20 Microstock Marketplaces to Sell Your Creative Assets
Stop letting your hard drives collect dust. Turn your photos, vectors, and footage into a 24/7 revenue stream. Here is the definitive analysis of the 20 most profitable platforms.
The microstock industry has evolved. It’s no longer just about volume; it’s about strategic placement. As a contributor with years of experience navigating these waters, I’ve analyzed the current landscape to bring you the top 20 marketplaces.
We judge these platforms based on traffic volume (E-E-A-T factor), royalty rates, upload ease, and long-term earning potential.
🏆 The “Big Four”: Must-Have Portfolios
If you only upload to four sites, make it these. They command 80% of the global market traffic.
1. Shutterstock
Shutterstock remains the volume king. While royalty rates have shifted to a tiered model based on download count, the sheer velocity of sales here is unmatched. It is the first stop for most corporate buyers.
- Content Type: Photos, Vectors, Video, Music.
- Royalties: 15% – 40% (resets annually).
- Best For: High volume consistency.
2. Adobe Stock
Integrated directly into Photoshop and Premiere Pro, Adobe Stock offers the best workflow for buyers. The pricing is fair, and there is no annual tier reset, making it a favorite for long-term contributors.
3. iStock (by Getty Images)
The oldest player in the game. You must choose between being “Exclusive” (higher rates, can’t sell elsewhere) or “Non-Exclusive.” For high-end content, their traffic is premium.
4. Pond5
Pond5 is the gold standard for footage and stock video. Unlike other agencies, Pond5 allows you to set your own prices. This control is vital for videographers who know the value of their 4K and 8K clips.
- Content Type: Video, SFX, Music, Photos.
- Royalties: 40% – 60% (very high).
- Pros: You control the pricing.
📈 Tier 2: Consistent Monthly Income
These sites may have lower traffic than the Big Four, but they are less competitive and often have loyal customer bases.
5. Dreamstime
A reliable agency that has stood the test of time. They have a unique level system where individual images earn more as they are downloaded more often.
6. Depositphotos
Known for aggressive marketing and frequent “AppSumo” deals that bring in massive influxes of buyers. It acts as a great mid-tier earner that requires little maintenance.
Register at Depositphotos →7. Vecteezy
If you create illustrations or vectors, Vecteezy is essential. They operate a hybrid Freemium/Pro model. They pay for downloads on free files (at a lower rate) and standard royalties for Pro files.
8. 123RF
A veteran in the industry. While their upload process is slightly dated, they have a very strong presence in the Asian and European markets.
📹 Video, Specialized & Emerging Markets
9. MotionElements
The leading marketplace for Asia. They specialize in After Effects templates, Premiere Pro MOGRTs, and stock footage. Their “AI Search” feature is highly advanced.
Get 30% Off at MotionElements →10. Envato Elements
A subscription giant. Getting accepted as an author is hard, but the payout share from their subscription pool can be massive.
11. Storyblocks
Works on a Partner Program model. They pay based on the share of the subscription revenue your content generates.
12. Alamy
Best for Editorial and News photography. They don’t sell for pennies; they aim for higher licensing fees.
13. Freepik
The highest volume site currently. The pay-per-download is very low (cents), but you can get thousands of downloads daily.
14. Canva
The giant of DIY design. You usually need to join via a partner or apply to their specific element creator program.
15. Pixta
The leading Japanese agency. If your content features Asian models or themes, this is a non-negotiable marketplace.
16. Bigstock
Owned by Shutterstock but operates separately. Uploading is easy, though revenue has declined slightly in recent years.
17. 500px
A photography community first, marketplace second. Distribution is often handled through partners like Getty China.
18. YayImages
A smaller agency that offers a 50% commission rate, which is significantly higher than the industry standard.
19. PantherMedia
A German-based agency. Great for reaching the Central European market.
20. Dissolve
Focuses on high-end, premium lifestyle and commercial footage. Excellent rates for cinematic quality.
Final Strategy for 2026
Don’t rely on a single basket. The most successful contributors upload to the Big Four (Shutterstock, Adobe, iStock, Pond5) for volume, and diversify into niche sites like MotionElements or Vecteezy depending on their specialty.
Start uploading today. Your future passive income depends on the actions you take now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which microstock site pays the most? ▼
While rates vary, Pond5 offers contributors the ability to set their own prices (often netting 40-60%), and Alamy offers high commission rates for exclusive content. For volume, Shutterstock is usually the highest total earner.
