Have you ever wondered how creators turn their passion for videography into a steady income stream? Shutterstock offers a fantastic platform for videographers to monetize their work by submitting videos and earning royalties whenever someone downloads their content. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, understanding how to navigate Shutterstock‘s system can open up new opportunities for income. In this post, we’ll walk through the basics of earning money on
Understanding Shutterstock’s Video Submission Process
Getting your videos onto Shutterstock and earning money from them might seem a bit daunting at first, but once you understand the process, it’s pretty straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you get started:
- Create an Account: First, sign up as a contributor on Shutterstock’s website. It’s free and easy—just provide some basic information and agree to their terms.
- Prepare Your Videos: Before submitting, make sure your videos meet Shutterstock’s technical requirements. This includes:
- High-resolution footage (usually 4K or HD)
- Properly formatted files (like MOV or MP4)
- No watermarks or branding
- Good lighting and clear audio
- Upload Your Videos: Once your videos are ready, upload them through Shutterstock’s contributor portal. Be prepared to add relevant details like titles, descriptions, and keywords—these help buyers find your videos more easily.
- Review and Submit: After uploading, your videos will go through Shutterstock’s review process, which ensures they meet quality and content standards. This review can take a few days.
- Approval and Listing: If your videos pass review, they’ll be listed on Shutterstock’s marketplace. Now they’re available for customers to purchase and download.
From here, every time someone downloads one of your videos, you earn a royalty. The amount varies depending on factors like your contributor level and the licensing type. The key is to keep uploading high-quality content, optimize your metadata with good keywords, and stay consistent. Remember, patience is essential—building a portfolio takes time, but with persistence, your videos can start generating a steady income stream.
3. Creating High-Quality Videos That Sell
Alright, so you want your videos to stand out and actually make you some money on Shutterstock? The secret sauce is all about quality. Buyers on Shutterstock are looking for footage that’s not just good enough — they want professional, engaging, and versatile clips they can use in various projects. So, how do you create videos that sell? Let’s break it down.
First off, invest in good equipment. You don’t need the most expensive camera out there, but a decent one with good resolution (at least 1080p or 4K) makes a huge difference. Clear visuals with vibrant colors tend to catch the eye more easily. Also, pay attention to lighting — natural light is great if you’re filming outdoors, but if you’re indoors, consider softbox lights or ring lights to eliminate shadows and create a polished look.
Next, think about your content. What kind of videos are in demand? Scenes that are versatile and useful tend to perform well. Think: people working in offices, outdoor cityscapes, nature shots, lifestyle clips, or even abstract backgrounds. Try to shoot footage that can be repurposed across different projects — stock footage buyers love clips that can fit into various themes.
Here are some tips for creating high-quality, sellable videos:
- Plan your shots: Before hitting record, have a clear idea of what you want to capture. Storyboarding or shot lists help keep your footage focused and professional.
- Keep it steady: Use tripods or stabilizers to avoid shaky footage. Steady shots look more professional and are more likely to be accepted by Shutterstock.
- Mind the composition: Use the rule of thirds, and ensure your subjects are well-framed. Good composition makes your videos more appealing.
- Mind your audio: If your video includes sound, record it clearly. Otherwise, consider adding background music or sound effects to enhance the mood.
- Edit thoughtfully: Use editing software to trim unnecessary parts, correct colors, and add transitions if needed. Keep it clean and straightforward.
Lastly, remember to shoot in a variety of styles and themes. The more diverse your portfolio, the higher your chances of making sales. And don’t forget — consistency is key. The more high-quality videos you upload regularly, the more your chances of getting noticed and making sales increase.
4. Optimizing Video Titles and Descriptions for Better Visibility
Once you’ve created some fantastic videos, the next step is making sure people can find them. That’s where optimizing your titles and descriptions comes into play. Think of it like SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for your videos. The better your metadata, the higher your videos will rank in Shutterstock’s search results, leading to more views and sales.
Start with your video titles. They should be clear, descriptive, and include relevant keywords. Instead of a vague title like “Video1,” go for something specific like “Caucasian Woman Working on Laptop in Modern Office.” This helps buyers understand exactly what they’re getting at a glance. Use keywords naturally — avoid keyword stuffing, which can look spammy and hurt your visibility.
Next up are the descriptions. Think of them as the detailed pitch for your video. Be thorough but concise. Describe what’s happening in the footage, mention the setting, people involved, and any relevant details. Incorporate keywords naturally — for example, if your video features a “city skyline at sunset,” include related terms like “urban landscape,” “evening cityscape,” or “downtown skyline.”
Here’s a quick checklist for optimizing your titles and descriptions:
- Use relevant keywords: Think about what buyers might search for.
- Be specific: Clearly describe the content to attract the right audience.
- Include details: Mention the location, mood, activities, or subjects involved.
- Keep it natural: Write naturally, avoiding keyword stuffing.
- Use tags wisely: Add relevant tags that complement your title and description.
