If you’re having trouble logging in to your Shutterstock Contributor account, run through these checks:
1. Check that you’re on the correct site
Contributors and customers log in to different websites:
Contributor site: http://submit.shutterstock.com
Customer site: www.shutterstock.com
You cannot access the Contributor site using customer credentials. Even if the email/username is the same, you must register separately for each website.
2. Reset your password
If you cannot remember your password or are unable to log in:
Use this link: Reset Password
Or follow this guide: How can I recover my login information?
Enter the email address associated with your account.
Check your spam/junk folder if the email does not appear.
Most reset emails arrive within minutes, but in some cases delivery can take up to 24 hours.
3. New accounts: verification and activation
New Contributor accounts may display “verification failed” or “account disabled” errors.
This is normal: the verification process can take up to 24 hours to complete.
After verification, your account may remain disabled for an additional 24–36 hours while your information is fully integrated into the system.
Once this process is finished, your account will be enabled and you will be able to log in and submit work.
4. Do not open a new account
Opening more than one Contributor account is not permitted under the Contributor Terms of Service.
Having multiple accounts may result in both accounts being blocked.
Always resolve login issues on your existing account rather than attempting to create another.
5. Fix technical/browser issues
If you are using the correct site but still cannot log in:
Clear your cache and cookies.
Try resetting your browser.
If possible, test on a different browser or device.
Errors like 406 or similar usually indicate a temporary issue between your device and Shutterstock’s servers. These problems often resolve automatically, but clearing cache and switching browsers can also help.
6. Still need help?
If none of the above resolves your issue, see this troubleshooting article: Help logging in to my account