Is selling stock photos still profitable in 2026? ▼
Yes, but the strategy has changed. Generic images sell less. Authentic lifestyle imagery, high-quality video footage (4K), and niche vector illustrations are highly profitable.
Can I upload the same photo to multiple sites? ▼
Yes, as long as you do not sign an “Exclusivity” agreement with one agency (like iStock or Alamy). Distributing your non-exclusive content to all 20 marketplaces maximizes your reach.
How do I sign up to become a Shutterstock Contributor? ▼
You can register for free on the Shutterstock Contributor portal. Once approved, you can upload and sell your photos, illustrations, vectors, or videos.
How long does it take for my content to be reviewed? ▼
Reviews usually take a few days, but times may vary depending on submission volume.
Why was my content rejected? ▼
Common reasons include technical issues (noise, resolution, incorrect format), legal concerns (missing releases, trademarks), or not meeting quality standards.
Why is my content still pending review? ▼
It may be due to high submission volume or additional checks for compliance.
How do I get paid as a contributor? ▼
Shutterstock pays monthly once you reach the minimum payout threshold. Payment options include PayPal, Payoneer, and Skrill.
Do I need to submit tax forms? ▼
Yes. Contributors outside the U.S. must submit forms like the W-8BEN to comply with tax regulations.
Why can’t I log in to my Contributor account? ▼
Login issues may be caused by incorrect credentials, browser problems, or account restrictions.
Why are my approved images missing from my portfolio? ▼
Sometimes approved files take time to appear due to processing or licensing updates.
What type of content sells best on Shutterstock? ▼
Authentic lifestyle images, business concepts, technology visuals, food photography, and trending topics are in high demand.
Can I upload AI-generated content? ▼
Yes, but it must meet Shutterstock’s quality and compliance standards, including avoiding trademarks and requiring proper releases.
How do I sign up as an Adobe Stock Contributor? ▼
You can register with your Adobe ID through the Adobe Stock Contributor portal. Once approved, you can upload and sell your creative assets.
What types of content can I upload to Adobe Stock? ▼
Adobe Stock accepts photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, 3D assets, and templates.
How long does the review process take on Adobe Stock? ▼
Reviews usually take a few days, depending on submission volume and content type.
Why was my content rejected by Adobe Stock? ▼
Common reasons include technical issues (noise, resolution, incorrect format), legal concerns (missing releases, trademarks), or not meeting Adobe Stock’s quality standards.
How do I get paid as an Adobe Stock Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties when their content is licensed. Payments are made once you reach the minimum payout threshold, with options like PayPal and Payoneer.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Adobe Stock? ▼
Yes. Contributors must submit tax forms (such as W-8BEN for non-U.S. residents). U.S. contributors receive 1099 forms.
Why is my tax form still in draft status on Adobe Stock? ▼
If you sign your tax form more than two hours after opening it, it cannot be validated and will remain in draft.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m an Adobe Stock Contributor? ▼
Yes. Adobe Stock is non-exclusive, so you can license your work on multiple marketplaces.
What kind of content sells best on Adobe Stock? ▼
Authentic lifestyle images, business concepts, technology visuals, food photography, and trending topics perform well. Adobe also provides market insights to guide contributors.
Do Adobe Stock Contributors get any extra benefits? ▼
Yes. Contributors receive free access to Adobe Portfolio to showcase their work, plus exposure to millions of Creative Cloud users.
How do I sign up as a Getty Images Contributor? ▼
You can apply through the Getty Images Contributor portal. Once approved, you can upload and license your creative assets.
What types of content can I upload to Getty Images? ▼
Getty Images accepts photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos. Contributors should focus on high-quality, commercially relevant content.
How long does the review process take on Getty Images? ▼
Reviews typically take a few days, depending on submission volume and content type.
Why was my content rejected by Getty Images? ▼
Common reasons include technical issues (noise, resolution, incorrect format), duplicate submissions, or legal concerns (missing releases, trademarks).
How do I get paid as a Getty Images Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties when their content is licensed. Payments are made once the minimum payout threshold is reached.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Getty Images? ▼
Yes. Contributors must submit tax forms (such as W-8BEN for non-U.S. residents) to comply with tax regulations.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m a Getty Images Contributor? ▼
Getty Images generally requires exclusivity for certain content, but contributors can also submit to iStock (owned by Getty) under different licensing terms.
What kind of content sells best on Getty Images? ▼
Authentic lifestyle images, business concepts, technology visuals, and editorial content are in high demand.
