Complete List of Microstock Agencies
Posted by Lee TorrensFor as long as I’ve been observing the microstock market there’s always been a lot of microstock agencies. New sites open all the time while others close or just fade away. This is a maintained list of ‘serious’ microstock agencies.
I’m defining a ‘microstock agency’ as:
- Crowdsourced (accepting submissions from the public)
- Selling photos online only
- Selling photos at micropayment prices
Important – Remember, this is the Internet, so be careful about where you supply your personal information and images. I have not listed agencies where I know of dishonest activity, but I haven’t checked them all.
The quantity of agencies in this list (35 active) demonstrates nothing if not that a lot of people believe there’s money to be made owning a microstock agency. I don’t expect many of these agencies are profitable themselves, nor is it likely to be profitable for contributors to contribute to all of them.
Are there any that I’ve missed? Add them in the comments and I’ll include them in the list.
List last updated 2010-06-02
Posted June 17th, 2007 by Lee Torrens
Perhaps you could segment these by tier? Which do you use?
Hey Gribbler, thanks for your comment. Take a look at my comparisons posts and you’ll find lots of ways to separate them. Any of my earnings posts will show you which ones I use.
- Lee
I see that you’re making pretty good money off of Dreamstime. I signed up with all the microstock co. that you were making decent money off of–thanks for the tip.
However, Dreamstime doesn’t seem to have a ftp bulk upload system. Also, I haven’t found out a way to see my files pending review. Am I missing something?
Anyhow, thanks for putting up this website. I wish I had seen it 3 years ago when the microstock industry just started taking off. But, never too late to get started, right? It just seems that most of the good ideas have already been taken by amateurs who have greatly increased their skills, while I’m just a daft amateur without many ideas.
The Dreamstime FTP details are available via the Management Area – top-left icon in the “Contributors Area”.
“Pending Files” is also in the same location.
Correct! It’s never too late. And there’s never a shortage of ideas! Stick at it for as long as you’re having fun. Thanks for your kind words, and Good luck!
I just found the Dreamstime ftp page. Sorry bout that.
Fotolia V2 has been down for a few days. Sux.
V2 does seem to taking awfully long to come on line. Have any off you sold anything during this downtime?
Fotolia has been working fine for a few days for me, and yes, I’ve had sales. If you’re still getting the holding page, try holding the Shift key while refreshing.
Personally i got few sales just after V2 but it is very quiet now I am a bit worry about the consequences this update will have on Fotolia though…
I got zip. And this really ticks me off b/c right before the V2 update my views had increased 10x and sales 2x. Now I’m back to ground zero. Very unprofessional these people.
funny you no get sale. i no keyword but still sale ok. just in there hang.
Might want to remove Galastock until they can prove they aren’t shady. Earlier this year one of their employees was caught selling photos submitted to GS at other micros. TalkMicro and Microstock Group both have threads where you can read up on the incident.
you forgot Zymmetrical. thanks
Thanks George, I’ve added Zymmetrical to the list.
-Lee
I buy photos on dreamstime but now i know new microstock pixmac.cz isnt bad very good number of pictures and prizes are great. So try that and dreamstime too.
List maintenance:
Removed CheapStockPhotos – diagnosed as suspicious by Google Safe Browsing.
Added Cutcaster
Removed GreatStockPhoto – website gone
Added Pixmac
Removed ShutterShots – website gone
List maintenance:
Added Veer Marketplace
Added Pixamba
How about Clustershot? Only 12% commission!
Thanks Frank, I’ve had a good look at Clustershot and don’t consider them a “microstock agency” with their current model. Additionally, without solid legal agreements or a review process to ensure buyers don’t get into trouble, I don’t think it’s safe to label them as such.
-Lee
You missed out Polylooks!
Established in 2009.
Thanks Emma. I’ve mentioned Polylooks a few times in my news summaries so I don’t know why I didn’t add them. I’ve added them now.
-Lee
Updated to reflect the closure of ImageCatalog. Thanks to NiagraGirl for the heads up.
A newcomer that may be worth checking out: http://www.kosherstock.com is microstock focusing on Judaism and the Holy Land (images of the Jewish culture and religion as well as pictures of Israel).
Lee, add Snapixel review here please
Hey Lee, Fotomind is closing on 15th April. Sad news.
Thanks Vita, I updated the list.
Hi Lee,
Can you add Photaki.com in your list, please? It´s a new microstock.
Congratulations for your blog
Pablo Blanes
keyimagery.com is a New Zealand based agency not on your list
Hi Lee, what do you think of DepositPhotos.com?
http://depositphotos.com/
Great blog!