How Much Does Alamy Pay for Photos? Insight into Compensation Rates

Alamy pays contributors a commission for each of their photos that is downloaded or licensed. The amount of the commission depends on a number of factors, including:

• The type of photo: Alamy pays different rates for different types of photos, such as editorial photos, stock photos, and creative photos. Editorial photos are typically used in news articles and magazines, while stock photos are used in a variety of commercial applications. Creative photos are typically used in advertising and marketing campaigns.
• The usage rights: Alamy offers a variety of usage rights, such as Standard Royalty Free, Extended Royalty Free, and Rights Managed. Standard Royalty Free photos can be used for a variety of purposes, but the buyer cannot modify the photo without permission from the contributor. Extended Royalty Free photos can be used for a variety of purposes, including modifying the photo. Rights Managed photos can be used for a specific purpose, and the buyer must obtain permission from the contributor for any other use.
• The number of times the photo is downloaded or licensed: Contributors earn a commission every time someone downloads or licenses their photo. The more times the photo is downloaded or licensed, the more money the contributor will earn.

According to Alamy, contributors can earn an average of \$0.20 per image download. However, some contributors have reported earning much more than that. For example, one contributor reported earning \$1,000 for a single image that was used in a major advertising campaign.

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3. Table showing the commission rates for different types of photos and usage rights:

It is important to note that these are just the average commission rates. The actual amount of money you earn per download or license will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the demand for your photos and the terms of the license agreement.

If you are serious about making money on Alamy, it is important to submit high-quality photos that are relevant to Alamy's content. You should also optimize your photos for search engines by using relevant keywords in the title and description.

Tips for increasing your earnings on Alamy:

• Submit high-quality photos: Your photos should be sharp, well-lit, and free of noise.
• Submit relevant photos: Your photos should be of people, places, or things that are likely to be searched for by buyers.
• Optimize your photos for search engines: Use relevant keywords in the title and description of your photos.
• Submit a lot of photos: The more photos you submit, the more likely you are to earn money.
• Promote your Alamy portfolio: Share your Alamy portfolio on social media and other online platforms.
• Be patient: It takes time to build a successful portfolio and start earning a significant amount of money on Alamy.

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4. Understanding Alamy's Compensation Structure

Alamy operates on a royalty-based compensation structure, where photographers (contributors) earn a percentage of the sale price for each image sold. The compensation rates are influenced by several factors and can vary for different contributors. Here's a breakdown of Alamy's compensation structure:

1. Royalty Rates: The royalty rates on Alamy differ based on whether a contributor chooses to be exclusive or non-exclusive.

a. Exclusive Contributors: Exclusive contributors agree to sell their images exclusively on Alamy, and in return, they earn a higher royalty percentage on each sale. The royalty percentage can range from 40% to 60% based on their lifetime sales with Alamy. Exclusive contributors also enjoy priority search placement and certain promotional benefits.

b. Non-Exclusive Contributors: Non-exclusive contributors have the flexibility to sell their images on other platforms simultaneously. However, their royalty percentage is generally lower, typically around 20%. Non-exclusive contributors have the freedom to distribute their work across multiple agencies.

2. License Types: Alamy offers various license types for image usage, such as commercial and editorial licenses. The compensation rates can vary based on the license type and the usage rights granted to the buyer.

3. Image Resolution: The resolution of the image can also impact the royalty rate. Higher-resolution images may command a higher price and, subsequently, a higher royalty percentage.

4. Distribution Sales: Alamy has distribution partnerships with other agencies, allowing contributors to reach a broader audience. While distribution sales may offer additional exposure, the royalty rates for these sales are typically lower than direct sales on Alamy.

5. Minimum Commission Threshold: Alamy has a minimum commission threshold that must be met before contributors can withdraw their earnings. The threshold varies depending on the chosen payment method.

It's essential for photographers to carefully consider these factors when deciding whether to be an exclusive or non-exclusive contributor and to understand how each element influences their potential earnings. By comprehending Alamy's compensation structure, contributors can make informed decisions and optimize their strategies to maximize their revenue on the platform.

The following video is about how to make money on Alamy:

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5. Royalty Rates for Image Sales

The royalty rates for image sales on Alamy can vary depending on several factors, including the license type and the contributor's status (exclusive or non-exclusive). Here's an overview of the royalty rates you can expect:

1. Commercial License: For images sold under a commercial license, the royalty rate for exclusive contributors typically ranges from 40% to 60% of the sale price. Non-exclusive contributors usually receive a royalty rate of around 20%.

2. Editorial License: Images sold under an editorial license, which is used for news, journalistic, or non-commercial purposes, generally have lower royalty rates compared to commercial licenses. The specific rates can vary, but they typically follow a similar pattern as commercial licenses, with exclusive contributors earning a higher percentage than non-exclusive contributors.

3. Direct Sales vs. Distribution Sales: Alamy offers distribution partnerships with other agencies, which can expand the reach of contributors' images. However, the royalty rates for distribution sales are typically lower than direct sales on Alamy. The exact rates for distribution sales may vary depending on the specific distribution agreement.

4. Exclusive Contributor Tier: As an exclusive contributor, your royalty percentage can increase over time based on your lifetime sales with Alamy. The more successful you are in terms of sales, the higher your royalty rate can go within the exclusive contributor tier.

It's important to note that Alamy's royalty rates are subject to change, and it's recommended to review the most up-to-date information on Alamy's contributor documentation or contact their support team for any specific queries regarding royalty rates. Understanding the royalty rates associated with different license types and contributor statuses can help photographers estimate their potential earnings and make informed decisions about their image pricing and contribution strategy on Alamy.

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6. Alamy's Payment Schedule and Threshold

Alamy operates on a monthly payment schedule for contributors. Here are the key details regarding Alamy's payment schedule and the minimum commission threshold:

1. Payment Frequency:

Alamy pays contributors on a monthly basis. Payments are processed and issued at the end of each month for the sales made during that period.

2. Minimum Commission Threshold:

Alamy has a minimum commission threshold that must be reached before a contributor can request a payment. The minimum threshold varies depending on the chosen payment method:

a. PayPal: The minimum commission threshold for PayPal payments is £50 (GBP) or the equivalent amount in other currencies.

b. Payoneer: For Payoneer payments, the minimum commission threshold is $50 (USD) or the equivalent in other currencies.

c. Bank Transfer: If you opt for bank transfer, the minimum commission threshold is £100 (GBP) or the equivalent amount in other currencies.

Contributors must accumulate earnings that exceed the minimum commission threshold before they can request a payment. Once the threshold is reached, contributors can initiate a payment request from their Alamy contributor account.

It's important to note that it may take a few additional days for the payment to be processed and transferred to your chosen payment method after the end of the month. Alamy provides regular updates and notifications regarding payment processing and any changes to their payment policies.

Make sure to review the specific details and terms on Alamy's contributor portal for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the payment schedule, thresholds, and available payment methods.

Thing is, the CC-BY license allows anyone to make money with the picture, so just uploading it on Alamy is not an issue. Problem is the uploader didn't comply with the terms. No credit, no link to the CC-BY license, so illegal. If he had done that, nothing you could do.

— Kai Blaschke 📯 (@kaiblaschke) November 26, 2019