Dreamstime vs Alamy: 2026 Earnings Comparison
Both Dreamstime and Alamy have devoted contributor communities and both will tell you they are the best place to sell. This calculator strips away the partisanship and returns a side-by-side income projection from 2026 data. Set your portfolio size and asset type and the calculator returns monthly and yearly income for both platforms side by side. The same portfolio is applied to both so the comparison is apples to apples. Check the FAQ for the key strategic differences between the two platforms.
Dreamstime vs Alamy: Side-by-Side Rates
| Metric | Dreamstime | Alamy |
|---|---|---|
| Photo RPI (avg) | $0.40 | $1.50 |
| HD Video RPC (avg) | — | — |
| Payout threshold | $100 | $50 |
| AI content allowed | NO | NO |
Earnings Scenarios
500 assets
Dreamstime: $200/yr
Alamy: $750/yr
2,500 assets
Dreamstime: $1,000/yr
Alamy: $3,750/yr
10,000 assets
Dreamstime: $4,000/yr
Alamy: $15,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pays more on average, Dreamstime or Alamy?
On identical portfolio inputs, 2026 contributor data shows one of the two consistently outperforming the other for photo content, while video content often reverses the ranking. Use the calculator above to see your specific scenario.
Can I upload the same files to Dreamstime and Alamy?
Yes, as long as you remain non-exclusive on both. Exclusivity on either platform prohibits uploading the same files elsewhere.
Which platform has the lower payout threshold?
Payout thresholds differ between Dreamstime and Alamy. Lower thresholds mean faster cashflow but do not affect total earnings.
Which is better for new contributors, Dreamstime or Alamy?
Both accept new contributors. The platform with the lower threshold and faster review turnaround typically wins the new-contributor decision.
Do Dreamstime and Alamy share buyers?
Buyer overlap exists but is partial. Many enterprise buyers maintain accounts on multiple platforms, so the same image can sell on both with different per-sale revenue.