5 apps to sell stock photos (that anyone can use) - Wandering For... (2024)

5 apps to sell stock photos (that anyone can use)

5 apps to sell stock photos (that anyone can use) - Wandering For... (1)

First things first. What is stock photography? Selling stock photography which is more the type of photography you see say pictured in blogs and websites of flat desk layouts and coffee mugs and different popular themes. They do not necessarily sell for much (depending on the app but you can usually sell them multiple times with no license or royalty). But you can make money selling photos with some apps.

Full disclosure- I have not done well on these apps but believe you should check them out because they are popular and you may have better luck than myself.

Top 5 stock photography apps to sell your camera photos

Here are my top 5 based on experience.

5 apps to sell stock photos (that anyone can use) - Wandering For... (2)

1. EyeEm

  • Available: on App Store and Google Play.
  • Pros: great community and very supportive. Cool missions which may get you good attention (and prizes!!) but these pictures are not taken by a camera phone for the most part; so that can be frustrating if you use a camera for taking pictures…
  • Cons: while there are articles about success stories using a smart phone to take photos on this app, this would be a pro if most photos did not look just impossible with a phone. *you never know though!
  • Pay: Once approved for market you can get a cut of each sale and sell each photo as many times as you want.
  • Earning Potential:
    • I am unsure of exactly how much you make here. I believe it’s a percentage of how much someone buys it for…but beware here because people can sign up for subscriptions to buy a set amount and that will impact your sale price… so from what I hear, it can get low even if you see it advertised for more online. Those are for people that do not have these more or less unlimited access to pics.
  • Premium collection. Once selected I was very excited. After selected, you wait some (some are not long) for these pics to get accepted into say Getty’s collection. Cool huh? Well.. EyeEm and Getty split whatever is really paid for the photo (so it may say $350 online but not if the buyer has a subscription which then it’s a lot less.) Now EyeEm takes a cut of the cut they get from Getty…so your best pictures may land you a few bucks.

2. Foap

  • Available:get the app on theApp Store orGoogle Play.
  • Rundown: includes both missions and also you can upload photos outside of those for the general market.
  • Payout? Missions can pay about $50-$250.
    • Outside of missions, photos on Foap’s market pay $5 each time someone buys (licenses) your photo. Note there is no limit to how many license your photo. No exclusivity so you keep the rights and can sell it as many times as you want here and on other apps that do not grant buyers exclusive use of the photo upon purchase.
    • Note: when uploading photos anywhere you should check the terms you are agreeing to. Not all sites are like this and you don’t want to grant an exclusivity license one place and go post that photo a bunch of other places. Foap I believe for some challenges wants exclusivity so it depends.
  • Issue here? Guess who determines if you get in the marketplace for non-mission photos… Your competition. The app’s FAQs state that a photo with an average rating (3 out of 5 stars) means you get on the market if at least 5 people rate the photo. The app has improved in that it shows what photos are on the market and it does not appear that you even need 5 ratings. Although I would imagine poor ratings do not help.
  • Mission selection – if you submit a photo to a mission Foap’s reviewers decide whether it is actually included as a submission in the mission. Best part? You are never told if yours is in there unless you search for it. (Personally I think this is an awful system)
  • My thoughts: Try it out and see because who knows!
    • I think posting a lot of photos here that follow current stock photo trends (ice cream in summer, easter eggs in spring, fall foliage in fall, etc.) may be a better strategy with this app. But if you have any ideas let me know in the comments!

3. Twenty20

  • Available:find the app on the App Store. Or you can sign up on the website here:https://www.twenty20.com/sell.
  • Rundown:
    • Has competitions which have a voting period for users to determine the top photos.
      • The top 20%, top 10% and top 20 photos are presented to more potential buyers.
      • From among the top a winner is also chosen for that challenge.You get a badge on your profile if you make it into the top 20%, top 10%, top 20 for each competition. Just a badge..no money
    • Outside of the challenges, you can also upload other photos directly to your profile that are available for sale.Photos are automatically for sale once added to your profile.
  • Pay/commission: $2.00 per photo licensed.
    • Each photo can be licensed an unlimited number of times. And it is a non-exclusive license (meaning you maintain rights to use the photo yourself as well)
  • Signature Collection:
    • You can also nominate other users’ pictures to the Signature Collection.
      • If a nominated photo is selected for the collection, it is featured more prominently to potential buyers.
  • Thoughts:I have had pictures sit around and get a notice that they sold way after forgetting about them so that is nice residual income.
    • Nice people here. Generally I would say photo apps have very supportive users if they allow comments. Unfortunately, not all do, such asthis next app…

