Contributor Sites: Minimum Payouts and Commission Rates
For creators who sell photos, vectors, illustrations, or designs online, understanding the payout thresholds and commission structures of each platform is crucial. Below is a detailed comparison of major contributor sites: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, 123RF, Freepik, Vecteezy, Redbubble, Depositphotos, and Miricanvas (Korean market).
1. Shutterstock
- Payout threshold: $25 minimum
- Commission: 15%–40%, depending on contributor level and sales volume
- Pros: Large global customer base
- Cons: Low royalties at beginner levels
Tip: Focus on seasonal and niche keywords for better visibility.
2. Adobe Stock
- Payout threshold: $25 (after first sale + 45 days)
- Commission: 33% (images/vectors/illustrations), 35% (videos)
- Pros: Creative-focused audience, strong for vectors/illustrations
- Cons: Strict quality review standards
Tip: Use detailed metadata and keywords for higher search ranking.
3. 123RF
- Payout threshold: $50 minimum
- Commission: 30%–60% depending on level and exclusivity
- Pros: Established market, wide variety of buyers
- Cons: Approval times can be slow
4. Freepik
- Payout threshold: Invoice required after minimum balance (varies by region)
- Commission: Revenue share pool (EPD – Earnings Per Download) + single purchase sales
- Pros: Huge exposure for vectors, templates, and icons
- Cons: Variable income, strict quality control
Tip: Upload in sets (icon packs, UI kits) for higher approval and downloads.
5. Vecteezy
- Payout threshold: $25 minimum
- Commission: Mixed model: PPD (subscription) + PPV (credit-based single sales)
- Pros: Popular for vectors, patterns, and design assets
- Cons: Variable royalty makes revenue less predictable
6. Redbubble (POD)
- Payout threshold: $20 minimum (monthly)
- Commission: Artists set their own margins (default 20%)
- Pros: Perfect for branding and fan-based art
- Cons: Highly competitive, discoverability is key
Tip: Keep consistent branding and series collections in your shop.
7. Depositphotos
- Payout threshold: $25 minimum
- Commission: 30%–36% on-demand sales (based on level), subscription fixed royalties
- Pros: Long-established marketplace, stable search traffic
- Cons: Subscription model lowers revenue per download
8. Miricanvas (Korean)
- Payout threshold: ₩100,000 (about $75+)
- Commission: Varies by template/asset type, terms provided upon contract
- Pros: Strong local Korean market
- Note: Will be explained in detail in a future post dedicated to Miricanvas.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Minimum Payout | Commission / Earnings | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutterstock | $25 | 15%–40% (level-based) | Large global customer base |
| Adobe Stock | $25 (45 days after first sale) | 33% (images) / 35% (videos) | Strict quality, long-term revenue |
| 123RF | $50 | 30%–60% | Good additional distribution channel |
| Freepik | Invoice required (varies) | Revenue share (EPD + SOD) | Best for sets and templates |
| Vecteezy | $25 | PPD + PPV mixed model | Vector-heavy platform |
| Redbubble | $20 | Artist-set margin (default 20%) | POD, branding potential |
| Depositphotos | $25 | 30%–36% on-demand, subscription fixed RPD | Traditional strong agency |
| Miricanvas (KR) | ₩100,000 | Varies by contract | Korean local contributor market |
Final Checklist for Contributors
- Optimize keywords and metadata for each platform’s search algorithm.
- Distribute your portfolio across multiple sites to diversify income.
- Track payout cycles and thresholds to manage your cash flow efficiently.
- Focus on high-demand categories (business, lifestyle, seasonal trends).