Shutterstock is one of the biggest names in the stock photo world. With its high subscription costs, it’s a prime spot for making some decent cash.
I’ve started working with Shutterstock recently and, honestly, I made just $1 after submitting about 50 photos and getting around 8 accepted.
But don’t let that discourage you. It’s like any other tool—you need to get the hang of it. My photos might not be a perfect fit for Shutterstock, but yours could be spot-on.
Since we covered Canva last time, let’s break down a quick comparison between Shutterstock and Canva to help you figure out which one suits you best.
Shutterstock vs. Canva: A Quick Comparison
Guidelines:
Shutterstock’s guidelines are pretty strict compared to Canva’s. You need to meet high standards for resolution, quality, and focus. This might be a breeze for pro photographers, but if you’re snapping pics with an iPhone like me, it can be a bit challenging.
Another key rule involves people. If your photo includes people (even yourself), you must submit a release form. You can check out their guidelines here.
Photos:
Shutterstock isn’t just for graphic design. It’s used for editorial and commercial purposes, so you’ll find everything from a fountain in Rome to the White House. This means you can upload straightforward shots like a beach in Rio or the NYC skyline with minimal editing.
On the other hand, Canva leans towards more “artificial” or design-oriented images. Users are looking for photos that fit their graphic design needs.
Here’s a comparison:
- The plain original photo sells well on Shutterstock.
- The edited version is more popular on Canva.
Check out my Shutterstock portfolio compared to photographer Matan Hirsch and James Wheeler for some inspiration.
Earnings: Shutterstock pays around $0.25 per photo (more for videos), which is lower than Canva’s 35% royalty plus extra revenue streams.
How to Maximize Your Earnings: It’s all about data. Make sure your photo file names are descriptive, captions are on point, and you use relevant keywords. You have up to 200 characters for captions and 50 keywords. Use as many relevant keywords as possible—Google and Shutterstock will pick up on them!
For more tips, check out this Facebook group and this guide.
Want to become a Shutterstock contributor? Apply here.
Ready to Explore Other Stock Photo Sites?
If you haven’t explored stock photo sites yet, it’s time to dive in. They can give your site a professional edge. Here’s a list of free and paid stock photo websites where you can try selling your pics. Remember to read the fine print—some sites might take ownership of your photos, while others will let you publish elsewhere.
