How to Submit Editorial Footage to Shutterstock

Thinking about turning your camera moments into income? Shutterstock is one of the leading platforms where videographers and photographers can share their work, especially editorial content that covers news, events, or public interest topics. Submitting footage might seem daunting at first, but with a clear process, you can get your footage in front of a global audience and start earning royalties. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step—so whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, you’ll have all the info you need to successfully submit your editorial footage to Shutterstock and make your work stand out.

Understanding Shutterstock’s Editorial Content Guidelines

Before you hit that upload button, it’s essential to understand what Shutterstock considers editorial content and what their specific guidelines are. Editorial footage is different from commercial content because it’s meant to illustrate newsworthy events, cultural moments, or public interest stories. This means that your footage should be relevant, timely, and responsibly captured. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Subject Matter: Your clips should depict real-world events, public figures, landmarks, or news scenes. Stock footage of private properties or individuals requires careful consideration regarding privacy and consent.
• Legal Permissions: Make sure you have the necessary rights and permissions to shoot and upload the footage. Avoid filming in private spaces or restricted areas without authorization.
• Respect Privacy and Rights: Do not include copyrighted music, trademarks, or private information that could lead to legal issues. If people are recognizable, especially in sensitive situations, consider obtaining releases when possible.
• Quality and Clarity: Your footage should be high-quality—sharp, properly exposed, and steady. Blurry, poorly lit, or shaky clips are less likely to be accepted.
• Accuracy and Authenticity: Be truthful in your depiction. Avoid staging or altering scenes in a way that could mislead viewers or misrepresent reality.

By understanding these guidelines, you ensure that your footage aligns with Shutterstock’s standards, increasing your chances of acceptance and helping maintain the integrity of the platform’s editorial collection. Remember, editorial content is all about capturing genuine moments that inform, educate, or raise awareness—so authenticity is key.

3. Preparing Your Footage for Submission

Before you even think about uploading your footage, it’s essential to make sure everything is polished and ready to impress. Shutterstock has specific requirements to ensure that all content is high-quality and suitable for their marketplace. Let’s walk through the key steps to prepare your footage so it stands out.

1. Check the Technical Specifications: Shutterstock prefers footage in high definition or 4K resolution. For most submissions, this means:

• Resolution: 1920×1080 (HD) or higher, ideally 4K (3840×2160)
• Frame Rate: Typically 24, 25, or 30 fps
• File Format: MOV or MP4 (H.264 codec recommended)
• Bitrate: Use a high enough bitrate to ensure quality without creating unnecessarily large files

2. Edit for Clarity and Quality: Review your footage carefully. Trim out any shaky, blurry, or poorly lit parts. Use editing software to color correct if needed, and ensure your clips are sharp and vibrant. Remember, good lighting and steady shots go a long way!

3. Ensure Proper Sound Quality: If your footage includes sound, make sure it’s clear and free from background noise. Sometimes, removing sound altogether can work if the audio isn’t adding value.

4. Add Metadata and Descriptive Titles: Think about how viewers will search for your footage. Prepare descriptive, keyword-rich titles and tags that accurately reflect the content. This makes your footage more discoverable.

5. Check for Copyright and Releases: Make sure you have the rights to all elements in your footage. If your clips feature people or private property, ensure you have signed model or property releases. Shutterstock requires these for certain types of content.

6. Organize Your Files: Keep your clips neatly named and organized in folders. This makes the upload process smoother and helps you keep track of what you’ve submitted.

4. Creating a Shutterstock Contributor Account

Ready to share your footage with the world? The first step is creating a contributor account on Shutterstock. The process is straightforward, and I’ll guide you through it so you can get started without a hitch.

Step 1: Visit the Shutterstock Contributor Page
Go to https://submit.shutterstock.com and click on the “Join Now” button. This leads you to the registration form where you’ll begin your journey as a contributor.

Step 2: Fill Out Your Personal Information
Provide your name, email address, and create a strong password. Make sure your email is active, as Shutterstock will send you important notifications about your account and submissions.

