Today Microstock-Secrets reviews one of the big players in the Microstock Business: Shutterstock. It's not only one of the most important Companys, but also the one I like the most (and sell the most)! If you want to know why Shutterstock is my favourite Microstock site, read on!


Website
Shutterstock.com

Support
support@shutterstock.com
1-866-663-3954 (USA)
001-646-291-6238 (Internatonal)
0800-891-6423 (Brazil)
1-866-663-3954 (Canada)
10-800-713-1263 (North China)
10-800-130-1224 (South China)
01 70 38 75 24 (France)
0800-181-7215 (Germany)
03-4455-2795 (Japan)
020-708-4817 (Netherlands)
902 02 0098 (Spain)
020 7023 4958 (Great Britain)
1-347-402-0710 Fax

Business Model
Subscriptions (Shutterstock was the first company offering a subscription based model)

$$$ per download/ Subscription
0.25 $/ 0.25$

Media types
Photos, Vector Graphics and Footage

FTP Access
Yes

IPTC usage
Yes

Approval Procedure
You have to submit ten images, seven have to be accepted. Chose wisely and regard our tips and tricks to get the most out of your images! If more than three images are rejected, you'll have to wait another month to re-apply.

Ease of use















As you can see, the site is very structured and simple. Usability is relatively high because the 'simple' design for both contributers and customers. Furthermore Shutterstock doesn't split every category into many sub-categories, which makes it relatively easy for you to chose the right one for your media.

Chance of being granted as a contributor
Take your time, pick some of your best images, apply our tips and tricks and you shouldn't have a problem, it's definitely worth it!

Chance of selling your media
Due to the subscription model, sales are constantly high. Because buyers can download up to 750 pics a month, the often download some for testing purposes or even just 'for fun'- good for you!

Chance of survival
If Shutterstock goes down, the whole industry will. You can be sure to have a partner for a long time!

Notes

• Try uploading your images in small batches up to five images, the chance of them being accepted is much higher than in larger batches
• Noise is poison to your images! Not only noise in dark areas, but also 'sprinkled' skies will lead to a rejection. Try using noise reducing software.
• Even if a face could slightly be recognized you'll need a model release
• Even if a trademark symbol could slightly be recognized you'll need to take care of it
• They like shiny images with lots of contrast and saturation. Of course it should still look natural (in a way).
  

Verdict
Shutterstock is one of the big players in Microstock business. The subscription model allows it to download up to 750 images per month, therefore many pictures are being downloaded if someone just finds them 'nice'. Sales are constant.

If some of your images make it to Shutterstock, you can be sure to sell them. But they are quite strict on technical and artistic quality of your images, therefore try to deliver the best you got and you'll be earning some extra money soon!

Register today at Shutterstock!