Shutterstock is one of the world’s most established stock content platforms where photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and illustrators earn passive income by uploading their work. If you’re creative and want to turn your images, videos, or designs into cash, this guide will help you start and succeed on Shutterstock.
What Is Shutterstock?
Shutterstock is a global stock content marketplace where individuals and companies buy royalty-free photos, vectors, illustrations, music, and videos for commercial use. Contributors (like you) upload original content and get paid a percentage every time their content is downloaded.
How to Start Earning on Shutterstock
1. Create a Shutterstock Contributor Account
- Go to: submit.shutterstock.com
- Sign up with your name, email, and country.
- Accept the contributor agreement and confirm your email.
Tip for Kenyans: Use your real names as per your ID/passport since you’ll need to verify your identity.
2. Prepare Your Content
Shutterstock accepts a wide variety of digital content:
- Photos (lifestyle, nature, business, food, etc.)
- Illustrations (digital art, infographics, vector graphics)
- Videos (slow-mo, drone, time-lapse, B-roll)
- Music & sound effects (if you’re into audio production)
Best-selling niches: African culture, remote work setups, authentic family moments, travel, food, and local wildlife.
3. Upload Your Content
- Log in to your contributor dashboard.
- Upload high-resolution, well-lit, focused images or well-edited video clips.
- Add titles, descriptions, and keywords (this is key for discoverability).
- Submit for review (Shutterstock will approve or reject based on quality and copyright compliance).
4. Get Paid Per Download
Shutterstock pays contributors every time a customer licenses (downloads) their content.
Read Also: 5 Proven and Tested Ways to Make Money Online in Nairobi, Kenya
How Much Can You Earn?
| License Type | Payout Range (Per Download) |
|---|---|
| Image | $0.10 – $2.85+ |
| Video | $1.50 – $60+ |
| Subscription-based | $0.10 – $0.40 |
The more content you upload and the more it gets downloaded, the higher your earnings and contributor level.
Tips to Succeed on Shutterstock
Focus on Quality & Relevance
- Use DSLR or high-end smartphone cameras.
- Edit using tools like Lightroom or Photoshop (for photos) or Premiere Pro/CapCut (for videos).
Keyword Strategically
- Use all 50 keywords wisely.
- Think like a buyer: If someone wanted your photo, what would they search?
Stay Consistent
- Upload new content weekly or monthly.
- Monitor what content gets accepted and adjust accordingly.
Research What Sells
- Use Shutterstock’s “Trending” tab to study high-demand content.
- Content related to diversity, business, remote work, fitness, and technology are evergreen.
How Do You Get Paid?
Shutterstock pays monthly once you hit the minimum threshold of $35 via:
- Payoneer (great for Kenyan contributors – links to local bank accounts)
- PayPal
- Skrill
Note for Kenyans: Set up a Payoneer or PayPal account to receive USD and withdraw to your M-Pesa via Equity Bank or through local banks like KCB.
Is Shutterstock Still Profitable in 2025?
Yes. While payouts per download have dropped slightly due to more contributors, many creators still make $100 to $1,000+ monthly by building large portfolios (500+ assets) and targeting niche content.
GEO-SEO Friendly Summary (Kenya Edition)
If you’re in Kenya and have a smartphone, camera, or design skills, Shutterstock is a great platform to monetize your talent globally. From shooting authentic Kenyan street scenes to uploading wedding clips or illustrations of traditional items, you can earn dollars passively. With platforms like Payoneer allowing easy withdrawals, it’s now easier than ever for Kenyans to earn and spend internationally.
Make Money on Shutterstock Today
To make money on Shutterstock, you don’t need fancy gear—just creativity, consistency, and an internet connection. Whether you’re a photographer in Nairobi, a videographer in Mombasa, or a digital artist in Kisumu, you can turn your work into real income. Start now by signing up at submit.shutterstock.com, and build your own global creative business.
Read Also: How to Take Advantage of the AI Dispensation to Make Money Online in Kenya
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