How to Make Money from Shutterstock: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide for USA

Introduction

Shutterstock is one of the most popular platforms in the world for selling digital content. If you live in the USA and want to make money online by selling your photos, illustrations, videos, or music, then Shutterstock can be a great place to start.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know—step-by-step—about how to earn money from Shutterstock. We’ll cover how to open an account, what kind of content sells best, how to upload and tag your files, how much you can earn, and how to withdraw your earnings to your bank account.

Let’s begin.

1. What is Shutterstock?

Shutterstock is a global marketplace where creators upload and sell their stock content. Buyers around the world—businesses, bloggers, advertisers—buy these files and pay for them. When someone buys your content, you earn money.

2. What Can You Sell on Shutterstock?

You can sell:

• Photos (JPEGs)
• Illustrations (Vector, PNG, etc.)
• Videos (HD or 4K)
• Music or Sound Effects

If you are good at photography, drawing, filming, or music creation, Shutterstock is a perfect place to turn your talent into income.

3. How to Create a Shutterstock Contributor Account

Step-by-step:

Step 1: Go to submit.shutterstock.com

Step 2: Click on "Sign up."

Step 3: Enter your full name, email address, and set a password.

Step 4: Confirm your email by clicking the verification link.

Step 5: Fill in your contributor details (like your address and payment method).

Step 6: Upload a valid ID to verify your identity (passport or driver’s license).

That’s it! Your contributor account is now ready.

4. How to Upload Content

Step 1: Log in to your Shutterstock contributor dashboard.

Step 2: Click on "Upload Content."

Step 3: Drag and drop your files or click to browse and select them.

Step 4: Add the following:

• Title
• Description
• Keywords (very important for visibility)
• Category

Step 5: Submit for review.

Shutterstock will review your content for quality and originality. If approved, it goes live and becomes available for buyers.

5. Best Practices for Uploading

• Use high-quality files (avoid noise, blur, or watermarks)
• Add at least 10–50 relevant keywords
• Choose the right category
• Keep your titles clear and descriptive

6. What Type of Content Sells the Most?

In the USA and globally, the most in-demand content includes:

• Business and technology photos
• Lifestyle images
• Health and fitness photos
• Travel and nature shots
• Diversity and inclusion themes
• Abstract illustrations
• Holiday and seasonal videos

7. How Much Money Can You Make?

Earnings depend on the type of content and number of downloads. Here’s a general idea:

• Per photo download: $0.10 – $5 (or more for extended licenses)
• Per video download: $10 – $50+
• Monthly earnings:
  • Beginners: $50 – $200
  • Experienced contributors: $500 – $2000+

You earn more as your contributor level goes up. More downloads = higher earnings per download.

8. How to Get Paid (USA Users)

Shutterstock pays monthly, around the 7th to 15th of every month. You can choose how to receive your earnings:

• PayPal
• Payoneer
• Skrill
• Direct Bank Transfer (via Payoneer or other methods)

Steps to set up payment:

Step 1: Log in to Shutterstock contributor account

Step 2: Go to "Account Settings"

Step 3: Choose your payment method

Step 4: Enter your details (PayPal email, Payoneer account, etc.)

Minimum payout: $35 (must reach this before payment is sent)

9. How to Transfer Shutterstock Money to Your Bank

If you use PayPal or Payoneer, here’s how to get it into your bank:

PayPal:

• Link your bank account to your PayPal account
• Click “Transfer to Bank” once Shutterstock pays you
• Money arrives in 1–3 business days

Payoneer:

• Link your bank account in your Payoneer dashboard
• Transfer funds to your USA bank
• Usually received within 24–48 hours

10. Tips to Increase Earnings

• Upload regularly (weekly or monthly)
• Follow trends (seasonal, news, viral topics)
• Use SEO keywords (what people search)
• Join Shutterstock forums to learn
• Promote your portfolio on social media

11. Can You Do This Full-Time?

Yes. Many contributors in the USA earn a full-time income from Shutterstock. But it takes time, quality, and quantity. Some full-time contributors earn $3000 to $10,000+ per month by selling thousands of files.

12. Shutterstock Contributor App

You can manage your account on mobile:

• Download "Shutterstock Contributor" app
• Track sales, upload files, and respond to reviews

13. Legal and Tax Information (for USA Users)

As a U.S. citizen, your Shutterstock income is taxable. Shutterstock provides a 1099 form at year-end if you earn more than $600. You can use this for filing taxes.

14. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I upload mobile photos?
A: Yes, if the quality is good enough.

Q: How long does it take for files to get approved?
A: Usually 1 to 3 business days.

Q: Do I need to be a professional?
A: No. Beginners can start with basic skills.

Q: Do I need a model release?
A: Yes, if your content includes recognizable people.

Q: Can I sell the same content on other platforms?
A: Yes, unless you mark it as exclusive.

15. Final Thoughts

Shutterstock is a powerful platform to earn passive income from your creative skills. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, illustrator, or musician, this guide gives you all the steps you need to get started. You don’t need to be a pro. You just need to start.

Upload consistently, follow trends, and focus on quality. Over time, you can build a portfolio that earns money even while you sleep.

So what are you waiting for? Create your account today and start earning from your creativity!

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