IStock

iStock offer opportunities for photographers, videographers, and illustrators to license their content to customers worldwide. By contributing, you can showcase your work, reach a broad audience, and earn royalties when your content is used.

Key Features and Benefits

• Global Distribution: Your content gains exposure through Getty Images’ and iStock’s extensive network, reaching customers in almost every country.
• Opportunity to Work with Major Brands: You could potentially shoot for global brands.
• Copyright Retention: You retain the copyright to your photos, videos, and illustrations. Getty Images licenses the content on your behalf.
• Wide Range of Uses: Your content could appear in various media, including advertising, websites, social media, books, and TV/film.
• Earning Potential: You earn royalties (a percentage of the price paid by the customer) each time your content is licensed. Royalty rates range from 15% to 45% depending on your contributor agreement.
• Flexible Agreements: You can start with a non-exclusive agreement and later apply for an exclusive agreement for higher royalty rates and other benefits.

How It Works

1. Create Content: Produce high-quality photos, videos, or illustrations that meet customer needs. Note that the site is not looking for content created or modified with generative AI.
2. Apply via the App: Applications are submitted via the “Contributor by Getty Images” mobile app.
3. Upload Samples: Submit 3-6 sample photos, illustrations, or videos (via YouTube links).
4. Review Process: Getty Images reviews your samples and notifies you of their decision via email.
5. Agreement: If accepted, you’ll receive a non-exclusive agreement to get started.
6. Upload Content: Upload your original content to the Getty Images website.
7. Licensing and Payment: Customers can find and license your content, and you’ll earn royalties.

Content Guidelines

• Original Work: Content must be your original work and not infringe on copyright, trademark, privacy, or other intellectual property rights.
• Retouching: Limited retouching is allowed using traditional (non-AI) tools. Content created or modified using generative AI models is not accepted.
• Model/Property Releases: Releases are typically required for recognizable people or property.

Application Process

1. Download the App: Get the “Contributor by Getty Images” app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Upload Samples: Upload 3-6 sample photos, illustrations, or videos.
3. Review: Getty Images will review your application.
4. Accept Invitation: If approved, follow the link in the email to complete enrollment.

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Agreements

• Non-Exclusive:
  • You can submit content to other stock agencies.
  • You can license your content independently.
  • Your files are searchable by all customers on iStock and by subscription customers on Getty Images.
• Exclusive:
  • You license content only through Getty Images for specific content types (photos, videos, illustrations).
  • Higher royalty rates.
  • Extra creative briefs and other rewards.
  • Your best content becomes searchable by all customers on Getty Images.
  • Opportunity to shoot for global brands via Custom Content.

Important Points

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• You retain the copyright to your content.
• Payment is typically made via Payoneer or PayPal in US Dollars (USD).
• The more relevant and universal your content, the higher the earning potential.

Other Ways to Work with Getty Images

• Editorial Contributor: If you are a working photojournalist, you can apply to become an Editorial contributor. Note that the standards are high for Editorial contributors.
• Unsplash: If you’re not interested in licensing but want exposure, you can join the Unsplash community.

Explore Nift for more creative opportunities alongside Getty Images and iStock, helping artists and contributors monetize their digital assets.

What are the main opportunities for collaboration with Getty Images?

Getty Images offers various collaboration opportunities for creators, marketers, and businesses. Here are the main avenues for collaboration:

1. Contributor Program

Creators can collaborate with Getty Images by becoming contributors, allowing photographers, videographers, and illustrators to license their work globally. Key benefits include:

• Earning Royalties: Contributors earn royalties each time their content is licensed.
• Professional Development: Exposure to industry standards helps contributors refine their skills.
• Creative Freedom: Contributors can explore diverse themes and styles while retaining copyright of their work.

2. Custom Content Creation

Getty Images works directly with creators to develop visuals tailored to specific customer needs. This involves:

• Collaboration on bespoke projects powered by research and insights.
• Opportunities to produce authentic, diverse content for global customers.

3. Create By Getty Images Events

Exclusive contributors can participate in large-scale events like “Create By Getty Images,” which include:

• Workshops, portfolio reviews, and dedicated shoots.
• Funding for pre-approved shoots based on formal pitches.
• Opportunities to produce high-quality content that meets global customer demands.

4. AI Partnerships

Getty Images collaborates with companies like Picsart and NVIDIA on AI-driven tools:

• Picsart partnership enables users to create commercially safe AI-generated images using Getty’s licensed content.
• NVIDIA collaboration focuses on generative AI models for visual storytelling.

5. Boards Collaboration Tool

Getty Images offers “Boards,” a tool for creative teams to:

• Curate and discuss images or videos collaboratively.
• Invite clients to comment and approve project directions.
• Enhance workflows across devices globally.

These opportunities reflect Getty Images’ commitment to fostering creative excellence, supporting contributors, and meeting the evolving needs of marketers and businesses worldwide.

