LIKE EVERY OTHER INDUSTRY, PHOTOGRAPHY ALSO OFFERS SOME FANTASTIC WAYS OF GENERATING PASSIVE INCOME. 

Selling stock photos online is one of them. However, selecting a site that provides maximum exposure and return can be challenging. 

This is where our guide can help. 

But before listing the sites, let us give you some key points about stock photos that sell: 

WHICH STOCK PHOTOS SELL?

Not every photo has the possibility of being downloaded. Therefore, knowing some tips is always helpful. They include: 

• Become a master of a specific niche

• Maintain premium quality 

• Select trending topics to stand out

• Add variations by taking shots from different angles 

• Be sure to follow the guidelines of the site you are planning to sell your photos on 

For more details, check out this article on How to Click Stock Photos that Sell

Without further ado, let us now check out the ideal sites for selling stock photos:

1. Shutter-stock

Founded in 2003, Shutterstock is now a leading image subscription service, as you can learn in this Shutterstock review. Many businesses, non-profits, marketing firms, and media agencies use this site for photography. Shutterstock has more than 370 million images, music tracks, and videos. 

Furthermore, a customer base of over 1.4 million shows massive potential for contributors. Become a seller on Shutterstock, and earning some bucks will not be a problem. In the long run, sellers can earn well, as Shutterstock considers the number of image licenses when deciding on the commission rate. Image licensing means using your imagination. As your number of image licenses grows, your commission rate also increases. 

Shutterstock's highest commission rate is 40%, but it applies after 25000+ licenses. Other ways of generating revenue are also present. Refer other photographers and earn a commission whenever their videos and images are downloaded. However, you start getting this commission on videos when the photographer completes a year on Shutterstock. And, when the person completes two consecutive years, you get commission for images too. This commission is set at 4 cents for images and 10% for videos. 

Shutterstock pays you monthly, but the commission is payable after 90 days. This site has no policy of using the platform exclusively, so other options are also available. 

2. Adobe Stock

If you are into photography, you must have heard about Adobe software. Adobe Stock was created by the founder of this famous photo editing tool. Millions of buyers consider the Adobe marketplace because of its Creative Cloud integration. Sellers also enjoy Lightroom and Bridge CC integrations. 

Adobe Stock is a huge hub for buyers and sellers. The site pays 33% royalty on photos and 35% on videos. Active contributors also offer bonuses. You can get complimentary access to Creative Cloud Photography, InDesign Single App, Illustrator Single App, etc. 

Adobe Stock's best part is its repeated license. Once you upload the images, they can be used several times. You can use its machine learning feature to keyword your photos, and sell them quickly.  

In addition, you don't have to wait for the entire month to receive your payment. Just reach a minimum of $25 and get paid. 

3. iStock

IStock is a branch of Getty Images, another site popular for selling high-quality photos. However, people prefer iStock, as royalty-free images are available here. At Getty Images, you need to purchase the rights to use pictures on specific platforms. 

IStock is considered the right fit for beginners. It features many strategies, forums, and material for guiding newbies. Sending samples to this site is easy. All you need is the "Contributor by Getty Images" app - send samples and wait for approval. Once approved, you can wait for your photos to be downloaded and enjoy royalty-free use. 

Remember, it takes around 30 days to review your images. Please do not send them multiple emails; it won't help. 

You can earn $20 for videos and $15 for images. However, if you are an exclusive contributor, you can easily make $45 and $20 each. As the name suggests, exclusive contributors only select Getty Images or iStock as their sole platform for selling images. 

You can permanently remove your content from other sites and apply for an exclusive contract. If it gets approved, your profile will automatically be updated. 

4. Alamy

Getting photos approved on well-known sites like Adobe and Shutterstock is not everyone's cup of tea. So, if you are looking for easy options, try Alamy!

The site doesn't have hard and fast approval rules. However, you will not find as many buyers here as on other renowned platforms. If you are lucky enough to sell some of your photos on this site, you can generate significant revenue. 

Alamy offers competitive rates. You can get 50% commission on every sale. The site can even give you 100% commission if you are a student. Additionally, it claims to pay its contributors over $1 million each month. So, success chances are high. 

5. Dreamstime

Formed in 2000, Dreamstime is a fierce competitor to Adobe and iStock. The site currently has 800,000 contributors. It offers a fantastic collection of over 180 million vectors, images, and videos - making it an excellent platform for stock images. 

Dreamstime distinguishes itself with customizable galleries. Yes, you can create and edit your galleries. Photographers often consider it a hosting site where they control what they sell. However, that doesn't mean the site doesn't have guidelines. You cannot post anything you want. Passing the screening test is mandatory. 

Moreover, exclusive members can earn 60% of all net sales, while non-exclusive members can get 25%-50%. 

WRAPPING IT UP 

In short, all the above sites are suitable for generating extra cash every month. But, you need to pick the right one according to your interest, niche, and expected returns. Sometimes, even a site with billions of positive reviews may not be the right choice for you. 

Narrow down your choice by exploring one website at a time. After a few months, analyze and compare the pros and cons. You will then determine the right route for your photos. 

GOOD LUCK!

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