4. Snapwire

  • Available:Get the app on theApp Store orGoogle Play.
  • Pros:Perhaps the best paying one out there. You can make good money off a picture which is rare with the others.
  • Con/Warning: first you need to prove yourself. There are missions and you can only submit so many when you are new.
    • If you win, are nominated or have a photo “selected” from your portfolio which gets it on the market for sale, then you move up levels. Then you can access more requests from buyers that tend to have higher cash rewards. Also, leveling up = ability to submit more photos for each mission.
  • Thoughts:I commonly see some photos get nominated by those in higher “levels” that seem very off point (in my opinion). Some reviews complain about favoritism. Maybe that is the reason or maybe it is just easier for these reviewers to auto-sort and only review the photos submitted by “experts.”
    • Basically: It makes it hard to move up when you are new and there do seem to be many favorites – you will see once you use it.

5. Shutterstock

  • Rundown:To become a contributor to sell photos, I would suggest visiting this website first.
    • It is a little more involved in first becoming a contributor, whereas the other apps you just start submitting.
    • Once you become a contributor, you can download an app in the App Store or Google Play.
    • Note: if you are submitting photos to be sold, make sure you get the Shutterstock Contributor app.
    • There is also an app that is geared towards browsing and buying the Shutterstock photos. This is for buyers. If you want to sell, then you want the contributor app.
  • Approval Process:
    • Approval is required for each photo uploaded to your profile.
    • Following approval, the photo is available on Shutterstock’s webpage. If you run into issues in getting photos approved (and I would suggest doing this before you upload your first pictures), read the FAQs and guides.
    • There are requirements that are a little different than the other apps I mentioned.
  • Thoughts:This platform is picky which may lead to top quality photos but they license out to buyers at very very low prices. It is a well known site so a lot of low prices can add up since these photos can also be sold/licensed multiple times.

5 apps to sell stock photos (that anyone can use) - Wandering For... (3)

Other notable mentions

Other Stock Photo Apps to Check Out – Recommended by Many Others

1. Clashot

2. Bylined

3. Scoopshot

4. Stockimo

Other Ways to Make Money with Photos

There are ways to sell photos besides via stock photo apps and sites. For example, you can put your photos on products such as T-shirts, mugs, mousepads, clocks, etc., and sell them through sites such as RedBubble.

See myRedbubble profile here.

Final Thoughts

Stock photography is competitive (everyone has a smartphone with a smart camera) and typically not lucrative.

  • As with most money making adventures, do not do stock photography expecting that you will make a certain amount of money. Or any money – there is no guarantee.
  • But, if you have a lot of pictures to choose from already and/or generally enjoy photography, I think it’s worth checking a few out to see if it’s something that will work for you.

So what is my recommendation?

  • If you are reading this article, you really should try a few of these apps out!
  • You never know which app may work for you, and you will learn a lot about the trends in stock photography.
  • It is also fun to do if you are into photography. Stock photos are a bit different and I have enjoyed learning about them.
  • Since the smart phones out today provide high quality cameras built-in already, this is an area many can get into. Even if only for a hobby. But it can perhaps lead to a bit of side income as well!!

Want to use your phone and enhance the pictures it takes? Check out some camera accessories for smart phones.

NOW: Try some Out and Tell me your Experiences and Thoughts!

I would love to hear your experiences with these apps and sites!

  • Are there better ways to sell?
  • Which ones have been a hit for you? Which haven’t??
  • I was lucky to get tips and tricks not just through blog posts but comments too! So share your stories or contact me!

Since this is a popular post, look forward to a follow up post with more platforms to sell photos on soon. Also, see my post on stock photography tips and tricks.

Looking for Camera Gear Beyond a Smart Phone?

For more camera options, check out the MANY cameras available on Amazon. They come in a wide range of price points, so chances are you can find the right one for you!

Related Posts

  • 5 Cool and Functional Photo Apps
  • Stock Photography Tips and Tricks
  • Five Apps that Reward You to Move
  • Master List of Ways to Make Money

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5 apps to sell stock photos (that anyone can use)  - Wandering For... (2024)

FAQs

What app pays the most for photos? ›

12 Best Apps To Sell Photos Online
  • EyeEm.
  • iStockPhoto & GettyImages.
  • BigStockPhoto.
  • Dreamstime.
  • Shutterstock.
  • Foap.
  • 500px.
  • Stockimo.
Jan 27, 2024

Which stock photo site pays the most? ›

Which Website Is Best for Selling Photos?
  • iStock Photo by Getty Images – Non-exclusive microstock site that pays 15%-45% royalties.
  • Dreamstime – Stock website that allows you to curate your galleries and pays 25%-45% commission for non-exclusive images.
Mar 12, 2024

