Here’s a curated list of the best microstock and stock photography websites where you can sell your photos and earn passive income as a contributor:
🔝 Top Microstock & Stock Photography Websites to Sell Photos
1. Shutterstock
Type: Microstock
Payout: $0.10–$2.85 per download (varies by contributor level and license)
Pros: Huge global buyer base, frequent downloads
Cons: Low commission for beginners
🔗 Contributor Signup
2. Adobe Stock (Formerly Fotolia)
Type: Microstock
Payout: 33% commission on photos
Pros: High commission rate, direct link to Creative Cloud users
Cons: Moderate competition
🔗 Become a Contributor
3. iStock by Getty Images
Type: Microstock
Payout: 15–45% depending on exclusivity
Pros: Strong reputation, powerful buyer network
Cons: Exclusive contributors earn more
🔗 Contribute Here
4. Dreamstime
Type: Microstock
Payout: 25–60% depending on exclusivity and level
Pros: Accepts wide range of content, beginner-friendly
Cons: Slower review times
🔗 Join Dreamstime
5. Alamy
Type: Midstock/Traditional Stock
Payout: 40% (50% for exclusive)
Pros: Higher pricing per photo, editorial content accepted
Cons: Lower volume of downloads
🔗 Sell on Alamy
6. Depositphotos
Type: Microstock
Payout: $0.30–$37.00 per file depending on license and contributor level
Pros: Simple interface, decent buyer base
Cons: Lower prices per download
🔗 Become a Contributor
7. 123RF
Type: Microstock
Payout: 30–60% royalty
Pros: Flexible contributor plans
Cons: Not as much traffic as top-tier sites
🔗 Join 123RF
8. Can Stock Photo
Type: Microstock
Payout: $0.25–$0.50 per download, 50% on credit sales
Pros: Easy to upload and submit
Cons: Slower sales
🔗 Contribute Here
9. EyeEm (Partnered with Getty)
Type: Stock Photography
Payout: 50% royalty on sales
Pros: AI-based tagging, artistic style images do well
Cons: Focus on lifestyle/editorial content
🔗 Sell on EyeEm
10. Bigstock
Type: Microstock (Owned by Shutterstock)
Payout: $0.25–$3.00 per download
Pros: Passive income potential
Cons: Lower overall traffic
🔗 Apply Here
✅ Tips to Maximize Sales
Upload regularly and consistently.
Use keyword-rich titles and tags.
Follow trends: seasonal events, technology, business, and lifestyle.
Diversify your portfolio across multiple platforms.