How can artists and photographers benefit from working with Getty Images?

Artists and photographers can benefit significantly from working with Getty Images through a variety of opportunities that enhance their professional growth, financial stability, and creative exposure. Here are the key benefits:

1. Global Exposure

Getty Images has a vast global presence, allowing artists and photographers to showcase their work to audiences worldwide. Their content can be licensed by clients across industries, increasing visibility and professional recognition.

2. Financial Rewards

Contributors earn royalties when their images or videos are licensed. This provides a steady income stream, with royalty rates ranging from 20% for royalty-free images to an average of 35% for rights-managed content.

3. Professional Development

Collaborating with Getty Images exposes contributors to industry standards and trends, helping them refine their skills in photography or videography. Access to resources and tools further enhances their creative process.

4. Protection of Copyright

Getty Images ensures contributors retain copyright over their work while licensing it to clients. They actively protect intellectual property and prevent unauthorized use, safeguarding artists’ earnings and rights.

5. Diverse Clientele

Getty Images serves a wide range of clients, including advertising agencies, media outlets, and businesses. This diversity means contributors’ work can be used in various projects such as marketing campaigns, editorial content, and creative endeavors.

6. Creative Freedom

While Getty Images sets quality standards, contributors have the freedom to explore different themes, styles, and subjects that align with their artistic vision. This allows them to create unique content while meeting market demands.

7. Collaboration Opportunities

Getty Images often collaborates with artists on special projects or custom content creation for brands. These assignments provide unique opportunities for recognition and professional growth.

8. Contribution to Visual Culture

By licensing their work through Getty Images, artists become part of the global visual storytelling ecosystem. Their images and videos help shape narratives across media platforms.

9. Fulfillment and Recognition

Seeing their work used in prominent publications, advertisements, or campaigns offers contributors a sense of accomplishment and pride in their creative efforts.

In summary, working with Getty Images offers artists and photographers financial stability, global exposure, creative opportunities, and professional development while ensuring copyright protection and collaboration with diverse clients worldwide.

Check out The Noun Project to explore and contribute to a vast collection of icons, perfect for designers and creatives looking to share their work globally.

What types of projects does Getty Images typically work on?

Getty Images works on a wide variety of projects that cater to diverse industries and creative needs. Below are the main types of projects they typically engage in:

1. Editorial Projects

Getty Images provides extensive coverage of global events, including:

• News Photography: Documenting breaking news, current events, and political happenings.
• Sports Photography: Capturing major sports events like UEFA competitions and other international tournaments.
• Entertainment Photography: Covering red carpet events, award shows (e.g., Oscars), and celebrity appearances.

2. Creative Content

Getty Images specializes in producing creative visuals for marketing, advertising, and design purposes. These include:

• Lifestyle Imagery: Depicting everyday life, culture, and societal themes.
• Business and Finance Visuals: Corporate environments and financial concepts.
• Nature and Travel Photography: Scenic landscapes and adventurous destinations.

3. Custom Content Creation

Getty Images collaborates directly with brands to produce exclusive visuals tailored to their needs. This includes:

• Bespoke campaigns powered by insights into visual trends.
• Unique projects for global brands to enhance their marketing strategies.

4. Accessibility Projects

Getty Images partners with organizations like Tactile Images to make visual content accessible to blind and visually impaired communities. These projects involve:

• Creating tactile versions of impactful photographs for museums, libraries, and schools.
• Promoting cultural inclusion through innovative technology.

5. Partnerships with Organizations

Getty Images works with institutions such as UEFA and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to provide comprehensive visual coverage for events like:

• UEFA Champions League and Women’s EURO tournaments.
• The Oscars® red carpet photography.

6. Social Impact Initiatives

Getty Images supports initiatives that reimagine representation in professional settings, such as:

• Grants for showcasing underrepresented communities (e.g., disability-focused narratives).
• Funding creators to rewrite societal narratives through impactful storytelling.

7. Educational Exhibitions

Getty Images curates exhibitions featuring historical or thematic photography, such as:

• Documenting immigrant journeys through photo essays.
• Exhibitions at art museums highlighting social issues.

8. Stock Content Library Projects

Their extensive library includes:

• High-resolution images, videos, illustrations, and music clips for multimedia projects.
• Specialized collections like vintage photographs or celebrity shots.

These projects demonstrate Getty Images’ versatility in serving industries ranging from media and entertainment to education and accessibility while fostering creativity and social impact globally.

Istockphoto Partnered or Affiliated Program

Yes, iStock offers an Affiliate Program. Here are the key points:

• Commission Rates: Up to 20% for new customers and 10% for existing ones.
• Cookie Duration: 30 days for annual subscriptions and up to 366 days for recurring ones.
• Promotional Tools: Access to APIs, banners, and discount codes.
• Benefits: Flexible payouts, no minimum payout threshold, and long cookie periods.