Microstock Photography for Beginners: 8 Best Microstock Agencies Compared (Pros, Cons, and Royalties)
If you’re planning to become a microstock contributor and sell photos to generate passive income, one of the first questions you’ll face is:
Which stock photo platform should I join?
In this guide, I’ll introduce 8 major microstock agencies and compare them based on royalty rates, marketing reach, contributor benefits, and exclusivity programs. This will help you choose the best platform for your photography journey.
Top 8 Microstock Agencies Overview
- Shutterstock
- Adobe Stock
- iStock
- Getty Images
- Dreamstime
- Alamy
- 123RF
- Depositphotos
Quick Comparison of Microstock Platforms
Below is a simplified comparison of each platform’s advantages, disadvantages, supported file types, and submission methods.
| Platform | Pros | Cons | Content Types | Submission | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shutterstock | Large customer base, fast review, keyword tools | High competition, lower royalties | Photo, vector, video | Web, App, FTP | |
| Adobe Stock | Adobe integration, strong brand | Strict review, slower approval | Photo, AI, vector, video | Web, FTP, Creative Cloud | |
| iStock | High pricing, strong exposure | Difficult application | Photo, vector, video | Web, App | |
| Getty Images | Premium pricing, high royalties | Exclusive only, very competitive | Photo, vector, video | Web, App | |
| Dreamstime | Flexible royalties, Keywording Service | Smaller market | Photo, vector, video, audio | Web, FTP | |
| Alamy | High commission, 100% royalty for students, distribution partnership program | Smaller audience | Photo, video | Web | |
| 123RF | Multiple payouts | Competitive, strict review | Photo, audio | Web | |
| Depositphotos | Fewer contributors | Smaller scale |
| Web, FTP |
Microstock Royalties Comparison
| Platform | Royalty Structure | Payout Methods | Minimum Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutterstock | Tiered system based on annual earnings; royalties range from 15%–40%. Minimum earning per download starts at $0.10. | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill | $25 |
| Adobe Stock | 33% for images, 35% for videos. Subscription downloads earn $0.33–$0.38 depending on lifetime earnings level. | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill | $25 |
| iStock | Non-exclusive: 15%–20% (min $0.10). Exclusive: 25%–45% (min $0.75). | PayPal, Payoneer | $100 |
| Getty Images | Exclusive only: 25%–45% royalties, minimum $0.75 per download. | PayPal, Payoneer | $50 |
| Dreamstime | Based on downloads per file; 25%–45% royalties. Exclusive files +10%; exclusive contributors up to 60%. | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill | $100 |
| Alamy | Tiered by previous year’s total sales; royalties range from 20%–50%. | PayPal | $50 |
| 123RF | Based on last 12 months’ performance: On-demand: 30%–60%. Subscription: $0.216–$0.432 per download. | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, Alipay | $50 |
| Depositphotos | Five-tier system based on lifetime earnings: On-demand: 30%–38%. Subscription: $0.25–$0.33. Audio: 34%–42%. | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill | $25 |
1. Shutterstock
Founded in 2003 in the United States, Shutterstock is one of the largest microstock platforms in the world. It offers over 450 million stock photos, illustrations, videos, and audio files, serving more than 1.9 million customers across 150+ regions, along with over a million contributors.
With its massive user base, flexible earning system, and support for 21 languages, Shutterstock provides multiple upload methods and a user-friendly interface. It is a nice platforms for beginner microstock contributors.
Pros: Large customer base, Chinese interface, built-in keyword tools, fast review process, comprehensive English tutorials, contributor referral program
Cons: Highly competitive, lower royalties at the beginning of each year, even high-level contributors may still receive low payouts
Accepted Content: Photos, illustrations, vectors, videos
Upload Methods: Website, app, FTP
Royalties: Tiered system based on annual earnings, ranging from 15% to 40%, with a minimum of $0.10 per download
Payout Methods: PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill
Minimum Payout: $25
👉 Sign up as a contributor
👉 Sign up as a buyer
2. Adobe Stock
Originally known as Fotolia, Adobe Stock was acquired by Adobe in 2015 and rebranded under its current name. It is known for offering high-quality stock photos, illustrations, and videos, along with a strict review process.
As part of the Adobe ecosystem, Adobe Stock integrates seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud, making it highly convenient for both buyers and contributors. Designers can search for assets directly within design software, while contributors can upload content directly from tools like Lightroom after editing.
Additionally, contributors who reach certain download milestones may receive free access to Adobe Creative Cloud products for one year, making it an attractive incentive.
Pros: Large customer base and content library, strong brand recognition, seamless Adobe integration, contributor rewards, supports AI-generated content
Cons: Highly competitive, strict review standards, longer review times
Accepted Content: Photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, templates, AI-generated images
Upload Methods: Website, FTP, Lightroom Classic, Adobe Bridge
Royalties: 33% for images, 35% for videos; minimum earnings per download range from $0.33 to $0.38 depending on contributor level
Payout Methods: PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill
Minimum Payout: $25
👉 Sign up as a contributor
👉 Sign up as a buyer
3. iStock
iStock, a subsidiary of Getty Images, was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Canada. It is well known for its strong brand recognition and premium pricing strategy in the microstock industry.
