EyeEm
License your photos through EyeEm's marketplace and partner network including Getty Images. Earn royalties from commercial use worldwide.
What is EyeEm?
EyeEm is a photography platform combining community features with stock photo licensing. Photographers upload images, connect with other creatives, and earn royalties when their work is licensed commercially. The platform's partnership with Getty Images extends distribution to one of the largest stock photo networks.
For photographers seeking passive income from their work, EyeEm offers an accessible entry point with potential for broad distribution.
How EyeEm Works
Upload and Earn
Simple process for photographers:
- Create account and upload photos
- EyeEm reviews for market suitability
- Approved photos listed on EyeEm Market
- Select images distributed through Getty
- Earn royalties when images are licensed
Distribution Channels
Multiple paths to buyers:
| Channel | Royalty Rate | Buyer Volume |
|---|---|---|
| EyeEm Market | 50% | Moderate |
| Getty Images | 25-35% | Very High |
| Partner networks | Varies | High |
Getty distribution significantly expands your reach.
The Getty Partnership
How images reach Getty:
- EyeEm curates select images
- AI helps identify commercially viable photos
- Selected images added to Getty collection
- Your work reaches Getty's global buyers
- Lower royalty but much higher volume potential
EyeEm for Photographers
Getting Started
Begin earning:
- Download EyeEm app or use web platform
- Create account and profile
- Upload your best commercial-quality photos
- Add keywords and descriptions
- Wait for market approval
What Sells
Focus on commercial needs:
| Category | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Work | High | Remote work especially |
| Technology | High | Authentic use scenarios |
| Travel | High | Destinations, experiences |
| Lifestyle | High | Diverse, authentic |
| Food | Moderate | Fresh, appetizing |
| Nature | Moderate | Unique perspectives |
Quality Requirements
Images that get approved:
- Technically excellent (sharp, well-exposed)
- Commercially viable subjects
- Model/property releases when needed
- Original content (no screenshots, etc.)
- Proper keywords for discoverability
Earning on EyeEm
Realistic Expectations
Income depends on portfolio size:
| Portfolio Size | Monthly Sales | Est. Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 100 photos | 1-5 | $5-50 |
| 500 photos | 5-20 | $25-200 |
| 2,000 photos | 20-100 | $100-1,000 |
| 5,000+ photos | 50-300+ | $250-3,000+ |
Volume matters significantly.
Maximizing Earnings
Increase your sales:
Upload consistently. Regular additions keep your portfolio fresh.
Focus on gaps. Research what categories need more content.
Keyword thoroughly. Discovery depends on accurate tagging.
Quality over quantity. Rejected images waste time.
Multi-platform. Use EyeEm alongside other stock sites.
EyeEm for Digital Nomads
Mobile-First Workflow
Perfect for travel photographers:
- Upload directly from phone
- Edit with EyeEm tools
- Manage portfolio on the go
- No desktop required
Travel Photography Income
Monetize your travels:
- Photograph destinations commercially
- Capture authentic local life
- Document diverse experiences
- Build location-specific portfolio
Passive Income Reality
Photos work while you travel:
- Sales happen automatically
- No client communication
- Income continues indefinitely
- Library value compounds
EyeEm vs. Alternatives
| Factor | EyeEm | Shutterstock | Adobe Stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty Rate | 25-50% | 15-40% | 33% |
| Getty Access | Yes | No | No |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Buyer Volume | Moderate | Very High | High |
| Best For | Getty distribution | Volume sales | Adobe users |
Tips for EyeEm Success
Leverage the Getty opportunity. Focus on images likely to be curated for Getty.
Upload from travels. Unique locations have less competition.
Think commercially. What would businesses actually use?
Use multiple platforms. EyeEm works best as part of broader strategy.
Be patient. Stock photography income builds slowly.
The Bottom Line
EyeEm offers photographers a mobile-friendly platform with valuable Getty Images distribution. While per-image royalties are modest, the partnership expands your work's reach significantly.
Success requires building a substantial portfolio over time. EyeEm works best as part of a multi-platform stock photography strategy rather than sole income source.
For digital nomad photographers, EyeEm provides an accessible way to monetize travel and lifestyle photography. Upload from anywhere, let the platform handle distribution, and build passive income from your image library.
Pros
- Getty Images distribution partnership
- Mobile-friendly upload workflow
- AI curation helps surface quality work
- Community features for photographers
- Multiple distribution channels
Cons
- Lower royalty rates than some competitors
- Smaller marketplace than major stock sites
- Requires volume for meaningful earnings
- Limited control over pricing
Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does EyeEm pay per photo?
How does the Getty Images partnership work?
What photos sell best on EyeEm?
Is EyeEm worth it for photographers?
How You Can Earn
- Royalty
Best For
- Photographers 📸
- Creators 📷
- Freelancers 🤝
Audience Required?
No it makes no difference
