{ "batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_alamy_commission_001", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Alamy contributor commission: Money.fees", "summary": "Alamy pays contributors up to 50% commission on direct sales and 100% commission for student contributors.", "body": "Alamy pays contributors up to 50% commission on direct sales and 100% commission for student contributors.\n\nWhat Alamy Ltd actually says:\n\n“Licence your photos, illustrations, and videos to the world's leading brands and earn up to 50% commission on every sale (and 100% if you're a student).”\n\nNote: Commission tiers: Bronze (under $250), Silver ($250-$3,000), Gold ($3,000-$25,000), Platinum (over $25,000 exclusive) from Sept 2026", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.alamy.com/contributor/", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Alamy Ltd", "evidence_quote": "Licence your photos, illustrations, and videos to the world's leading brands and earn up to 50% commission on every sale (and 100% if you're a student).", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Alamy contributor commission", "topic": "Money.fees", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Global; commission tiers vary by revenue level from Sept 2026", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "uk", "us" ], "platform": "alamy", "topic": [ "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_alamy_agereq_002", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Alamy contributor age requirement: Access.id", "summary": "Alamy requires contributors to be at least 18 years of age.", "body": "Alamy requires contributors to be at least 18 years of age.\n\nWhat Alamy Ltd actually says:\n\n“you have the full right, power, and authority to enter into this Contract and to fully perform all of your obligations hereunder and that you are at least 18 years of age;”\n\nNote: Clause 5.1.1 of the Contributor Contract", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.alamy.com/terms/contributor/", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Alamy Ltd", "evidence_quote": "you have the full right, power, and authority to enter into this Contract and to fully perform all of your obligations hereunder and that you are at least 18 years of age;", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Alamy contributor age requirement", "topic": "Access.id", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Stated in contributor contract clause 5.1.1", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "uk", "us" ], "platform": "alamy", "topic": [ "access.id" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_alamy_payout_003", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Money.payout", "summary": "Alamy pays contributors monthly when their cleared balance exceeds US$75, within 30 days of the first day of the month.", "body": "Alamy pays contributors monthly when their cleared balance exceeds US$75, within 30 days of the first day of the month.\n\nWhat Alamy Ltd actually says:\n\n“Alamy will pay you the Cleared Funds within 30 days of the first day of the month, if, at the start of the first day of that month, the Cleared Funds less any account debit balances in your Account exceed US $75”\n\nNote: Balays under $75 are carried forward; payments over 1 year old without valid payment details are forfeited", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.alamy.com/terms/contributor/", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Alamy Ltd", "evidence_quote": "Alamy will pay you the Cleared Funds within 30 days of the first day of the month, if, at the start of the first day of that month, the Cleared Funds less any account debit balances in your Account exceed US $75", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Alamy payout schedule and minimum threshold", "topic": "Money.payout", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "US Dollars; other currencies available at Alamy's discretion", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "uk", "us" ], "platform": "alamy", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_alamy_content_004", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Rules.content", "summary": "Alamy does not accept AI-generated images and considers them a material breach of the contributor contract.", "body": "Alamy does not accept AI-generated images and considers them a material breach of the contributor contract.\n\nWhat Alamy Ltd actually says:\n\n“As champions of authentic content, we don't accept any AI-generated images on our platform, so if you're a photographer or artist who works in the real world you can find your home here with like-minded creatives.”\n\nNote: Also stated in contract clause 2.2: Content must not be created using artificial intelligence image generation tools", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.alamy.com/contributor/", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Alamy Ltd", "evidence_quote": "As champions of authentic content, we don't accept any AI-generated images on our platform, so if you're a photographer or artist who works in the real world you can find your home here with like-minded creatives.