Best stock sites for 2023 – Videos any one?

Make extra money with your Stock site Video bank

if you have been a photographer or videographer for any length of time there is a high probability that you have amassed a rather large collection of quality imagery in your back pocket. Business owners, marketing experts and other creatives just like you look for these types of photos and videos on a regular basis to create their content for their business and social media networks and platforms. With the growing demand for image banks to help pave the way forward with advances in technology namely A.I there is growing demand for these kinds of images and what better way to do that with some of the stock site options available. With an ever expanding collection of imagery available more and more companies are relying on quality visuals to tell their stories.

Did you know you can share your Shutterstock Contributor Referral Link to make money?

I have i used the services of quite a few of these stock agencies and stock sites have an ever increasing amount of video content that is growing at a huge rate. A lot of video editors find themselves in that tricky situation where it’s too costly to set the crew out again to go and grab that pick up shot or get a clip from a location that is too remote or even the budget has already been stretched. That is where stock videography really does shine. Recently i was in a situation where i really needed an aerial shot of a particular place but was short on time. Yes i could have got that shot earlier if that is what the producer had requested but this was in fact a change to the edit.

So… what’s the solution… well that’s stock video sites of course!

Here are a few of the popular ones i have used and some of the sites even do cross over on content. Not only do they cover photos, illustrations or videos, many do sound FX and Music too.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock is an online marketplace that offers a vast collection of high-quality visual content, including images, videos, illustrations, and music. It serves as a platform where photographers, videographers, artists, and musicians from around the world can showcase and sell their creative works to customers in need of captivating visuals. Whether you’re a designer, marketer, blogger, or content creator, Shutterstock provides an extensive library of licensed content to enhance your projects. This kind of stock site makes it easy for users to search for specific themes or topics and choose from a wide range of options. With a simple licensing process, you can securely download and use the chosen assets for commercial purposes. Shutterstock operates as a convenient and reliable resource, empowering both contributors and customers to access and share stunning visual content seamlessly.

They also have a Shutterstock Referral Program where you can earn income by recommending other contributors and getting customers to buy content on Shutterstock. This program lets you connect them and potential customers with all the awesome stuff on Shutterstock. It’s a win-win situation—you make money and help people discover valuable resources. Join the program now and start cashing in on your network!

IStock

iStock, like Shutterstock, is an online marketplace for creative content, including images, videos, illustrations, and audio. It also provides a platform for artists and contributors to showcase and sell their work to customers in need of visually appealing assets. However, there are a few notable differences between iStock and Shutterstock.

One key distinction is that iStock is known for its exclusive content. It offers a collection of exclusive images and illustrations that can only be found on their platform. This exclusive content is often of high quality and unique, appealing to customers who are looking for more exclusive and distinctive visuals.

One difference is in the pricing model. iStock offers a credit-based system where users can purchase credits and use them to download content. The pricing of assets varies based on the resolution and type of content. On the other hand, Shutterstock primarily operates on a subscription-based model, allowing users to download a certain number of assets per month for a fixed fee, or they can purchase content on-demand.

Both iStock and Shutterstock provide user-friendly search functionalities, allowing customers to find the right content for their projects efficiently. Ultimately, the choice between iStock and Shutterstock may depend on personal preference, the specific needs of the project, and the type of content and licensing options that best align with the user’s requirements.

Is Shutterstock a worthwhile platform for photographers?

Photographers often wonder if Shutterstock is a viable platform for their work. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that influence this decision.

Exposure to Millions of Buyers, but Fierce Competition

Shutterstock offers photographers a significant advantage in terms of exposure to a vast pool of potential buyers. With millions of users on the platform, there are ample opportunities to showcase and sell your photos. However, it’s important to consider the fierce competition you’ll face. With millions of contributors and hundreds of millions of images already available, standing out from the crowd can be challenging.

Royalties: 15% to 40% of the Sale Price

One key aspect to evaluate is the royalties you can earn on Shutterstock. As a contributor, you are entitled to receive a percentage of the sale price for each photo sold. Shutterstock’s royalty rates typically range from 15% to 40%, depending on various factors. It’s essential to understand these rates and assess if they align with your financial goals and expectations.

Evaluating Worthiness: A Personal Decision

Determining whether Shutterstock is worth it for you as a photographer is a subjective decision. Consider your own circumstances, objectives, and priorities. Reflect on the potential exposure and reach Shutterstock provides, balanced against the competitive landscape and the royalties you can expect. It’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and aspirations.

Finding the Platform with the Highest Payouts

When it comes to stock photo sites, you may be curious about which one offers the highest payouts to photographers. While royalty rates are generally similar across various platforms, there are variations to consider. For example, Getty Images, the parent company of iStock, often offers larger payouts per sale. A single sale on Getty Images can yield substantial earnings, sometimes amounting to tens or even hundreds of dollars. On the other hand, Shutterstock might provide more frequent sales, but the earnings per sale tend to be lower.

Ultimately, the choice of stock site depends on your preferences, goals, and priorities. Carefully evaluate the exposure, competition, royalty rates, and potential earnings on different platforms to make an informed decision that aligns with your photography career objectives.

What’s great about the program is that you have the chance to not only offer photographers and videographers more opportunities to monetize their passions but also enable them to expand their network and earn income through referrals. It’s a double opportunity where you can support fellow creatives and empower them to thrive while benefiting from the potential financial rewards of their success.

If you want to try out Shutterstock you can give it a go here, you may be surprised!

Artlist

Artlist is another amazing online platform that provides creators with a library of high-quality, royalty-free music, sound effects, and stock footage for use in their creative projects. It offers a subscription-based service that grants users access to an extensive collection of music tracks and sound effects that can be used in films, videos, commercials, podcasts, and other multimedia productions. I am a huge fan of this one and have been personally using their platform for quite some time now.

The platform features a user-friendly interface with advanced search and filtering options, allowing users to browse and discover music that matches their specific needs. The music catalog covers a wide range of genres, moods, and tempos, making it suitable for various types of content.