Please note that the Bridge to Bigstock program is not accepting new participants. What is the Bridge to Bigstock?
Shutterstock and Bigstock are two stock image sites both owned by Shutterstock and run as separate brands. The Bridge to Bigstock was a program that allowed Shutterstock contributors with the highest lifetime sales volume to automatically copy all of their approved Shutterstock images—existing and to be approved in the future—to Bigstock as well.
Why are Shutterstock and Bigstock doing this?
We're doing this to make the Bigstock collection larger and more diverse to meet the needs of our growing customer base. We don't expect this action to have any impact on Shutterstock sales.
Is this the first step in blending the Shutterstock and Bigstock collections?
No. Our strategy has always been to keep the brands distinct, and nothing has changed in that respect. We have no plans to combine the two libraries.
Who can participate?
Participation in the Bridge to Bigstock was by invitation only and on an opt-in basis. We invited Shutterstock customers with the highest lifetime sales volume who have accounts in good standing.
Can I change my mind after I've enrolled?
Yes, you can turn off your automatic connection to Bigstock any time. You can also edit or delete images like any other Bigstock contributor.
If I participate, how long will it take before my images appear on Bigstock?
When the program begins, it could take a few days or even a few weeks for our system to generate thumbnails and previews for your images on Bigstock. The process will speed up significantly after we process your first batch of images.
How much will I earn on Bigstock?
You'll earn the same rates as other Bigstock contributors.
If I participate, will I need to manage my portfolios separately on both sites?
Yes. If you have an image on both Bigstock and Shutterstock and you want to make a change, such as modifying your keywords or deleting an image, you'll have to make the change on both sites. You will also manage any changes to your account information and tax forms separately on each site.
Are all images eligible for the Bridge to Bigstock?
In the rare case where a Shutterstock image is designated as R-rated, we will not copy it to Bigstock.
If I participate in the Bridge to Bigstock, will I also be opted in to Bigstock Reseller Sales and Bigstock Special Licensing?
No. However, you may opt in to these programs later. With the Bigstock Reseller Program, Bigstock will offer your images to a limited number of resellers, and you will earn a commission on every sale that's at least as high as your standard Bigstock commission. If you make your images available with Special Licensing, you can earn higher commissions on sales with broader usage terms, such as merchandising rights. You change your settings any time by visiting your Uploads page on Bigstock.
What marketing efforts are you doing to promote Bigstock?
Bigstock is running multiple online ad campaigns. We are also running print advertising in top industry magazines. We're speaking directly with prospective customers by exhibiting at trade shows such as HOW, Design City/ Print World, South By Southwest, Photoshop World, and Visual Connections. This is to make sure customers know they can count on Bigstock for quality images at reasonable prices, and to bring our artists the sales that encourage them to create and contribute more images.
If I participate, will my Bigstock earnings be combined into a single payout with my Shutterstock earnings?
No. We maintain separate payout systems for each site, and your payouts will accumulate and be sent to you independently.
I didn't get invited but I do pretty well on Shutterstock. Might I get invited in the future?
This program is closed to new participants.