Step 3: Agree to the Terms and Conditions
Carefully read Shutterstock’s contributor agreement. If you’re comfortable with their terms, check the box to agree and proceed.

Step 4: Submit Your Profile Details
You’ll be asked to provide additional details like your country, preferred payment method, and tax information. Filling this out accurately is crucial for smooth payments once your content starts earning.

Step 5: Verify Your Email Address
Shutterstock will send a verification email. Open your inbox and click on the link to confirm your email. This step is essential to activate your account.

Step 6: Upload Your Portfolio (Optional but Recommended)
While you can start uploading footage right away, it’s a good idea to add some sample clips or images to your portfolio. This helps reviewers assess your work and gives potential buyers a taste of your style.

Step 7: Wait for Approval
Your account will go through a review process. Shutterstock typically takes a few days to verify your information and approve your account. Once approved, you’ll receive an email, and you can start submitting your footage immediately.

Creating your contributor account is the gateway to sharing your creativity with a global audience. Take your time to fill out your profile carefully—this first impression can impact how quickly your submissions are approved and how well they perform.

5. Uploading Your Editorial Footage to Shutterstock

Once you’ve prepared your footage and are confident it’s ready for submission, it’s time to upload it to Shutterstock. This step might seem straightforward, but there are a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly and your footage gets accepted without any hiccups.

First, log into your Contributor account on Shutterstock. Navigate to the upload section—usually labeled as “Upload” or “Submit Content.” Here, you’ll find options to upload video files directly from your computer. Before you start uploading, double-check the file format and specifications. Shutterstock typically accepts formats like MOV, AVI, or MP4, with a recommended resolution of at least 1920×1080 (Full HD) and a maximum size of 50 GB per file.

When selecting your footage, ensure that it’s properly named and organized. It’s a good idea to keep your files in a dedicated folder to avoid any confusion or accidental uploads. Click the upload button and select your video files. Depending on your internet speed and file size, uploads might take some time, so patience is key.

During the upload process, Shutterstock may offer you the option to add multiple files at once or to upload in batches. Take advantage of this to save time, especially if you have several clips. Once uploaded, the platform will process your videos—this can take a few minutes to several hours, depending on the file size and server load.

After processing, your footage will appear in the submission queue. Before you move on to the next step, make sure that your files have been successfully uploaded and processed without errors. If there are any issues, Shutterstock will usually notify you with details on what needs fixing.

Remember, quality control is crucial. Upload only your best work, and avoid rushing through this step. Well-prepared, high-quality footage increases your chances of acceptance and sales in the Shutterstock marketplace.

6. Adding Metadata and Descriptions for Your Footage

With your footage uploaded and processed, the next vital step is adding detailed metadata, descriptions, and keywords. Think of this as giving your video a digital label that helps buyers find it easily. Proper metadata can make a huge difference in whether your footage gets noticed and purchased.

Start by adding a clear and concise title that accurately describes what’s in your footage. Avoid generic titles like “Video1” or “Untitled.” Instead, be specific—something like “Urban Street Scene with Pedestrians and Bicyclists.” This helps viewers quickly understand what your footage depicts.

Next, write a detailed description. Be informative but natural—imagine explaining your footage to a friend. Mention key elements such as the location, activities happening, and notable visuals. For example, “This footage shows a busy downtown street with pedestrians walking, cyclists passing by, and tall skyscrapers in the background during daylight hours.”

Keywords are perhaps the most critical part of metadata. Think of them as tags that connect your footage to relevant searches. Use a mix of broad and specific keywords, such as city, urban, street, pedestrians, bicycles, daytime, modern architecture. Shutterstock allows you to add multiple keywords—aim for at least 15-30 relevant terms. Avoid irrelevant tags, as they can hurt your credibility and search ranking.

Finally, review all the entered metadata carefully. Clear, accurate, and keyword-rich descriptions not only improve your footage’s discoverability but also help maintain your reputation as a contributor. Take your time with this step—it’s worth the effort to increase your chances of making sales and building your portfolio on Shutterstock.