Why are my approved images not appearing in my Getty Images portfolio? ▼
Sometimes approved files take time to process before they appear in your portfolio.
Do Getty Images Contributors get any extra benefits? ▼
Yes. Contributors gain access to Getty’s global distribution network, insights into market trends, and exposure to millions of customers worldwide.
How do I sign up as a Pond5 Contributor? ▼
You can register through the Pond5 Contributor portal. Once approved, you can upload and sell your creative assets.
What types of content can I upload to Pond5? ▼
Pond5 accepts stock footage, music tracks, sound effects, photos, illustrations, and 3D models.
How long does the review process take on Pond5? ▼
Reviews typically take a few days, depending on submission volume and content type.
Why was my content rejected by Pond5? ▼
Common reasons include technical issues (resolution, audio quality, incorrect format), duplicate submissions, or legal concerns (missing releases, trademarks).
How do I get paid as a Pond5 Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties when their content is licensed. Payments are made once the minimum payout threshold is reached, with options like PayPal and Payoneer.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Pond5? ▼
Yes. Contributors must submit tax forms (such as W-8BEN for non-U.S. residents) to comply with tax regulations.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m a Pond5 Contributor? ▼
Yes. Pond5 is non-exclusive, meaning you can license your work on multiple marketplaces unless you opt into exclusivity.
What kind of content sells best on Pond5? ▼
High-quality stock footage, cinematic music tracks, authentic lifestyle photos, and trending sound effects are in demand.
Why are my approved files not appearing in my Pond5 portfolio? ▼
Sometimes approved files take time to process before they appear in your portfolio.
Do Pond5 Contributors get any extra benefits? ▼
Yes. Contributors gain access to Pond5’s global marketplace, pricing flexibility (you can set your own prices), and exposure to millions of customers worldwide.
How do I sign up as a Dreamstime Contributor? ▼
You can register for free on the Dreamstime Contributor portal. Once approved, you can upload and sell your creative assets.
What types of content can I upload to Dreamstime? ▼
Dreamstime accepts photos, illustrations, vectors, audio files, and videos.
How long does the review process take on Dreamstime? ▼
Reviews usually take a few days, depending on submission volume and content type.
Why was my content rejected by Dreamstime? ▼
Common reasons include technical issues (noise, resolution, incorrect format), legal concerns (missing releases, trademarks), or not meeting Dreamstime’s quality standards.
How do I get paid as a Dreamstime Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties when their content is licensed. Payments are made once you reach the minimum payout threshold, with options like PayPal and Payoneer.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Dreamstime? ▼
Yes. Contributors must submit tax forms (such as W-8BEN for non-U.S. residents) to comply with tax regulations.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m a Dreamstime Contributor? ▼
Yes. Dreamstime is non-exclusive, so you can license your work on multiple marketplaces unless you opt into exclusivity.
What kind of content sells best on Dreamstime? ▼
Authentic lifestyle images, business concepts, technology visuals, food photography, and trending topics are in demand.
How do I sign up as a Depositphotos Contributor? ▼
You can register through the Depositphotos Contributor portal. Once approved, you can upload and sell your creative assets.
What types of content can I upload to Depositphotos? ▼
Depositphotos accepts photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos.
How long does the review process take on Depositphotos? ▼
Reviews usually take a few days, depending on submission volume and content type.
Why was my content rejected by Depositphotos? ▼
Common reasons include technical issues (noise, resolution, incorrect format), legal concerns (missing releases, trademarks), or not meeting Depositphotos’ quality standards.
How do I get paid as a Depositphotos Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties when their content is licensed. Payments are made once you reach the minimum payout threshold, with options like PayPal and Skrill.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Depositphotos? ▼
Yes. Contributors must submit tax forms (such as W-8BEN for non-U.S. residents) to comply with tax regulations.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m a Depositphotos Contributor? ▼
Yes. Depositphotos is non-exclusive, so you can license your work on multiple marketplaces unless you opt into exclusivity.
What kind of content sells best on Depositphotos? ▼
Authentic lifestyle images, business concepts, technology visuals, food photography, and trending topics are in demand.
How do I sign up as a Vecteezy Contributor? ▼
You can register through the Vecteezy Contributor portal. Once approved, you can upload and sell your creative assets.
What types of content can I upload to Vecteezy? ▼
Vecteezy accepts vectors, illustrations, photos, and videos. Contributors should focus on high-quality, commercially relevant designs.
