Contributor FAQ
Contributor FAQ
24 articles
How do I update my account information as a SSTK Contributor?You may need to update your address, name, or display name - here’s how to do it.
Why is my content still pending review?Understand why your content is pending review, typical timelines, possible delays, and what to expect during the process.
Why can’t I log in to my Contributor account?Trouble logging in to your Contributor account? Learn common causes, fixes, and steps to resolve login and access issues.
Why are my approved images missing from my portfolio?Find out why your approved images may not yet appear in your portfolio and learn about processing times, folders, and data licensing.
Why can’t I submit or upload my content?Learn why you may be unable to upload or submit content, from browser and technical issues to FTP delays and account problems
How do I set up or fix my earnings payment method?Set up or fix your Shutterstock Contributor payment method. Learn supported options, setup steps, troubleshooting, and tax form checks.
Why didn’t I receive my account verification email?Haven’t received your Contributor verification email? Learn about delays, spam checks, resending, and fixing sign-up email issues.
What are the requirements for model releases?Learn Shutterstock’s model release requirements, when releases are needed, how to complete them, and steps to ensure approval.
How do I cancel or close my Contributor account?Learn how to pause or permanently close your Contributor account, handle unpaid earnings, and understand the closure timeline.
How do I register for a Shutterstock Contributor account?Learn how to register as a Shutterstock Contributor, submit your first images, and start earning from your creative work.
How do I submit content to Shutterstock?Learn how to upload and submit content to Shutterstock via web, FTP, or mobile, including requirements for titles, keywords, and releases.
What should I do if I have problems registering a Contributor account?Having trouble registering a Contributor account? Learn how to fix email errors, reset passwords, and complete your account setup.
How do I report copyright infringement of my content?Report copyright infringement of your work: how to file a DMCA notice, what details to include, and where to send your complaint.
What is Shutterstock’s content exclusivity policy?Shutterstock is non-exclusive: you keep copyright to your work and can sell it anywhere, unless another platform requires exclusivity.
Why was my content rejected for title or keywords?Learn why content may be rejected for titles or keywords, including formatting rules, metadata standards, and common mistakes.
Why was my content rejected for trademark issues?Find out why content may be rejected for trademarks, what counts as a trademark, and how to fix or submit as editorial instead.
How do I update my content on Shutterstock?Learn how to update your Shutterstock content: edit metadata, delete files, or resubmit rejected work with correct details
Why hasn’t my contributor level updated?Find out why your contributor level hasn’t updated yet, how levels are calculated, when updates occur, and how to track progress
Why was my content rejected for property release issues?Learn why property release issues cause rejections, common mistakes to avoid, and how to complete forms correctly for approval
How does the Shutterstock referral program work?Learn how Shutterstock’s referral program works, where to find your links, how referrals are tracked, and how to earn extra income
Why am I still seeing $0.10 earnings at higher levels?Understand why you may still see $0.10 earnings at higher levels, how payout percentages work, and why sales vary by license type
How do I submit illustrations to Shutterstock?The requirements for submitting illustrations to Shutterstock depend on whether your work is digital or non-digital.
What are the photo and video quality requirements on Shutterstock?Shutterstock takes great care to ensure that our marketplace offers a wide range of licensing options and content that meets compliance requirements, along with the high-quality standards our customers expect.
Get in touchHow and when to get in touch with Contributor Support