7. Reviewing and Submitting Your Footage for Approval

Alright, you’ve gone through the process of uploading your footage and filling out all the necessary details—great job! Now, the next crucial step is reviewing everything carefully before hitting that submit button. Think of this as giving your work a final check-up to make sure it’s polished and ready for the world.

First, double-check your footage quality. Is it sharp, well-lit, and free of distracting noise or artifacts? Remember, Shutterstock has high standards, so clarity and professionalism matter a lot. Play through your clips at least once more to catch any issues you might have missed initially.

Next, review all your metadata: titles, descriptions, and keywords. Make sure they accurately describe your footage and include relevant keywords that potential buyers might search for. Use clear, descriptive language that highlights the main elements of your footage. Avoid keyword stuffing—be natural and precise.

Here’s a quick checklist before you submit:

• Footage is in the correct format and resolution
• Audio is clear and synchronized (if applicable)
• All metadata fields are filled out accurately and thoroughly
• Clips are properly trimmed, with no unnecessary starts or ends
• No watermarks or branding on the footage
• File names are clear and professional

Once you’re satisfied, review the submission details one last time. When everything looks good, click the “Submit for Review” button. Shutterstock’s review team will then evaluate your footage. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on their workload and the quality of your submission.

While waiting, avoid making changes or resubmitting immediately, as this could delay the review process. Instead, use this time to prepare more footage or refine your existing content. Remember, patience is key here—professionally submitted, high-quality content will stand out and increase your chances of acceptance.

8. Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Acceptance

Getting your footage accepted on Shutterstock can sometimes feel like hitting the jackpot, especially when you’re just starting out. But don’t worry—there are some tried-and-true strategies to boost your chances of approval and get your work in front of buyers faster.

Here are some practical tips:

1. Follow the Guidelines Carefully: Every platform has specific technical and content requirements. Familiarize yourself with Shutterstock’s submission standards—resolution, format, length, and content restrictions—and stick to them. This shows professionalism and reduces rejection chances.
2. Focus on Quality: Invest in good equipment and editing tools. Clear visuals, good lighting, and steady shots make a huge difference. Even simple footage can stand out if it’s well-shot and properly edited.
3. Use Strategic Keywords: Think about what buyers might search for. Use relevant, specific keywords in your metadata. Avoid vague terms; instead, be precise. For example, instead of just “nature,” try “mountain landscape sunrise.”
4. Target Popular Content Topics: Trends matter. Keep an eye on what’s trending—like remote work, sustainability, or specific holidays—and create content that aligns with those themes.
5. Upload Diverse Content: Variety helps. Mix different subjects, styles, and formats. The more diverse your portfolio, the higher your chances of acceptance across different categories.
6. Review Successful Contributors: Browse Shutterstock’s top contributors to see what kind of content and metadata they use. This can give you ideas on how to improve your submissions.
7. Keep Improving: Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Use feedback, if provided, to refine your future submissions. Consistency and continuous learning are key.
8. Stay Updated: Platforms often update their guidelines. Follow Shutterstock’s blog or forums to stay informed about changes in submission rules or trending topics.

Remember, acceptance rates can vary, and building a portfolio takes time. With patience, attention to detail, and a focus on quality, you’ll increase your chances of success. Keep creating, keep learning, and soon enough, your footage will be featured on Shutterstock for buyers around the world to discover!

9. Managing Your Portfolio and Tracking Submissions

Once you’ve started submitting your editorial footage to Shutterstock, it’s essential to keep everything organized. Think of your portfolio as your creative storefront — the more professional and tidy it looks, the better your chances of attracting clients and getting accepted. Managing your portfolio effectively also means tracking your submissions so you know what’s been sent, what’s been approved, and what might need a bit more attention.

First, consider creating a dedicated folder on your computer or cloud storage for all your footage. Label files clearly with descriptive names and include relevant keywords or tags. This makes it easier to find specific clips later, especially if you need to update or resubmit content.

Next, use a spreadsheet or a digital tracking tool to keep tabs on your submissions. Here’s a simple example of what your tracking sheet might include:

This kind of organization helps you see at a glance which clips are performing well, which need adjustments, or if you should resubmit anything. Keep notes on feedback from Shutterstock reviewers; sometimes, they suggest tweaks or improvements that can make your footage more appealing or compliant.

