microstock

Microstock, or microstock photography, refers to a segment of the stock imagery market that emphasizes high-volume submissions and low-cost licensing of images through online marketplaces. Content creators upload photographs, illustrations, or vector art, which are indexed with metadata and offered to buyers who typically pay small per-image fees or subscribe for access. Contributors earn royalties based on the sale price, platform terms, and whether the content is exclusive to a single agency.

Licensing in microstock is predominantly royalty-free, allowing broad reuse after a one-time payment; however, some rights-managed options remain, usually at higher prices or with tighter restrictions. The business model often combines non-exclusive and exclusive arrangements, with non-exclusive content available on multiple platforms and exclusive content commanding higher royalties on some sites.

Historically, microstock emerged in the early 2000s as a cheaper alternative to traditional stock agencies. Pioneering platforms such as iStockphoto helped popularize the model, followed by others like Shutterstock, Dreamstime, and Adobe Stock. Content requirements typically include technical quality standards, metadata, and keywording to improve searchability. For commercial use, model and property releases may be required for recognizable people and locations.

Market dynamics include various licensing schemes—credit-based, subscription, or per-image sales—affecting pricing and revenue. The field has grown with mobile photography and independent contributors, but it faces criticism over low pay, market saturation, and ethical or quality concerns. Major platforms currently active in microstock include Shutterstock, iStock, Dreamstime, and Adobe Stock.