Welcome to ajakteman.com, which this time will discuss a topic that often piques the curiosity of contributors: why Shutterstock reviews take so long to complete. For photographers, designers, and videographers, waiting for Shutterstock review results can be a nerve-wracking experience—especially if the process feels particularly slow. So, what's the cause? And is there a way to speed it up? Let's dive in.
Understanding the Review Process at Shutterstock
Shutterstock is one of the world's largest microstock platforms, where thousands of contributors upload their work daily. Every uploaded file undergoes a review process before it can be sold. The goal is to ensure quality, relevance, and compliance with copyright regulations.
This process involves not only technical review, but also metadata checking, duplication searching, and commercial value assessment.
Reasons Why Pending Review Takes Too Long
Here are some of the main factors that make Shutterstock reviews feel longer than usual:
1. Long Queue
- Shutterstock receives thousands of uploads every day from all over the world.
- During certain periods—such as around holiday seasons or major trends—the number of posts increases dramatically.
- As a result, your file may wait quite a long time in the queue before it reaches the reviewer.
2. Account Priority
- Contributor accounts that actively upload consistently usually get higher priority.
- New contributors or those who upload infrequently may receive review slots later.
- This is not an official rule, but based on the experience of many contributors, the more frequently you upload, the faster the files will be reviewed.
3. Upload Frequency
- Shutterstock tends to “know” the activity patterns of contributors.
- The more frequently you upload, the more the system will prioritize your account so that new work enters the market sooner.
- On the other hand, if you rarely upload, the system does not prioritize it, so the file waits longer.
4. Global Upload Surge
- When there is a major event such as the Olympics, an international concert, or a viral moment, thousands of contributors simultaneously upload related works.
- This surge can extend wait times to several days or weeks.
5. Changes to Internal Policies
- Occasionally, Shutterstock updates its review guidelines or conducts reviewer retraining.
- This change may cause a temporary buildup of files.
Tips to Speed Up Shutterstock Reviews
To speed up the review process, here are some strategies you can try:
- Upload regularly : For example 2–3 times a week.
- Pay attention to technical quality : Focus on high resolution, proper lighting, and minimal noise.
- Follow trends : Uploading content that is currently relevant can increase priority.
- Use clear metadata : Titles, descriptions, and keywords must be accurate to make it easier for reviewers to process.
- Avoid copyright infringement : Risky files will require additional checking, slowing down the process.
The Impact of Long Pending Reviews
Waiting too long for a review can result in:
- Losing market momentum : Content that is relevant to trends can become stale before it has a chance to sell.
- Decreased contributor motivation : Especially for beginners who want to see results as quickly as possible.
- Pending earnings : Files will not earn until their status is approved.
When to Worry?
Normally, reviews on Shutterstock take 1–5 business days. However, if it's been more than 2 weeks and there's been no change in status:
- Check for any problems with the file or metadata.
- Check the official forums or community groups to see if there are any mass delays.
- Contact Shutterstock support to ensure your account and files are not problematic.
So, the conclusion
Long pending reviews on Shutterstock are typically caused by long queues, account prioritization, low upload frequency, or global upload surges. The more frequently you upload, the greater the chance of your files being reviewed quickly. Ensure consistent upload quality and consistency, and capitalize on trending moments to quickly reach the market. With the right strategy, you can shorten wait times and increase your earning potential.