Additionally, regularly review your portfolio on Shutterstock’s contributor dashboard. Pay attention to your acceptance rate and any editorial guidelines updates. Staying informed means you can adapt your content to meet their evolving standards and maximize your success.

Remember, managing your portfolio isn’t just about storage — it’s about strategic growth. As you build a diverse collection of editorial footage, you’ll increase your chances of making consistent sales. Keep your files organized, track your submissions diligently, and stay engaged with Shutterstock’s community and updates. That way, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful contributor!

10. Frequently Asked Questions About Editorial Footage Submission

Got questions about submitting your editorial footage? You’re not alone! Many aspiring contributors wonder about the process, rules, and best practices. Here are some of the most common questions, along with friendly, straightforward answers to help you along your journey.

Q1: What types of footage are considered editorial on Shutterstock?

Editorial footage typically includes newsworthy events, public gatherings, protests, sports, cultural events, and anything that captures current or historic moments. Remember, editorial content is meant for journalistic or informational purposes, not for commercial use. This means your clips should focus on real-life scenes without added branding or commercial messaging.

Q2: Can I submit footage shot with a smartphone?

Absolutely! In fact, many successful contributors start with their smartphones. Just ensure your footage is clear, stable, and well-lit. High-quality, compelling content often performs better, but authenticity is key in editorial work.

Q3: Are there any restrictions on editing or post-processing?

Yes. Your footage should accurately represent the scene. Minor adjustments like color correction or stabilization are fine, but avoid heavy editing that changes the context or misleads viewers. For example, don’t add graphics or effects that alter the original message or scene.

Q4: How long does the review process take?

Typically, Shutterstock reviews submissions within a few days, but it can sometimes take longer during busy periods. Patience is key! You can check your contributor dashboard for updates on your submission status.

Q5: What should I do if my footage gets rejected?

Don’t get discouraged! Review the rejection reasons carefully. Often, it’s a matter of quality, relevance, or clarity. Use the feedback to improve your footage and resubmit. Remember, persistence is part of the process.

Q6: Can I submit footage of copyrighted events or celebrities?

Be cautious. While newsworthy events are generally acceptable, filming copyrighted performances or recognizable celebrities can be tricky. Always refer to Shutterstock’s guidelines and consider obtaining releases if necessary, especially if the footage might be used commercially in the future.

Q7: How do I maximize my chances of acceptance?

Focus on capturing clear, well-composed footage that is relevant, timely, and newsworthy. Keep your metadata accurate and detailed. Stay updated with Shutterstock’s editorial guidelines to ensure your content aligns with their standards.

Remember, submitting editorial footage is a learning process. Keep practicing, stay patient, and continue honing your skills. Over time, you’ll develop a keen eye for what works and how to create content that resonates with viewers and buyers alike!

Conclusion and Final Tips for Successful Submission

Submitting editorial footage to Shutterstock can be a rewarding experience when approached with preparation and attention to detail. Remember, the key to a successful submission is ensuring your footage is high-quality, properly categorized, and adheres to Shutterstock’s guidelines. Before submitting, review your footage for technical issues such as focus, exposure, and stabilization. Make sure all content complies with legal and ethical standards, especially regarding releases and copyright considerations.

Here are some final tips to enhance your submission success:

• Use descriptive titles and keywords: Accurate and relevant metadata help your footage get discovered.
• Follow the technical specifications: Ensure your videos meet the required resolution, format, and length standards.
• Review Shutterstock’s content guidelines: Avoid prohibited content and ensure your footage is suitable for editorial use.
• Maintain consistency: Regularly uploading quality footage can improve your portfolio’s visibility.
• Stay patient and persistent: Review times may vary, but continued submission and improvement increase your chances of acceptance.

By staying organized, understanding the platform’s requirements, and continuously refining your footage, you position yourself for a successful contribution journey. Remember, every approved clip not only adds to your portfolio but also potentially earns you income over time. Happy filming and best of luck with your Shutterstock submissions!