iStockPhoto
iStockphoto is probably the microstock site that will earn you the most money independent of if you upload only a few or many or even if you go exclusive. However it is also the mos time consuming site of them all as the upload and keywording etc is very slow and complex.
Number of Images
3 600 000
Number of Photographers
>100 000
Application process
Pass a quiz, then upload 3 pictures plus a copy of your ID-card to apply for membership. If you fail you can try again after a week.
Upload limit
max 15 (35) pictures per week for non exclusive members.
Exclusive 40 (150). Limits increases depending on sales up to number in bracket.
Upload queue time
Typically 7 days,
Exclusive member significally shorter.
Upload methods
HTTP (via webpage) FTP.
Picture file size
Minimum 1600x1200px and 2MB
Picture/file formats
jpeg, vector graphics.
Earnings
20% of sales value when Non exclusive and up to 40% if
ExclusivePicture price
1-20 credits, a credit is 1 USD. Subscriptions give a sligtly lower price.
Selling by Subscriptions
Yes
Free pictures
Yes, one per week for logged in users.
Languages
English, Français, Español, Deutsch, 日本語, Português, Português do Brasil, Italiano, Język polski, Русский язык
Download count visible
Yes, all users
Viewcount count visible
Yes, all users
Sales value visible
Only for yourself
Referal Program
Yes
"Recruit a friend to iStock with a 3 credit gift. When they open their new account, and make their first purchase, you'll get a $10.00 referral bonus."
Lightboxes
Yes, private and public
Payout partners/methods
Check, PayPal/Moneybookers or through iStockPhoto Mastercard iStockphoto Payoneer.
Exclusivity program
Yes. (benefits not yet listed here). More about
Exclusivity