For some, seeing their own photos appear on their Shutterstock Contributor account homepage is a proud moment. This time, at ajakteman.com, we'll discuss examples of Shutterstock-approved photos, along with a complete explanation so you understand the process and avoid misinterpreting the "Approved" status. Many novice contributors assume that once a photo is approved, they'll immediately receive payment. In reality, the process isn't that simple.
What Does "Approved" Mean on Shutterstock?
When you upload a photo to Shutterstock, a team of curators will assess its quality, relevance, and compliance with the rules. If it passes, the photo's status will change to Approved . However, there are two types of approvals to understand:
Enter the Shutterstock Store
This photo will appear in the Shutterstock marketplace and can be purchased by customers worldwide.Enter AI/Data Licensing
Photos used for AI model training or Shutterstock's internal data needs, which do not typically appear in public storefronts.
Important: Approved Doesn't Mean You'll Get Money Immediately
Many beginners assume that every approved photo automatically generates income. In reality, payment only occurs when a customer purchases or uses a license. So, even if your photo collection has hundreds of photos, your income still depends on how often those photos sell.
How to View Approved Photos on Shutterstock
To see a list of approved photos, there are two simple ways:
1. Via the Shutterstock Contributor Homepage
- Open the Shutterstock Contributor app or website .
- On the main page, you'll see a summary of your most recently approved photos, complete with download counts and earnings.
2. Via the Portfolio Menu in your Account
- Log in to your Contributor account.
- In the bottom right corner, select the Account menu .
- Click Portfolio .
- All approved photos will appear here, including their sales status.
Shutterstock Approved Photo Examples
Photos that pass Shutterstock's curation usually meet several criteria:
- High Technical Quality
No blur, precise focus, balanced exposure, and low noise. - Content Relevance
According to search trends or market demand. - Complete Metadata
Title, description, and appropriate keywords will help photos be easier to find. - No Copyright Infringement
Photos must be original, without any unauthorized copyrighted elements.
For example, a calendar photo with clear numbers and sharp details can pass curation because it has documentary value and the potential to be used for various editorial needs.
Tips for Easy Photo Approval
1. Make sure the photo is sharp and of good quality.
Use high resolution and make sure the main focus of the photo is clearly visible.
2. Use the Right Light
Photos with natural lighting or controlled artificial lighting will be preferred by curators.
3. Include Accurate Keywords
Choose relevant keywords to make your photos easy for buyers to find.
4. Avoid Forbidden Elements
Do not include logos, trademarks, or recognizable people without a model release.
Why is my photo approved but I don't get any income?
- No one has bought the photo yet.
- Competition is high in that category.
- The keywords are less relevant so the photos are hard to find.
- Only AI/data licenses are included and not sold on the marketplace.
Sales Increase Strategy
- Regularly upload new photos.
- Follow seasonal trends (e.g. holiday or celebration themed photos).
- Optimize keywords with trend research on Shutterstock.
So, the conclusion
Shutterstock's approved photos are a sign that your work has met the platform's quality standards and rules. However, "Approved" doesn't automatically mean you'll earn money right away. Photos only earn money if a customer purchases a license or if they're used for paid data/AI licensing purposes. By understanding this distinction, you can focus more on optimizing your portfolio, improving photo quality, and choosing the right keywords to increase sales opportunities.