How long does the review process take on Vecteezy? ▼
Reviews usually take a few days, depending on submission volume and content type.
Why was my content rejected by Vecteezy? ▼
Common reasons include technical issues (resolution, format), legal concerns (missing releases, trademarks), or not meeting Vecteezy’s quality standards.
How do I get paid as a Vecteezy Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties when their content is licensed. Payments are made once you reach the minimum payout threshold, with options like PayPal.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Vecteezy? ▼
Yes. Contributors must submit tax forms (such as W-8BEN for non-U.S. residents) to comply with tax regulations.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m a Vecteezy Contributor? ▼
Yes. Vecteezy is non-exclusive, so you can license your work on multiple marketplaces unless you opt into exclusivity.
What kind of content sells best on Vecteezy? ▼
Popular categories include business concepts, technology visuals, lifestyle illustrations, icons, and trending vector designs.
How do I sign up as a 123RF Contributor? ▼
You can register through the 123RF Contributor portal. Once approved, you can upload and sell your creative assets.
What types of content can I upload to 123RF? ▼
123RF accepts photos, illustrations, vectors, audio files, and videos.
How long does the review process take on 123RF? ▼
Reviews usually take a few days, depending on submission volume and content type.
How do I get paid as a 123RF Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties when their content is licensed. Payments are made once you reach the minimum payout threshold, with options like PayPal and Skrill.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m a 123RF Contributor? ▼
Yes. 123RF is non-exclusive, so you can license your work on multiple marketplaces unless you opt into exclusivity.
How do I sign up as a MotionElements Contributor? ▼
You can register through the MotionElements Contributor portal. Once approved, you can upload and sell your creative assets.
What types of content can I upload to MotionElements? ▼
MotionElements accepts stock footage, motion graphics, After Effects templates, 3D models, music tracks, and sound effects.
How do I get paid as a MotionElements Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties when their content is licensed. Payments are made once you reach the minimum payout threshold, with options like PayPal and Payoneer.
Do I need to submit tax forms to MotionElements? ▼
Yes. Contributors must submit tax forms (such as W-8BEN for non-U.S. residents) to comply with tax regulations.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m a MotionElements Contributor? ▼
Yes. MotionElements is non-exclusive, so you can license your work on multiple marketplaces unless you choose exclusivity.
How do I sign up as an Envato Elements Contributor? ▼
You can apply through the Envato Author Hub. Once approved, you can upload and license your creative assets to Envato Elements.
What types of content can I upload to Envato Elements? ▼
Envato Elements accepts stock photos, graphics, templates, fonts, audio tracks, video footage, and 3D assets.
How do I get paid as an Envato Elements Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties based on subscriber downloads. Payments are distributed monthly via PayPal or Payoneer.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Envato Elements? ▼
Yes. Contributors must submit tax forms (such as W-8BEN for non-U.S. residents) to comply with international tax regulations.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m an Envato Elements Contributor? ▼
Yes. Envato Elements is non-exclusive, so you can license your work on multiple marketplaces unless you choose exclusivity.
How do I sign up as a Storyblocks Contributor? ▼
You can apply through the Storyblocks Contributor portal and upload creative assets once approved.
What types of content can I upload to Storyblocks? ▼
Storyblocks accepts stock footage, audio tracks, and motion graphics.
How do I get paid as a Storyblocks Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties based on subscriber downloads, paid monthly via PayPal or Payoneer.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Storyblocks? ▼
Yes, forms like W-8BEN (non-U.S.) or W-9 (U.S.) are required.
Can I sell the same content on other marketplaces if I’m a Storyblocks Contributor? ▼
Yes, Storyblocks is non-exclusive unless you opt into exclusivity.
How do I sign up as an Alamy Contributor? ▼
Register through Alamy’s contributor portal and upload images once approved.
What types of content can I upload to Alamy? ▼
Alamy accepts photos, illustrations, vectors, and live news images.
How do I get paid as an Alamy Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties per license, with payments via PayPal or bank transfer.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Alamy? ▼
Yes, tax forms are required to comply with international regulations.
What kind of content sells best on Alamy? ▼
Editorial, authentic lifestyle, and niche subject matter perform well.
How do I sign up as a Freepik Contributor? ▼
Apply through Freepik’s Contributor portal and upload vectors, photos, or PSD files.
What types of content can I upload to Freepik? ▼
Freepik accepts vectors, illustrations, photos, and design resources.
