Shutterstock vs Alamy: 2026 Earnings Comparison
Shutterstock versus Alamy is one of the most common decisions a new contributor faces. This calculator compares them on identical portfolio inputs using 2026 contributor data, so the numbers reflect what current sellers actually earn rather than what either platform claims. Many contributors run both Shutterstock and Alamy simultaneously on a non-exclusive basis. The calculator can sum the two income streams to model that distributed strategy. Check the FAQ for the key strategic differences between the two platforms.
Shutterstock vs Alamy: Side-by-Side Rates
| Metric | Shutterstock | Alamy |
|---|---|---|
| Photo RPI (avg) | $1.20 | $1.50 |
| HD Video RPC (avg) | $4.50 | — |
| Payout threshold | $35 | $50 |
| AI content allowed | NO | NO |
Earnings Scenarios
500 assets
Shutterstock: $600/yr
Alamy: $750/yr
2,500 assets
Shutterstock: $3,000/yr
Alamy: $3,750/yr
10,000 assets
Shutterstock: $12,000/yr
Alamy: $15,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform has the lower payout threshold?
Payout thresholds differ between Shutterstock and Alamy. Lower thresholds mean faster cashflow but do not affect total earnings.
Which is better for new contributors, Shutterstock or Alamy?
Both accept new contributors. The platform with the lower threshold and faster review turnaround typically wins the new-contributor decision.
Do Shutterstock 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.
Which platform has better AI-content support?
AI-content policy differs significantly between Shutterstock and Alamy. The AI-friendly platform typically pays less per asset but accepts higher upload volume.
Which pays more on average, Shutterstock 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.