Buzz
Selling photos online isn't limited to professional photographers with expensive cameras anymore. Nowadays, anyone can become a photographer with their mobile phone. Mobile phone cameras are continually improving, and many people are using more than one phone. Below is a list of the most popular platforms for buying and selling photos.
Compilation of the Most Popular Platforms for Buying and Selling Photos
There are numerous advantages to using a copyrighted photo marketplace website, such as:
- They already have thousands, even millions of customers
- They handle all marketing aspects
- They are well-known websites
You can further promote your photos through social media, but this is not a mandatory requirement when using these websites. This is a huge advantage, especially for beginners.
1. Shutterstock
2. Fotolia
3. Alamy
4. iStock Photo
5. EyeEm
6. Big Stock Photo
7. Can Stock Photo
8. Snapwire
9. 123rf
1. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is considered one of the largest copyrighted image platforms in the world. You can sell high-resolution photos, vectors, illustrations, and videos. Earnings from Shutterstock depend on the type of downloads. This is a non-exclusive platform, meaning you can also sell content uploaded to Shutterstock elsewhere. You can earn up to 20% commission or varying amounts depending on the number of subscribers.
- Download the software here: Download Shutterstock
2. Fotolia
Fotolia is now known as Adobe Stock - a vast platform with millions of buyers. Fotolia also provides various resources to help you successfully sell photos on this platform. When your product is uploaded to Fotolia, users of Adobe products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, etc., can access and purchase them. Fotolia allows you to choose the level of exclusivity of the product, and your earnings will depend on this. You will earn about 33% commission for each product sold.
- Access Shutterstock here.
3. Alamy
Alamy is another exclusive image website where you can sell photos, vectors, illustrations, etc. When buying and selling on Alamy, you'll receive a 50% commission. This figure is much higher than Shutterstock and Fotolia. Alamy is also not an exclusive platform, meaning you can still sell the products elsewhere outside of Alamy.
- Access Alamy here.
4. iStock Photo
Getty Images' iStock Photo has over 1.5 million customers in more than 200 countries worldwide. It has a larger coverage than any other photo-selling website. When you register with iStock or Getty Images, your product will be displayed on both platforms. The commission rate will vary depending on the platform and the uniqueness of the image.
- Access iStock Photo here.
5. EyeEm
EyeEm is a free app for brands and creators to buy and sell high-quality photos and content. Major brands like Apple, Converse, and Canon have used EyeEm as their photo source, so the opportunity to buy and sell photos with EyeEm seems quite high. You can earn a 50% commission from selling photos on EyeEm.
- Download EyeEm for Android
6. Big Stock Photo
Big Stock Photo is another efficient photo-selling platform. You can sign up as a contributor, read their guidelines, and start uploading photos to this platform. Your earnings will vary, but you can expect a commission rate of 30% for each successful transaction.
- Access Big Stock Photo here.
7. Can Stock Photo
On Can Stock Photo, you need to complete a registration form to become a contributor and submit your best 3 photos for review by the administrator. Once accepted, you can upload your photos and start earning commissions. The payout scope of this platform is also very broad, depending on the size and type of images as well as the type of registration.
- Access Can Stock Photo here.
8. Snapwire
Snapwire is a photography platform where images are offered to various brands and publishers. Publishers can make requests, and you can submit images that fit their requirements or upload your own images to the platform. It's a quite interesting and unique way to explore your talents and creativity. You can earn up to 70% commission for each client request and 50% when selling on the platform.
-Download Snapwire for Android
9. 123rf
The 123rf Stock Photo Library is well-known to many graphics enthusiasts. Besides buying images, you can also sign up to sell your own. Sellers on 123rf profit based on the number of images sold. Initially, each download of your image brings in a modest amount. Over time, as your image gains more interest, this value increases from $0.216 to $0.432 per download.
- Access 123rf here.
Selling photos on copyrighted websites may not make you rich overnight, but it's a perfect way to earn passive income from what you create. It can also become your main source of income.
Whether you've been photographing for a while or just starting this hobby, you should start selling photos on copyrighted photo websites. It will save you time and money; you won't have to learn how to set up your own website, how to market it, etc., because these platforms do it for you. It's also a way to earn extra income for your nomadic lifestyle. Additionally, check out websites that allow users to sell photos to make money here.
