iStock vs Depositphotos: 2026 Earnings Comparison
Both iStock and Depositphotos 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. Per-asset earnings on iStock and Depositphotos have both shifted since 2024 due to platform consolidation, AI-content policy changes, and royalty resets. The calculator uses post-reset rates only. Scroll down to see the head-to-head rate table for iStock and Depositphotos.
iStock vs Depositphotos: Side-by-Side Rates
| Metric | iStock | Depositphotos |
|---|---|---|
| Photo RPI (avg) | $0.80 | $0.50 |
| HD Video RPC (avg) | $3.50 | $2.00 |
| Payout threshold | $100 | $50 |
| AI content allowed | NO | YES |
Earnings Scenarios
500 assets
iStock: $400/yr
Depositphotos: $250/yr
2,500 assets
iStock: $2,000/yr
Depositphotos: $1,250/yr
10,000 assets
iStock: $8,000/yr
Depositphotos: $5,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Do iStock and Depositphotos 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.
Which platform has better AI-content support?
AI-content policy differs significantly between iStock and Depositphotos. The AI-friendly platform typically pays less per asset but accepts higher upload volume.
Which pays more on average, iStock or Depositphotos?
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 iStock and Depositphotos?
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 iStock and Depositphotos. Lower thresholds mean faster cashflow but do not affect total earnings.