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Alamy content policy - no AI-generated images", "topic": "Rules.content", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "All content types", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "uk", "us" ], "platform": "alamy", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_alamy_exclusivity_005", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Alamy exclusivity terms: Rules.content", "summary": "Alamy is non-exclusive by default; contributors may submit to other stock sites and choose exclusive licensing optionally.", "body": "Alamy is non-exclusive by default; contributors may submit to other stock sites and choose exclusive licensing optionally.\n\nWhat Alamy Ltd actually says:\n\n“We're non-exclusive so that means there are no restrictions and you can submit to other stock photo sites. If you do choose to submit to another agency, just make sure they're non-exclusive too.”\n\nNote: Contributors can optionally mark content as 'Exclusive to Alamy' for higher commission", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.alamy.com/contributor/", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Alamy Ltd", "evidence_quote": "We're non-exclusive so that means there are no restrictions and you can submit to other stock photo sites. If you do choose to submit to another agency, just make sure they're non-exclusive too.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Alamy exclusivity terms", "topic": "Rules.content", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Contributors choose their licensing model", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "uk", "us" ], "platform": "alamy", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_adobe_agereq_006", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Adobe Stock contributor age requirement: Access.id", "summary": "Adobe Stock requires contributors to be at least 18 years old.", "body": "Adobe Stock requires contributors to be at least 18 years old.\n\nWhat Adobe Inc. actually says:\n\n“You must be at least 18 years or older, and the sole owner of the content you submit for inclusion in our content collection.”\n\nNote: From Adobe Stock contributor portal", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://contributor.stock.adobe.com/", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Adobe Inc.", "evidence_quote": "You must be at least 18 years or older, and the sole owner of the content you submit for inclusion in our content collection.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Adobe Stock contributor age requirement", "topic": "Access.id", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Global requirement", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "adobestock", "topic": [ "access.id" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_adobe_nonexclusive_007", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Rules.content", "summary": "Adobe Stock operates a non-exclusive partnership; contributors retain ownership of their work.", "body": "Adobe Stock operates a non-exclusive partnership; contributors retain ownership of their work.\n\nWhat Adobe Inc. actually says:\n\n“Do I keep the rights of the work I upload? Yes, you stay in control of your work. When you upload your content, you enter a non-exclusive partnership that allows us to promote and license your content.”\n\nNote: From Adobe Stock contributor FAQ", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://contributor.stock.adobe.com/", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Adobe Inc.", "evidence_quote": "Do I keep the rights of the work I upload? Yes, you stay in control of your work. When you upload your content, you enter a non-exclusive partnership that allows us to promote and license your content.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Adobe Stock content ownership model", "topic": "Rules.content", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "All contributors", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "adobestock", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_shutterstock_earnings_008", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Shutterstock contributor earnings structure change 2020: Money.payout", "summary": "In May 2020 Shutterstock changed its contributor earnings from a minimum flat-rate to a percentage-based model, with entry-level contributors earning 10 cents or 15% of sales per download.", "body": "In May 2020 Shutterstock changed its contributor earnings from a minimum flat-rate to a percentage-based model, with entry-level contributors earning 10 cents or 15% of sales per download.\n\nWhat Wikipedia (citing Shutterstock press release) actually says:\n\n“In May 2020, the company announced that it updated its contributor earnings structure as of June 1, from a minimum flat-rate to a percentage-based model. Contributor income may be reduced from the previous minimum payment per downloaded image of 25 cents to 10 cents, or 15 percent of sales, at the entry level.”\n\nNote: Source is Wikipedia, not Shutterstock's own terms page; tier B", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutterstock", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Wikipedia (citing Shutterstock press release)", "evidence_quote": "In May 2020, the company announced that it updated its contributor earnings structure as of June 1, from a minimum flat-rate to a percentage-based model. Contributor income may be reduced from the previous minimum payment per downloaded image of 25 cents to 10 cents, or 15 percent of sales, at the entry level.