Page Text: Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be invited to sign to Getty Images or iStock?
If successful, you’ll be invited to sign a non‑exclusive agreement with Getty Images (US), Inc. You can then upload your files to iStock—accepted files will be available for licensing by all customers on istock.com, subscription customers on gettyimages.com, and via many other distribution partners in our global network.
Later, you can apply to become an exclusive contributor—your best content then also becomes searchable by all customers on gettyimages.com. There are more benefits too! See “What’s the difference between a non‑exclusive and exclusive agreement?” to learn more.
Tip: For both exclusive and non‑exclusive contributors, we offer this distribution via istock.com, gettyimages.com and our global network to increase your exposure to our customers. As such, we don’t typically invite people to submit only to gettyimages.com unless they are professional Editorial contributors.
What's the difference between a non‑exclusive and exclusive agreement?
A non‑exclusive agreement allows you to start submitting files to us without further commitment, and allows you to still submit photos, illustrations, and videos to other stock agencies if you wish. You can also license your content independently.
Later, you can apply to become an exclusive contributor and license only through us for one or more content types (photos, videos, illustrations). Benefits of being exclusive include:
Higher royalty rates
Extra creative briefs and other rewards
Your best content becomes searchable by all customers on gettyimages.com
The opportunity to shoot for global brands via Custom Content
Whether you’re a non‑exclusive or exclusive contributor, your files will be searchable on iStock, Getty Images, and other distribution partners in our global network—but only by specific customers. See “Where will my content appear?” to learn more.
View our Artist's Supply Agreement to learn more about working with us.
Where will my content appear?
All content we accept is typically available on both istock.com and gettyimages.com, as well as our global network of distributors.
When you sign non‑exclusively, your files are searchable by all customers on istock.com and by subscription customers only on gettyimages.com.
Later, if you successfully apply to be an exclusive contributor, your best content is then also available to non‑subscription customers on gettyimages.com.
When a customer uses one of your files, it may appear in advertising, marketing, apps, websites, social media, TV and film, presentations, newspapers, magazines, books, or product packaging, among many other uses.
Do I retain copyright of my photos, illustrations, and videos?
Yes. We license imagery to our customers on your behalf and you keep the copyright to all content you submit to us.
You must only submit content where you are the copyright holder or an authorized representative. It must be your original work and not infringe on copyright, trademark, privacy, or other intellectual property rights of others.
What is licensing?
Customers buy a license allowing them to download your file and this gives them legal permission to use it in their projects. In return, you earn a royalty (which is a percentage of the price paid by the customer).
Most licenses are ‘royalty free’. It allows customers to use your file for an unlimited amount of time in as many projects as they like, for a one‑time fee.
We license imagery to our customers on your behalf and you keep the copyright to all content you submit to us.
You must only submit content where you are the copyright holder or an authorized representative. It must be your original work and not infringe on copyright, trademark, privacy, or other intellectual property rights of others.
How much can I earn?
Depending on your Contributor Agreement, you will earn a royalty between 15% and 45% on each file license. Customer prices can also vary, depending on the file type, product type and intended use. This ranges from under a dollar to several hundred dollars for each license to an individual photo, video, or illustration.
View Royalty Rate Card to learn more.
Tip: The more content you have in your portfolio that customers need, the more chances you have of earning money. See “Which visuals make the most money?” to learn more.
Tax and payment information
If successful, you’ll be invited to sign an Artist’s Supply Agreement with Getty Images (US), Inc. Wherever you live in the world, you will sign with our US company. Once signed up, you'll get a welcome email giving you details on completing your tax and payment information so you can be paid royalties. You’ll then have the choice of receiving royalties through Payoneer or PayPal in US Dollars (USD).
Which visuals make the most money?
Content that is most relevant to customer needs is most in demand.
Think about the stories your photos, videos and illustrations can help show. The more universal their appeal, the more likely your content will be licensed. View examples of inspiring photos, illustrations, and videos under " What Content Are We Looking For? " or see our Curated Collections .
For our exclusive contributors, we also offer extra creative briefs and the opportunity to shoot for global brands like American Express, Google, Toyota, and many more via Custom Content .
Prices and royalties vary – see “How much can I earn?”
How do I upload content before and after applying?
We only accept applications for photos, videos, and illustrations through the Contributor by Getty Images app. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
You need to be at least 18 years old to apply.
Please note: Do not apply via the app if you wish to be an Editorial contributor for Getty Images. To help differentiate Getty Images in the editorial marketplace and limit duplication of coverage, our editors have a high standard and generally only offer contracts to working photojournalists.
Learn more about becoming an Editorial contributor.
Uploading content:
Photos
When you apply: You can transfer your photo application files from your desktop to your phone through file‑sharing apps like Dropbox or Google Drive.
When you become a contributor: You can submit your photos on either the app or through desktop.
Videos
When you apply: You can submit video files as YouTube links through the app. We don't support Vimeo or other video platform links currently.
When you become a contributor: You can submit your videos through the desktop.
Illustrations
When you apply: You can submit your illustration files as rasters through the app. You can transfer them from your desktop to your phone through file‑sharing apps like Dropbox or Google Drive.
When you become a contributor: You can only submit your illustrations through the desktop.
Once you've submitted your application, you can't add more samples of your photos, videos, or illustrations to it.
What are the content and legal requirements when applying?
Submit high‑quality sample visuals.
Photos and vector illustrations should be in JPEG format and no larger than 3GB.
Minimum size: 720 x 960px, 5kb
Maximum size: 9000 x 9000px, 3GB
Please ensure you upload uncropped images where possible
Video files should be submitted as YouTube links. We don't support Vimeo or other video platform links currently.
Your sample photos, videos, or illustrations will not be made available for licensing through our network. If you become a contributor, you can re‑submit that content to be considered for licensing.