The following is an alphabetical list of the major Microstock Agencies updated in early 2017. I’ve also put together an alphabetical list of major Midstock agencies, which you will find in this link! Check it out and squeeze every last drop of earnings from your premium images!
To purchase a copy of the Brutally Honest Guide to Microstock Photography, click on this link!
| Agency | Image Exclusivity Option? | Commission on exclusive content | Commission on non-exclusive content | Barriers to entry for new contributors |
| 123RF | No | N/A | Depending on the specific type of subscription, details here | None |
| 500px | Yes | 60% | 30% | None |
| Bigstockphoto | No | N/A | $0.50 per credit or 30% per Partner Program | None |
| Canstockphoto | No | N/A | 50% | None |
| Canva | No | N/A | 35% | None |
| Clipdealer | No | N/A | 46% of the net sale | None |
| Cliparto | No | N/A | 40-50% | None |
| Colourbox | No | N/A | 20% | None |
| Crestock | No | N/A | 20%, 25% after the first 250 downloads, up to 40% at 10,000 | None |
| Cutcaster | Yes | 55% | 40% | None |
| Dreamstime | Yes | 60% + $0.20 bonus for each approved submission | 20-45% depending on your level | None |
| Depositphotos | Yes | From 50% to 60% per file sold or from $0.31 per sale via subscription | 34-42% | None |
| Fantero | No | N/A | 55% | None |
| Featurepics | No | N/A | 50% | None |
| Foap | No | N/A | 50% | None |
| Fotolia /Adobe Stock | Yes | From 35% to 63% | 33% | None |
| GL Stock Images | No | N/A | 52% | None |
| Mostphotos | No | N/A | 50% | None |
| Istockphoto | Yes | 22% – 45% | 15% | Application quiz and then submit a sample of three images |
| Panther Media | No | N/A | 30-50% | None |
| Pond5 | No | N/A | 50% | None |
| Photodune / Envato | Yes | 50% – 70% | 36% | None |
| Photocase | No | N/A | 40% – 60%, depending on your current share level | None |
| Photospin | No | N/A | 40% | None |
| Pixta | Yes | 30% to 53% | 22-42% | None |
| Pixoto | No | N/A | 30% | None |
| Scandinavian Stock Photo | No | N/A | 50% | None |
| Shutterstock | No | N/A | Depending on the specific type of subscription, details here | 1 in 10 images must be accepted |
| Signelements | No | N/A | 30% | None |
| Solidstock | No | N/A | 50% | Invite only |
| Stockfresh | No | N/A | 50% to 62.5% | None |
| Twenty20 | No | N/A | 20% | None |
| Yayimages | No | N/A | 50% | None |
Alexandre Rotenberg's Brutally Honest Guide to Stock Photography & Footage 
[…] If you’re crazy enough to just stick with Microstock, I’ve also put together an even more comprehensive list of Microstock agencies, click on this link. […]
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[…] much, per individual image, but closely consider a large portfolio of in-demand images spread out at numerous Microstock agencies. Click here to see a recent article on how much you’re likely to earn as a Microstock […]
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[…] I took advantage to also capture illustrative editorials, which I’ve submitted to various Microstock and Midstock […]
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[…] Stock Photography Chapter 5 – Licensing Editorial & Commercial Images Chapter 6 – Overview on Agencies to License Images Chapter 7 – How Much Can You Expect to Earn (The Extra Mile Isn’t Crowded)? Chapter 8 […]
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[…] I do submit to other Microstock agencies, as well as to Midstock, but Shutterstock are by far my biggest moneymaker. To see a comprehensive list of Microstock agencies, click on this link. […]
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Very honest and helpful content seen so for on stock photography… Thanks a lot Alex…
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You’re welcome. List needs updating though! 🙂
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