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Shutterstock contributor earnings structure change 2020", "topic": "Money.payout", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Global contributor base", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "shutterstock", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_getty_istock_009", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "IStock is a subsidiary of Getty Images: Rules.content", "summary": "iStock (iStockphoto) is a subsidiary of Getty Images, acquired in February 2006 for US$50 million.", "body": "iStock (iStockphoto) is a subsidiary of Getty Images, acquired in February 2006 for US$50 million.\n\nWhat Wikipedia actually says:\n\n“On 26 January 2006, the microstock photo website iStockphoto was acquired by Getty Images for US$50 million.”\n\nNote: From Getty Images Wikipedia article; iStock is listed as a Getty Images subsidiary", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getty_Images", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Wikipedia", "evidence_quote": "On 26 January 2006, the microstock photo website iStockphoto was acquired by Getty Images for US$50 million.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "iStock is a subsidiary of Getty Images", "topic": "Rules.content", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Corporate structure", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "istock", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_shutterstock_library_010", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Shutterstock library size: Rules.content", "summary": "Shutterstock maintains a library of around 200 million royalty-free stock photos, vector graphics, and illustrations, with around 10 million video clips and music.", "body": "Shutterstock maintains a library of around 200 million royalty-free stock photos, vector graphics, and illustrations, with around 10 million video clips and music.\n\nWhat Wikipedia actually says:\n\n“Shutterstock maintains a library of around 200 million royalty-free stock photos, vector graphics, and illustrations, with around 10 million video clips and music available for licensing.”\n\nNote: From Shutterstock Wikipedia article", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutterstock", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Wikipedia", "evidence_quote": "Shutterstock maintains a library of around 200 million royalty-free stock photos, vector graphics, and illustrations, with around 10 million video clips and music available for licensing.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Shutterstock library size", "topic": "Rules.content", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "As of Wikipedia article date", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "shutterstock", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_storyblocks_pricing_011", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Money.pricing", "summary": "Storyblocks offers subscription plans from $21/month (Essentials) to $30/month (Unlimited All Access) for individual contributors, with business plans available by quote.", "body": "Storyblocks offers subscription plans from $21/month (Essentials) to $30/month (Unlimited All Access) for individual contributors, with business plans available by quote.\n\nWhat Storyblocks actually says:\n\n“Essentials For individuals looking to take their videos to the next level. $21 per month, billed annually. Unlimited All Access For individuals who produce at scale and demand creative freedom. $30 per month, billed annually.”\n\nNote: Storyblocks is a subscription-based stock platform; contributors earn per download within the subscription model", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://storyblocks.com/pricing", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Storyblocks", "evidence_quote": "Essentials For individuals looking to take their videos to the next level. $21 per month, billed annually. Unlimited All Access For individuals who produce at scale and demand creative freedom. $30 per month, billed annually.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Storyblocks subscription pricing", "topic": "Money.pricing", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Individual contributor plans; billed annually", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "storyblocks", "topic": [ "money.pricing" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_magnific_uploadreq_012", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Magnific contributor upload requirements: Access.signup", "summary": "Magnific (Freepik's contributor platform) requires new contributors to upload between 150 and 200 assets for review before becoming an active contributor.", "body": "Magnific (Freepik's contributor platform) requires new contributors to upload between 150 and 200 assets for review before becoming an active contributor.\n\nWhat Magnific actually says:\n\n“You must register and create a contributor account. Once you're registered, upload and send between 150 and 200 assets —they can be vectors, illustrations, photos, or PSD files. Our team will review them and check if they meet our quality standards.”\n\nNote: Assets can be photos, vectors, illustrations, mockups, or PSD files", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://contributor.magnific.com/", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Magnific", "evidence_quote": "You must register and create a contributor account. Once you're registered, upload and send between 150 and 200 assets —they can be vectors, illustrations, photos, or PSD files. Our team will review them and check if they meet our quality standards.