What is the easiest website to sell photos? ›

Top 10 Websites to Sell Photos Online
  1. Your Own Website. The best place to sell photos online is your own site. ...
  2. Alamy. Alamy is a British stock photography website offering numerous images, vectors, and videos. ...
  3. Getty Images. ...
  4. Dreamstime. ...
  5. Shutterstock. ...
  6. Adobe Stock. ...
  7. 500px. ...
  8. Etsy.
5 days ago

How do beginners sell stock photos? ›

The best way to sell photographs online is by selling them as stock images for sale on third-party websites like iStockPhoto, Dreamstime, Shutterstock, or 123RF. Selling your photos through stock sites is quick, easy, and affordable.

Do you actually make money on ClickASnap? ›

ClickASnap is not a scam. It's a legit platform with real money earning possibilities through photo views and downloads. Payment is generally done through PayPal, making the payout process transparent and easy to track.

What kind of photos sells the most online? ›

5 Things the Best-Selling Photos of People Have in Common
  1. Single Photos Sell Better than Group Shots. This one really surprised us. ...
  2. Candid Photos Sell Better than Posed Shots. ...
  3. Wide Shots Sell Better than Closeups. ...
  4. Looking Away is Better than Facing the Camera. ...
  5. Unidentified Subjects Sell Better.

How much does Getty Images pay for stock photos? ›

Retrieve your username or password Getting Paid iStock royalty rates Every time someone licenses your content, we pay you a royalty. For content licensed through iStock, royalty rates start at 15% for photos and 20% for videos and illustrations. Exclusive contributors can earn between 25% and 45%.

How to get paid stock images for free? ›

Free stock photo sites FAQ
  1. Burst by Shopify.
  2. Pixabay.
  3. Unsplash.
  4. Pexels.
  5. Shutterstock.
  6. Getty Images.
  7. Canva.
  8. iStock.
Jan 18, 2024

Do people actually make money selling stock photos? ›

Stock photography, the practice of capturing images that anyone can license for a fee, can be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time job.

What is a legit site to sell photos? ›

The best way to sell photographs online is by selling them as stock images for sale on third-party websites like iStockPhoto, Dreamstime, Shutterstock, or 123RF. Selling your photos through stock sites is quick, easy, and affordable.

Is there an app to sell pictures? ›

Turn spare moments into spare cash with the stockimo app and sell your images on Alamy, the world's largest website for picture buyers. Select photos from your smartphone, tag, and upload them to Stockimo. Once approved, your photos go on sale.

Which photos sell best on Shutterstock? ›

  • Abstract.
  • Backgrounds/Textures.
  • Interiors.
  • Sports/Recreation.
  • Vectors.
  • Beauty/Fashion.
  • Celebrities.
  • Illustrations/Clip-Art.
Jul 5, 2023

How do you sell stock photos successfully? ›

10 Helpful Tips to Jumpstart Your Stock Photography Business
  1. Get model releases early. ...
  2. Take time to keyword your photos. ...
  3. Photographers are their own worst editors. ...
  4. Be the supply to the demand. ...
  5. Be aware of brands and logos. ...
  6. Be a thought leader. ...
  7. Master your domain. ...
  8. Keep the bar high.

Where to sell AI stock photos? ›

Sell your AI-generated images effortlessly on Wirestock. Earn from Adobe Stock, Freepik, Imago and more marketplaces from a single account.

How much does 500px pay for photos? ›

Once your photos are approved, paid members can earn up to 100% royalties and free users can earn up to 60% on content licensed exclusively with 500px.

What app buys your photos? ›

Stockimo is plugged into Alamy, the world's largest website for picture buyers. When your photos sell, you get your share. We'll sell your photos but you keep the copyright. They stay on Alamy to sell again and again.

How much does FOAP pay per photo? ›

Upload to the Foap Market: The prices for photos on the Foap Market are fixed. When someone purchases your photo, they will pay $10. You and Foap will split this amount 50/50, allowing you to earn $5 per photo.

Can you make much money selling photos? ›

How much money you make when you sell images online depends on many factors, like the platforms you sell on and their commission fees, contributor exclusivity, and your geographical location. Most photo-selling websites or stock photo agencies typically offer contributors anywhere from 15-60% of revenue share.

Does Google pay you for photos? ›

Keep in mind, Google won't pay you for your photographs. However, once you've achieved Trusted Pro status, they'll provide you with marketing tools so you can try to sell 360 photo services to local businesses. If a local business requests a 360 photographer from Google, they'll send you a paid lead.

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