If you’re a photographer or digital artist looking to earn money from your creative work, Shutterstock is one of the most popular stock photo platforms to consider. But before your images can start generating income, they must first pass Shutterstock’s approval process. One of the most common questions among new contributors is: How long does it take for Shutterstock to approve photos?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer that question in detail, explore the Shutterstock review process, discuss factors that affect approval times, and provide tips for speeding up your submissions. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your workflow, this article will help you navigate the Shutterstock approval process with confidence.
Introduction
Shutterstock is a global marketplace for stock photography, illustrations, vectors, and videos. With millions of customers worldwide, it offers contributors a valuable opportunity to monetize their creative assets. However, before your content can be sold on the platform, it must undergo a review process to ensure it meets Shutterstock’s quality and legal standards.
A common concern for new contributors is the waiting time after submitting their work. Understanding how long it takes for Shutterstock to approve photos can help you plan your workflow and set realistic expectations.
Understanding the Shutterstock Approval Process
Before we dive into the timelines, it’s important to understand what the Shutterstock approval process entails. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Submission: You upload your photos, illustrations, or vectors through the Shutterstock Contributor portal.
- Metadata Entry: You add titles, descriptions, and keywords to help customers find your content.
- Review Queue: Submitted files enter a queue for review by Shutterstock’s team of inspectors.
- Inspection: Each file is examined for technical quality, legal compliance, and adherence to Shutterstock’s guidelines.
- Approval or Rejection: You receive a notification indicating whether your content was approved or rejected, along with reasons for any rejections.
This process ensures that only high-quality, licensable content is available to Shutterstock customers.
How Long Does It Take for Shutterstock to Approve Photos?
Typical Approval Time
So, how long does it take for Shutterstock to approve photos? The short answer is: It usually takes between 24 hours and 72 hours (1 to 3 business days) for Shutterstock to review and approve photos.
- Standard Review Time: 24–72 hours (1–3 business days)
- Occasional Delays: Up to 7 days during peak periods or system updates
Shutterstock aims to review most submissions within a day or two. However, the exact time can vary based on several factors, which we’ll discuss in detail below.
Real-World Experiences
Many contributors report that their photos are typically reviewed within 24–48 hours. Some even receive approvals in as little as a few hours, especially during off-peak times. However, during busy periods, such as holidays or major global events, the review process may take longer.
Tip: Shutterstock’s review team operates on business days. Submissions made late on Fridays or over the weekend may not be reviewed until the following week.
Factors That Affect Shutterstock Approval Times
While the average approval time is 24–72 hours, several factors can influence how quickly your photos are reviewed:
1. Submission Volume
- High Volume: If you submit a large batch of images, it may take longer to review all of them.
- Low Volume: Individual or small batches may be processed faster.
2. Time of Submission
- Submitting during non-peak hours (e.g., weekdays, early mornings) may result in faster approvals.
- Submissions during weekends or holidays may experience delays.
3. Contributor Status
- New Contributors: First-time submitters may experience slightly longer review times as their accounts are verified.
- Established Contributors: Regular contributors with a good track record may see faster turnaround.
4. Content Type
- Photos: Typically reviewed faster.
- Vectors/Illustrations: May require more detailed inspection, leading to slightly longer review times.
- Videos: Generally take longer to review than photos or illustrations.
5. Quality and Compliance
- Images that clearly meet Shutterstock’s technical and legal requirements are often approved more quickly.
- Files requiring closer inspection (e.g., containing people, property, or sensitive content) may take longer.
What Happens During the Review?
Understanding what Shutterstock reviewers look for can help you ensure your submissions are approved quickly. Here’s what happens during the review process:
1. Technical Inspection
- Image Quality: Reviewers check for sharpness, correct exposure, color balance, and absence of noise or artifacts.
- Resolution: Photos must meet minimum resolution requirements (typically at least 4 megapixels).
- Editing: Excessive post-processing, over-sharpening, or unnatural colors can lead to rejection.
