customers who need a large selection of high-quality content.