Getty Images and iStock review

Getty Images and iStock share one contributor program, so we list them together. You apply with six original, non-AI samples; if accepted, you sign a non-exclusive agreement with Getty Images (US) and upload to iStock. Accepted files are searchable by all iStock customers and by subscription customers on gettyimages.com, plus Getty's distribution partners. Royalties run between 15% and 45% per license depending on your agreement, and customer prices range from under a dollar to several hundred dollars. Exclusive creators earn higher royalty rates, get their best work in front of all Getty Images customers, and can shoot for brands such as American Express, Google and Toyota through Custom Content. The tradeoff is that exclusivity means licensing a content type only through Getty. Royalties are paid in USD through Payoneer or PayPal. Getty allows limited retouching but rejects any file created or modified with generative AI models.

Who it is for

Skilled photographers who can pass an application and may later go exclusive for higher royalties.

Price

Free to apply; royalties of 15% to 45% depending on contributor agreement.

Later, you can apply to be Exclusive to get higher royalty rates and rewards.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Royalties between 15% and 45% per file license
• Files sold on iStock, Getty Images and partner networks
• Exclusive creators get higher royalties and Custom Content shoots for brands
• Royalties paid in USD through Payoneer or PayPal
• Retouching allowed, but no files made or modified with generative AI

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Access to Getty's premium and enterprise buyers
• Strength: Path to brand assignments for exclusive creators
• Strength: Customer prices range up to several hundred dollars per license
• Weakness: Application requires six samples and approval
• Weakness: Non-exclusive files reach only subscription customers on gettyimages.com
• Weakness: Exclusivity means licensing only through Getty for that content type

Key facts

• Royalty range: 15% to 45%
• Application: Six non-AI samples
• Payout methods: Payoneer or PayPal in USD
• Minimum photo size: 3MP

Where it ranks

Getty Images and iStock is No. 6 in our Best Sites to Sell Stock Photos verdict.