Top 5 Ways to Make Money as a Shutterstock Contributor

Seven Sky Writes
ILLUMINATION
Published in
2 min readMay 6, 2023
Screenshot by the Author

Shutterstock is a leading stock photography and royalty-free media company. If you have a creative eye and want to earn money from your photos or other media assets, selling on Shutterstock is a great option.

Here are five ways to make money on Shutterstock:

1. Become a Contributor

As a Shutterstock contributor, you can submit photos, illustrations, videos, graphics, and more for inclusion in Shutterstock’s collection. If your submission is accepted, you get paid a share of the revenue when that content is purchased and downloaded by publishers and clients. To become a contributor, you apply through Shutterstock’s website and submit samples of your best work.

2. Apply to be a Featured Contributor

If you build up a strong track record as a regular contributor, you can apply to be featured. Featured Contributors get 50–80% of revenue share and exposure on Shutterstock’s front pages. Only the top 10% of contributors are featured, so improving your quality, quantity, and keyword relevance over time can help you achieve this status.

3. Take Advantage of Shutterstock’s Affiliate Program

If you have a website or blog, you can sign up for Shutterstock’s affiliate program. Place one of Shutterstock’s contribution submission forms or images on your site and generate commissions when people submit images or purchase images through your link. Many photographers and designers make money through affiliate commissions in addition to selling their own images.

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4. Enter Photo Contests

Shutterstock frequently runs photo contests with themes like travel, food, fashion, and more. Submit original photos that fit the contest theme, and the winners get $200-$500 cash prizes as well as paid inclusion on Shutterstock. Contests are a great way to gain visibility, get paid for your photos, and improve your chances of becoming a Featured Contributor down the line.

5. Charge a Premium as a Featured Seller

If Shutterstock highlights you as a Featured Seller, you have the opportunity to charge a higher price for your photos and other content. As a Featured Seller, you get premium placement and promotional support from Shutterstock.

You can set a 25–50% higher price on select photos, and thanks to Shutterstock’s marketing, hopefully sell a high volume of those pricier photo assets. With consistent quality and business strategy, it is possible to make a living as a Featured Seller on Shutterstock over time.

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