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Magnific contributor upload requirements", "topic": "Access.signup", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "All new contributors", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "magnific", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_pond5_acquisition_013", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Pond5 acquired by Shutterstock: Rules.content", "summary": "Shutterstock acquired Pond5 in May 2022 for $210 million; Pond5 is an online marketplace for royalty-free and editorial video.", "body": "Shutterstock acquired Pond5 in May 2022 for $210 million; Pond5 is an online marketplace for royalty-free and editorial video.\n\nWhat Wikipedia actually says:\n\n“In May 2022, the company acquired Pond5, an online marketplace for royalty-free and editorial video, consisting of over 30 million video clips, 1.6 million music tracks, and 1.7 million sound effect assets at the time for $210M.”\n\nNote: Pond5 is now a Shutterstock subsidiary; its standalone contributor terms page returned 403", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutterstock", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Wikipedia", "evidence_quote": "In May 2022, the company acquired Pond5, an online marketplace for royalty-free and editorial video, consisting of over 30 million video clips, 1.6 million music tracks, and 1.7 million sound effect assets at the time for $210M.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Pond5 acquired by Shutterstock", "topic": "Rules.content", "applies_to_country": "Us", "applies_to_scope": "Corporate acquisition", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "pond5", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_alamy_dispute_014", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Alamy audit rights and dispute resolution: Money.payout", "summary": "Alamy allows contributors to audit Alamy's records with 30 days' written notice, and will correct underpayments exceeding US$1,000 found in any 12-month period.", "body": "Alamy allows contributors to audit Alamy's records with 30 days' written notice, and will correct underpayments exceeding US$1,000 found in any 12-month period.\n\nWhat Alamy Ltd actually says:\n\n“In the unlikely event of a material dispute between you and Alamy regarding amounts due to you, Alamy will, at a convenient time and upon receiving 30 days' prior written notice from you, allow your representative to inspect Alamy's records which relate only to your Account. The costs of the inspection will be paid by you except if it reveals an underpayment to you of more than US $1,000 in any one twelve (12) month period.”\n\nNote: Clause 15 of the Alamy Contributor Contract", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.alamy.com/terms/contributor/", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Alamy Ltd", "evidence_quote": "In the unlikely event of a material dispute between you and Alamy regarding amounts due to you, Alamy will, at a convenient time and upon receiving 30 days' prior written notice from you, allow your representative to inspect Alamy's records which relate only to your Account. The costs of the inspection will be paid by you except if it reveals an underpayment to you of more than US $1,000 in any one twelve (12) month period.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Alamy audit rights and dispute resolution", "topic": "Money.payout", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Per Contributor Contract clause 15", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "uk", "us" ], "platform": "alamy", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1031_stock_media_what_it_is_shutterstock_merger_015", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Getty Images and Shutterstock merger cancelled: Rules.content", "summary": "The proposed $3.7 billion merger between Getty Images and Shutterstock was cancelled in July 2026 after the UK Competition and Markets Authority required Shutterstock to divest its global editorial business.", "body": "The proposed $3.7 billion merger between Getty Images and Shutterstock was cancelled in July 2026 after the UK Competition and Markets Authority required Shutterstock to divest its global editorial business.\n\nWhat Wikipedia actually says:\n\n“In July 2026, Getty Images moved to terminate its planned $3.7 billion merger with Shutterstock after the UK Competition and Markets Authority required Shutterstock to divest its global editorial business as a condition for approval. Getty's board voted unanimously not to proceed with the divestiture process.”\n\nNote: Both Getty Images and Shutterstock are US-headquartered; merger was announced January 2025", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getty_Images", "last_verified": "2026-10-01", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Wikipedia", "evidence_quote": "In July 2026, Getty Images moved to terminate its planned $3.7 billion merger with Shutterstock after the UK Competition and Markets Authority required Shutterstock to divest its global editorial business as a condition for approval. Getty's board voted unanimously not to proceed with the divestiture process.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1031-stock-media-what-it-is", "subject": "Getty Images and Shutterstock merger cancelled", "topic": "Rules.content", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Both US-headquartered companies", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "gettyimages", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" } } ] }