Contributors often notice $0.10 earnings even after moving up to a higher earnings level. This is normal and part of Shutterstock’s payment system.
1. Minimum earnings
Regardless of your level, some downloads will pay $0.10.
This happens when your percentage payout (based on your level) is less than $0.10.
In these cases, Shutterstock rounds up the payment to the minimum of $0.10.
2. Why this happens
Shutterstock sells content through many different licenses, packages, and promotional deals.
In some cases, the customer pays as little as $0.20–$0.30 per download in a large subscription pack.
If your percentage share of that price is under $0.10, you will still receive $0.10.
For smaller packs, single image sales, or higher-value licenses, your payout will be higher and will reflect your contributor level percentage.
3. Payments at higher levels
At higher levels, you earn a higher fixed percentage of the sale price.
While $0.10 earnings remain possible, you will also see higher-value sales more often.
Examples:
Large subscription pack → $0.10 per download.
Smaller subscription pack or on-demand sale → higher payout based on your level.
4. More information
Full details of contributor levels and payout percentages:
Earnings levels and payout detailsPricing information for customer packages:
Shutterstock customer pricing
5. Key points to remember
$0.10 is the minimum payout per download, regardless of level.
All contributors, at all levels, receive some $0.10 earnings.
Levels determine your percentage share, not the complete elimination of $0.10 sales.
The variation in earnings reflects the wide range of license types and customer package pricing.