For photo and illustration contributors, receiving a "Not Approved" notification from Shutterstock is often a confusing and frustrating experience. We feel our work is excellent, unique, and worthy of publication, yet the platform still rejects it. Why does this happen? Let's discuss the reasons in detail so you can avoid it in the future.
In this article, ajakteman.com will discuss common factors that prevent photos or illustrations from passing Shutterstock's selection process, from technical issues to incorrect categories.
1. Wrong Photo Category
The first common mistake is choosing the wrong category when uploading work. Shutterstock differentiates between editorial and commercial photography .
- Editorial photography : Intended for news or documentation of real events, does not require a model release, but may not be used for commercial purposes. This type of photography typically includes brands, logos, or easily recognizable people without their consent.
- Commercial photography : Must be free of trademarks, logos, or copyrighted elements, and requires a model release if it features people. This photo is used for advertising, promotions, and other commercial purposes.
Mistaking a news photo for a commercial category (or vice versa) will immediately result in it being “Not Approved” even if the quality is good.
2. Noise Problems in Photos
Noise is the specks or grain that appear in photos, usually caused by high ISO, low lighting, or a low-quality camera. Shutterstock places great emphasis on technical quality, so photos with excessive noise will be rejected.
Some tips to avoid noise:
- Use low ISO when shooting.
- Make sure there is sufficient lighting.
- Use a tripod to minimize shaking.
- Make light edits to reduce noise without destroying detail.
If the noise is too high, even if the photo subject is interesting, the status will most likely remain “Not Approved”.
3. Photos Are Too Similar or Identical
Many contributors upload a large number of photos from the same photoshoot. Even if the angles are different or the lighting is slightly different, if they are too similar, Shutterstock will consider them duplicates.
This platform wants variety, not repetition. Therefore:
- Choose the best photos from each session.
- Vary the composition, background, or lighting.
- Avoid uploading dozens of photos that only differ slightly.
4. Inadequate Quality and Resolution
Shutterstock sets a minimum resolution standard of 4 megapixels . Photos that are too small, pixelated, or blurry will be immediately rejected. Make sure:
- Photos are sharp and focused on the subject.
- There is no annoying motion blur.
- Use a camera or mobile phone with good quality and optimal settings.
5. Copyright and Trademark Infringement
If a photo contains a logo, design, or copyrighted object without permission, it will be automatically rejected. For example:
- Logos on clothing or buildings.
- Character design copyrighted.
- A movie poster or piece of art that is clearly visible.
For commercial use, all elements must be copyright-free. For editorial use, logos may appear, but they must be relevant to the news or documentation.
6. Excessive Editing
Photo editing is important for improving quality, but excessive editing can be grounds for rejection. Shutterstock looks for natural, realistic, and unprocessed photos.
Avoid:
- Excessive color saturation.
- The filter effect is too obvious.
- Photo manipulation that makes it look unnatural (except for illustration or digital art categories).
7. Inaccurate Metadata
Shutterstock uses metadata (title, description, keywords) to display photos in search results. If the metadata is irrelevant or misleading, the photo may be rejected. Make sure:
- The title matches the contents of the photo.
- The description is clear and descriptive.
- Keywords relevant to the photo subject.
Tips for Getting Your Photos to Pass Shutterstock Review
- Understand the difference between editorial and commercial categories.
- Check the technical quality (sharp, proper lighting, minimal noise).
- Make sure the photos are unique and not duplicates.
- Avoid copyrighted content without permission.
- Use relevant and accurate metadata.
- Make enough edits to improve the quality without destroying the naturalness.
So, the conclusion
A Shutterstock rejection doesn't mean your work is bad, but rather a sign that something doesn't meet the platform's standards. Common causes include miscategorization, noise, similar photos, low resolution, copyright infringement, excessive editing, and inaccurate metadata. Understanding and addressing these issues will significantly improve your chances of passing the review process and can even significantly boost your portfolio.
If you consistently adhere to Shutterstock's technical and ethical guidelines, each upload will have a greater chance of being approved and generating revenue.