2. Legal Compliance
- Model/Property Releases: Required for recognizable people or private property.
- Trademarks/Logos: Images containing identifiable brands, logos, or copyrighted material may be rejected.
- Sensitive Content: Images with sensitive or controversial subjects are reviewed more carefully.
3. Keyword and Metadata Review
- Accurate, relevant keywords and descriptions help your images get found and approved more quickly.
Tips to Speed Up Shutterstock Approvals
If you want your photos to be approved as quickly as possible, follow these best practices:
1. Follow Submission Guidelines
- Review Shutterstock’s contributor guidelines before uploading.
- Ensure your images meet technical requirements (size, format, quality).
2. Provide Accurate Metadata
- Use clear, descriptive titles and relevant keywords.
- Avoid keyword stuffing or irrelevant tags.
3. Use Model and Property Releases
- Always upload the necessary releases for images featuring people or private property.
4. Avoid Copyrighted Material
- Remove or blur any logos, trademarks, or copyrighted elements.
5. Submit During Off-Peak Times
- Upload your images during weekdays and avoid holidays for potentially faster reviews.
6. Start with Smaller Batches
- New contributors should start with small batches to build trust and streamline the review process.
7. Maintain Consistent Quality
- Consistently high-quality submissions may be reviewed faster as you build a positive contributor reputation.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Understanding why photos get rejected can help you avoid common pitfalls and speed up approvals. Some typical reasons for rejection include:
- Technical Issues
- Out-of-focus, noisy, or poorly exposed images
- Incorrect white balance or color issues
- Over- or under-sharpening
- Legal Issues
- Lack of model or property releases
- Presence of copyrighted or trademarked material
- Metadata Problems
- Inaccurate or misleading keywords
- Incomplete or vague descriptions
- Content Issues
- Offensive, inappropriate, or sensitive content without proper context
- Images that don’t meet Shutterstock’s content guidelines
If your photos are rejected, Shutterstock provides feedback on the reasons, allowing you to correct and resubmit.
What to Do If Your Photos Are Not Approved
If your photos are not approved, don’t be discouraged. Here’s what you can do:
- Read the Feedback: Carefully review the reason(s) for rejection provided by Shutterstock.
- Make Necessary Corrections: Edit your photos or metadata to address the issues.
- Resubmit: Once corrected, you can resubmit your photos for another review.
- Learn and Improve: Use each rejection as a learning opportunity to improve future submissions.
Remember, even experienced contributors receive rejections from time to time. Persistence and attention to detail are key to success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take for Shutterstock to approve photos?
- Most photos are reviewed within 24–72 hours, but it can take up to 7 days during busy periods.
2. Can I check the status of my submission?
- Yes, you can track the status of your submissions in the Shutterstock Contributor portal under “Submitted Content.”
3. What should I do if my photos are still pending after a week?
- If your photos are pending for more than 7 days, contact Shutterstock support for assistance.
4. Does the review time differ for photos, vectors, and videos?
- Yes, vectors and videos often take longer to review than photos due to more complex inspection requirements.
5. Will I get notified when my photos are approved or rejected?
- Yes, Shutterstock sends email notifications and updates your account dashboard with the review results.
6. Can I resubmit rejected photos?
- Absolutely. After addressing the reasons for rejection, you can resubmit your photos for another review.
7. Does contributor experience affect approval times?
- Experienced contributors with a history of high-quality submissions may experience faster reviews.
Conclusion
How long does it take for Shutterstock to approve photos? For most contributors, the answer is between 24 and 72 hours. However, this timeline can vary based on submission volume, content type, contributor status, and other factors.
By understanding the review process, adhering to Shutterstock’s guidelines, and submitting high-quality, compliant images, you can speed up approvals and maximize your earnings potential on the platform. Remember, patience and persistence are key—use each review as a learning opportunity to refine your craft.
If you’re just starting your journey as a Shutterstock contributor, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful stock photography portfolio.