Contributor earnings levels on Shutterstock are based on the number of qualifying downloads in a calendar year. Sometimes contributors expect their level to change immediately, but there are rules and timing considerations that explain delays.
1. How earnings levels are calculated
Earnings levels reset on January 1 each year.
Only downloads from the current calendar year count toward your level.
Downloads from previous years do not carry over.
Levels are calculated separately for images and videos.
More information:
How much will I be paid as a contributor to Shutterstock?
2. Timing of level updates
Level upgrades are usually updated within 90 minutes of reaching the threshold.
Shutterstock also notifies contributors of level changes by email within a few hours.
If you haven’t received an email, check your current level directly in your dashboard: Contributor dashboard
3. Checking your downloads and earnings
From your dashboard homepage, go to the Earnings section.
Click the Monthly Earnings tab to view your year-to-date totals.
Click the Levels tab to see your current level for both images and videos.
You can also use the drop-down menu in the earnings section to separate totals for images and videos.
Earnings table: Earnings levels and payout details
4. Common misunderstandings
If your level hasn’t updated, double-check that you are counting downloads from January 1 of the current year only.
Remember that while your level determines your percentage rate, some sales may still show as $0.10 minimum earnings. This happens when your percentage payout would be less than $0.10, and Shutterstock rounds it up to the minimum.
5. Key points to remember
Levels reset annually on January 1.
Updates typically take about 90 minutes.
Images and videos are tracked separately.
You can track your progress in the Earnings and Levels tabs on your dashboard.
Minimum contributor payout per download is $0.10 regardless of level.