Applications can only be submitted via the app, and you are required to upload 3–6 sample images during the application process. Once approved, you will be invited to sign a non-exclusive agreement with Getty Images, after which you can start uploading content to iStock.
Pros: Higher pricing, AI-powered search, extended exposure through partner sites, Chinese interface
Cons: Strict application process, rigorous review standards, relatively complex upload workflow
Accepted Content: Photos, illustrations, vectors, videos
Upload Methods: Website, app
Royalties:
- Non-exclusive: 15%–20%, minimum $0.10 per download
- Exclusive: 25%–45%, minimum $0.75 per download
Payout Methods: PayPal, Payoneer
Minimum Payout: $100
👉 Sign up as a contributor
👉 Sign up as a buyer
4. Getty Images
Founded in 1995 in the United States, Getty Images is a leading global provider of high-quality stock photos and videos, with a library of over 200 million assets. It is widely recognized for its premium, professional-grade content, primarily serving media, advertising, and corporate clients.
Contributors can submit their work through its subsidiary iStock, or choose to sign an exclusive contract directly with Getty Images, which offers higher royalty rates and professional support.
Pros: High exclusive royalties, premium-quality content, strong global reputation
Cons: Very high standards, intense competition (more suitable for professional photographers), exclusive contracts only
Accepted Content: Photos, illustrations, vectors, videos
Upload Methods: Website, app
Royalties: Exclusive only, 25%–45%, with a minimum of $0.75 per download
Payout Methods: PayPal, Payoneer
Minimum Payout: $50
👉 Sign up as a contributor
👉 Sign up as a buyer
5. Dreamstime
Founded in 2000 in the United States, Dreamstime is one of the long-established microstock platforms, offering around 150 million stock photos, illustrations, and videos. It is known for its flexible royalty structure and diverse sales models, making it a popular choice among international contributors.
With approximately 4.2 million customers and over 650,000 contributors, Dreamstime is generally considered less competitive than top-tier platforms, making it more accessible for beginner stock photographers.
Pros: Flexible royalty system, multiple sales models, optional paid keywording service
Cons: Weekly upload limits, higher payout threshold, smaller customer base
Accepted Content: Photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, audio
Upload Methods: Website, app, FTP
Royalties: Based on the number of downloads per asset, ranging from 25% to 45% (higher-performing files earn higher rates); +10% for exclusive files, up to 60% for exclusive contributors
Payout Methods: PayPal, Skrill, Payoneer
Minimum Payout: $100
👉 Sign up as a contributor
👉 Sign up as a buyer
6. Alamy
Founded in 1999 in the United Kingdom, Alamy is a stock photography platform known for its high commission rates and strong copyright protection. It hosts over 200 million images, illustrations, and videos, and is also known for its relatively longer review times.
Compared to the previous platforms, Alamy has a smaller scale, with around 110,000 customers. However, it also functions as a distribution marketplace, allowing buyers to access content from partner agencies, and enabling contributors to expand their reach through distribution partnerships.
Pros: High commission rates, 100% royalties for students, distribution partnerships, supports 360-degree panoramic images
Cons: Smaller customer base, wide earning tiers, supports only four languages
Accepted Content: Photos, illustrations, vectors, videos
Upload Methods: Website
Royalties: Tiered based on previous year’s revenue, ranging from 20% to 50%
Payout Methods: PayPal, bank transfer
Minimum Payout: $50
👉 Sign up as a contributor
👉 Sign up as a buyer
7. 123RF
Founded in 2005 in Hong Kong, 123RF is a global microstock platform with broad market coverage and multiple payment options. It has over 5 million customers and 27 million active users.
To become a contributor on 123RF, you must first pass a review of 10 submitted files before you can start selling your content.
Pros: Flexible pricing and sales options
Cons: Fluctuating sales tiers, high competition, strict review process
Accepted Content: Photos, vectors, videos, audio
Upload Methods: Website
Royalties:
- On-demand downloads: 30%–60% (based on 12-month performance tier)
- Subscription downloads: $0.216–$0.432 per download
Payout Methods: PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, Alipay
Minimum Payout: $50
👉 Sign up as a contributor
👉 Sign up as a buyer
Important Notes
※ The information provided in this article is for reference only. For detailed royalty rates, licensing terms, and content requirements, please refer to the official websites of each microstock platform.
※ This article was translated with the assistance of AI tools. The original version is available in Chinese: “[Microstock Guide] 10 Microstock Platforms Comparison: Pros, Cons, and Royalties for Beginners.”
Take Action Now
- To be a Depositphotos Contributor: Want to increase passive income? Click here to join!
- To be a Shutterstock Contributor: Want to increase passive income? Click here to join!
- I am a Shutterstock Customer: Want to purchase images? Register here.
- I need a Payoneer account: Register using this link and earn rewards.
Comments
Post a Comment