As you accumulate the number of images and/or videos licensed from your portfolio, you will automatically progress through the earnings levels. There are a total of 6 levels for images and for footage, ranging from 15% up to 40% in earnings per download. Take a look at the full Earnings Breakdown for more details.
Once you reach a new level, you will receive an email from Shutterstock informing you of this achievement and your new earnings percentage. Your contributor earnings, along with your Image or Video Level, are displayed in the Dashboard section of your account. Levels for all contributors will reset to Level 1 on January 1st of each year.