How do I get paid as a Freepik Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties per download, paid monthly via PayPal.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Freepik? ▼
Yes, tax forms like W-8BEN are required for compliance.
What kind of content sells best on Freepik? ▼
Business concepts, icons, templates, and lifestyle vectors are popular.
How do I sign up as a Canva Contributor? ▼
Apply through Canva’s Contributor program and upload creative assets once approved.
What types of content can I upload to Canva? ▼
Canva accepts photos, illustrations, templates, and design elements.
How do I get paid as a Canva Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties based on user downloads, paid monthly.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Canva? ▼
Yes, tax forms are required for compliance.
What kind of content sells best on Canva? ▼
Templates, business visuals, and lifestyle photography are in demand.
How do I sign up as a Pixta Contributor? ▼
Register through Pixta’s Contributor portal and upload content once approved.
What types of content can I upload to Pixta? ▼
Pixta accepts photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos.
How do I get paid as a Pixta Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties per license, paid via PayPal or bank transfer.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Pixta? ▼
Yes, tax forms are required for compliance.
What kind of content sells best on Pixta? ▼
Lifestyle, business, and cultural visuals are popular.
How do I sign up as a Bigstock Contributor? ▼
Register through Bigstock’s Contributor portal and upload content once approved.
What types of content can I upload to Bigstock? ▼
Bigstock accepts photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos.
How do I get paid as a Bigstock Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties per license, paid monthly via PayPal or Skrill.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Bigstock? ▼
Yes, tax forms like W-8BEN are required.
What kind of content sells best on Bigstock? ▼
Business, lifestyle, and trending visuals perform well.
How do I sign up as a 500px Contributor? ▼
Register through 500px’s Contributor portal and upload photos once approved.
What types of content can I upload to 500px? ▼
500px accepts photos for commercial and editorial licensing.
How do I get paid as a 500px Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties per license, paid via PayPal.
Do I need to submit tax forms to 500px? ▼
Yes, tax forms are required for compliance.
What kind of content sells best on 500px? ▼
Authentic lifestyle and artistic photography are popular.
How do I sign up as a YayImages Contributor? ▼
Register through YayImages’ Contributor portal and upload content once approved.
What types of content can I upload to YayImages? ▼
YayImages accepts photos, vectors, and illustrations.
How do I get paid as a YayImages Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties per license, paid via PayPal.
Do I need to submit tax forms to YayImages? ▼
Yes, tax forms are required for compliance.
What kind of content sells best on YayImages? ▼
Business, lifestyle, and creative visuals are in demand.
How do I sign up as a PantherMedia Contributor? ▼
Register through PantherMedia’s Contributor portal and upload content once approved.
What types of content can I upload to PantherMedia? ▼
PantherMedia accepts photos, illustrations, and vectors.
How do I get paid as a PantherMedia Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties per license, paid via PayPal or bank transfer.
Do I need to submit tax forms to PantherMedia? ▼
Yes, tax forms are required for compliance.
What kind of content sells best on PantherMedia? ▼
Lifestyle, business, and editorial visuals are popular.
How do I sign up as a Dissolve Contributor? ▼
Register through Dissolve’s Contributor portal and upload content once approved.
What types of content can I upload to Dissolve? ▼
Dissolve accepts stock footage, photos, and motion graphics.
How do I get paid as a Dissolve Contributor? ▼
Contributors earn royalties per license, paid monthly via PayPal.
Do I need to submit tax forms to Dissolve? ▼
Yes, tax forms are required for compliance.
What kind of content sells best on Dissolve? ▼
Cinematic footage, lifestyle visuals, and business concepts are in demand.
I’m so glad I came across this list! I decided to start with Shutterstock after reading your breakdown, and I just saw my first few downloads this week. I always thought the market was too crowded, but your post gave me the push to finally upload my portfolio. It’s a great feeling to see my photos actually turning into a side income—thanks for the recommendation!
That’s amazing news! Shutterstock is a fantastic place to build momentum, and I’m so glad the guide helped you take that first step. Now that you’ve got the ball rolling, keep an eye on which types of photos are selling best—that’s usually where the real growth happens. Thanks for sharing your win with us!
The guide is super practical — it breaks down the biggest platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock, and Pond5, and then shows mid-tier and niche sites that can still earn steady income. I like how it highlights royalty rates, ease of upload, and which sites are best for photos, vectors, or video. It feels encouraging too, reminding you that selling stock content is still profitable if you focus on authentic, high-quality work. Overall, it’s a clear roadmap for turning unused files into passive income.