If you’re having trouble submitting or uploading content to Shutterstock, here are the most common causes and solutions.
1. Browser or device issues
Sometimes upload problems are browser-specific.
Try clearing your cache and cookies, or switch to a different browser or device.
If the issue persists, refer to this guide: Troubleshooting uploading errors
2. Check technical requirements
Uploads may fail if your files don’t meet Shutterstock’s requirements. Be sure to review:
If requirements are not met, your upload will not complete successfully.
3. Website uploads
If you are uploading via the Contributor website and the upload does not go through:
Double-check that your images meet all requirements.
If everything looks correct, try again after a few hours — sometimes the issue resolves itself.
4. FTP uploads
If you are uploading through FTP:
Ensure that your files meet all technical requirements.
Uploaded files can take up to 72 hours to appear on the site.
For guidance, see:
Uploaded footage will appear in your VIDEO portfolio, which you can access from below the red “Upload Images” tab near the top left of your dashboard.
5. Account issues
If you are unable to upload content and also cannot log in to your account, your account may have been disabled or blocked.
In this case, you will not be able to upload or submit until the issue with your account is resolved.
6. New Tax Form
You must submit a tax form within 90 days of the first reminder that appears in your Contributor Portal. If you do not submit it within that timeframe, your Upload and Submit buttons will be disabled. You will not be able to upload new content again until your tax form is submitted and approved.