Remember, the goal is to make your videos as discoverable as possible. So, take your time crafting compelling and SEO-friendly titles and descriptions. When your videos show up in relevant searches, you’ll have a much better shot at making sales and turning your video hobby into a steady income stream.
5. Tips for Increasing Your Video Sales and Income
So, you’ve uploaded some videos to Shutterstock and you’re eager to boost your sales and income. That’s fantastic! The good news is that with a few smart strategies, you can really maximize your earning potential. Let’s dive into some practical tips to help you stand out and make more money with your videos.
1. Focus on Popular and Trending Topics
Keeping an eye on current trends can make a big difference. Think about what types of videos are in high demand right now—such as remote work scenes, health and wellness, or technology. Creating content around these themes increases the chances of your videos being discovered and purchased.
2. Invest in Quality
High-quality videos are more likely to sell. Make sure your footage is sharp, well-lit, and free of distracting noise. Using good equipment and editing thoughtfully can elevate your videos and make them more appealing to buyers.
3. Use Effective Keywords and Descriptions
Keywords are your best friends on platforms like Shutterstock. Use descriptive, relevant keywords and detailed descriptions so that your videos show up in search results. Think about what a buyer might search for when looking for content like yours.
4. Regularly Upload New Content
The more videos you have, the higher your chances of sales. Set a schedule to upload new content consistently. This not only keeps your portfolio fresh but also signals to Shutterstock that you’re an active contributor, which can boost your visibility.
5. Engage with the Community
Join online forums or social media groups related to stock footage. Sharing tips, feedback, and experiences can inspire new ideas and help you stay motivated. Sometimes, connecting with other creators can lead to collaborations or insights that improve your content quality.
6. Offer a Variety of Content
Different clients look for different styles and themes. By diversifying your portfolio—think landscape, lifestyle, business, or abstract footage—you open yourself up to a wider audience and increase your sales potential.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Videos on Shutterstock
While it’s exciting to get started, it’s equally important to steer clear of some common pitfalls that can hinder your success. Let’s talk about what to watch out for so you can keep your journey smooth and profitable.
1. Ignoring Quality and Technical Standards
Uploading videos that are blurry, poorly lit, or shaky can turn buyers away. Always review your footage before submitting. Make sure your videos meet Shutterstock’s technical requirements—such as resolution, frame rate, and audio quality—to avoid rejection or low sales.
2. Using Irrelevant or Overused Keywords
Stuffing your videos with misleading or generic keywords may seem tempting, but it can harm your reputation and make your videos harder to find. Be honest and precise with your descriptions and tags to attract genuine buyers.
3. Failing to Research Market Demand
Not all videos sell equally. Uploading content that’s too niche or outdated can result in poor sales. Spend time researching what types of footage are trending and in demand, then tailor your content accordingly.
4. Overcrowding Your Portfolio with Similar Videos
While variety is good, uploading many very similar clips can be counterproductive. It might dilute your portfolio’s overall quality and make it less appealing. Instead, focus on creating a diverse but cohesive collection.
5. Neglecting Metadata Optimization
Failing to use relevant titles, descriptions, and keywords can make your videos invisible to potential buyers. Take the time to optimize your metadata—this is crucial for discoverability.
6. Not Monitoring Performance and Trends
Ignore your sales reports at your peril! Regularly review which videos are performing well and which aren’t. Use this data to inform your future content creation, focusing on styles and themes that sell best.
By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing smart strategies, you’ll be well on your way to increasing your income with Shutterstock videos. Remember, patience and persistence are key. Keep refining your craft, stay updated on market trends, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy shooting!
Conclusion and Next Steps to Start Earning Money with Your Videos
Getting started with earning money through your videos on Shutterstock is an exciting journey that requires dedication and strategic planning. Now that you understand the basics of creating high-quality content and the submission process, it’s time to take actionable steps to maximize your earning potential.
First, focus on producing videos that meet Shutterstock’s content standards and appeal to a broad audience. Consistency is key; regularly uploading new content increases your visibility and chances of sales. Consider diversifying your portfolio with various themes and styles to attract a wider customer base.
Next, optimize your videos with relevant keywords, titles, and descriptions to improve discoverability in Shutterstock’s search results. Use descriptive tags to help potential buyers find your work easily. Keep track of trending topics and popular categories to tailor your content accordingly.
Additionally, engage with the Shutterstock contributor community for tips, feedback, and support. Participate in forums or attend webinars to stay updated on platform changes and best practices.
To get started, follow these Next Steps:
- Create a dedicated workspace and organize your video assets
- Upload your best videos consistently
- Use targeted keywords and compelling titles/descriptions
- Promote your portfolio on social media to increase exposure
- Monitor your sales and analytics to understand what works best
Remember, patience and persistence are vital. With time and effort, you can turn your videography passion into a steady income stream on Shutterstock. Keep learning, improving, and uploading, and your earnings will grow accordingly.
