Why Getty Images & iStock?
Get seen
Gain access to one of the largest global distribution networks, including gettyimages.com and istock.com.
Unlock opportunities
Share your creativity with customers from almost every country in the world. Apply to shoot for global brands.
Create impact
Help brands and businesses tell inspiring stories with authentic, inclusive visuals.
How does it work?
Create photos, videos, or illustrations customers need most.
Then upload your original content to our website.
Customers can now find your files when they match their search.
If they love what they see, they’ll buy a license to use your content—and you’ll get paid. It could show up on books, billboards, social media, websites, TV and film, almost anywhere.
What content are we looking for?
Find inspiration from our favorite photos, videos and illustrations below. These are for guidance only. Our customers are looking for your original content (not created or modified with generative AI)!
How to apply
Download the app*
We only accept applications through the Contributor by Getty Images mobile app available from the App Store or Google Play.
Upload content
Upload three to six (non‑AI) sample photos, illustrations or videos (via YouTube links). You must be the copyright holder or authorized representative.
Get reviewed
We'll review your samples and let you know via email if you're accepted. If successful, we'll offer you a non‑exclusive agreement to get you started.
Accept the invite
Follow the link in your email invitation to complete enrollment. Later, you can apply to be exclusive to get higher royalty rates and rewards.
*Only applicable for creative creators. Want to become an Editorial contributor or join Unsplash? See “Other Ways to Work with Us” below.
Other ways to work with us
Frequently asked questions
What is your policy on Retouching, including with AI tools?
We accept limited Retouching of your original work, including with AI tools, and Modification using traditional (non‑AI) tools. We do not accept files created or modified using any generative AI models (e.g., Stable Diffusion, Dall‑E, MidJourney, Adobe Firefly). Find out more.
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 creator—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 creators, 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.
Later, you can apply to become an exclusive creator—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 creators, 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 creator and license only through us for one or more content types (photos, videos, illustrations). Benefits of being exclusive include:
View our Artist's Supply Agreement to learn more about working with us.
Later, you can apply to become an exclusive creator 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
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 creator, 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.
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 creator, 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.
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.
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).
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 creators, 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?”
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 creators, 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
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.
- Once you're approved: You can submit your photos on either the app or through desktop.
- 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.
- Once you're approved: You can submit your videos through the desktop.
- 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.
- Once you're approved: You can only submit your illustrations through the desktop.
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.
Legal requirements:
- You must own the copyright of the content you submit (or be an authorized representative).
- Be at least 18 years old to apply.
- Your content must be your original work and not infringe on copyright, trademark, privacy, or other intellectual property rights of others.
- You can cancel any time with 30 days notice.
- Normally, if your content features recognizable people or property, you need to complete a model or property release. However, you do not need to submit these during your application, as your files are for review only. If you are approved and then want to license the files you submitted in your application, you will need to attach the relevant release(s) during upload.
View our Artist’s Supply Agreement.
How long will it take to review my application?
We'll do our best to get back to you within a week of submitting your application. Look for an email letting you know if you've been accepted.
The email will have instructions for completing your enrollment and creating your username, which you can only do after you've been accepted.
If you haven't heard from us after 7 days, check your spam and junk mail folder.
The email will have instructions for completing your enrollment and creating your username, which you can only do after you've been accepted.
If you haven't heard from us after 7 days, check your spam and junk mail folder.
How do I apply as a business?
If you want to use your business information for tax purposes, please use your own personal full legal name and email address when applying. Then, if your application is approved, you can submit your business name when you enter your tax details— your account name will automatically be updated.
Still have questions? Click here for more FAQs ›
Download the app to apply
We look forward to working with you. Download Contributor by Getty Images* through the App Store or Google Play to apply and to start submitting your creative content.
Having trouble applying? Email [email protected] if you need assistance.
*Only applicable for creative content. Apply here to become an Editorial contributor or if you want to join our growing community on Unsplash.
Already Signed Up as a Contributor? Log in here ›
