If you create professional video footage, you can become a Storyblocks contributor and earn money when customers download your content. Storyblocks shares a percentage of subscription revenue with contributors, with earnings based on how much of your content is downloaded relative to other contributors.
1. Apply to become a Storyblocks contributor
The first step is to apply to become a contributor. Once your application is approved, you can begin uploading content through the Contributor Portal.
For more information about the application process and what to expect, see:
Your Contributor License Agreement allows Storyblocks to license your content while you retain the copyright. Video content licensed through Storyblocks is non-exclusive, and you can remove content from your portfolio with 30 days' notice.
See the submission requirements for more information about rights, releases, and other requirements:
2. Submit high-quality, commercially useful footage
Storyblocks looks for commercial-quality, professionally produced footage. Strong submissions should have high-quality image capture, clean lenses, sharp focus, professional lighting and exposure, thoughtful composition, and appropriate post-production and compression.
Storyblocks also evaluates footage for visual quality, technical quality, authenticity, and overall value to customers. Content goes through a review process before it is added to the library.
For the full technical specifications, including accepted resolutions, frame rates, codecs, file formats, file sizes, and durations, see:
3. Get your releases in order
If your footage includes people or other situations requiring a release, make sure you have the appropriate documentation before submitting.
For example, video containing a minor without a model release will not be approved, even if the content is marked as editorial.
Learn more:
4. Upload your footage
You can upload video clips through the web uploader in your Contributor Dashboard, which supports up to 100 files at a time. Contributors can also use an sFTP client for larger uploads. Release forms must be uploaded through the Contributor Portal rather than FTP.
5. Add accurate titles and keywords
Good metadata helps customers discover your work. Metadata includes information such as titles and keywords, and contributors can edit metadata through the Contributor Portal.
Video contributors can also use CSV metadata files, and Storyblocks can read certain IPTC Core fields embedded in video files.
See:
You can also review Storyblocks' guidance on writing better titles and keywords for footage:
6. Create content customers need
Building a strong portfolio isn't only about uploading more content - it's also about uploading content that customers are looking for. Storyblocks regularly identifies in-demand content opportunities based on customer needs and downloads.
Explore current opportunities here:
7. Understand the review process
After you submit your footage, Storyblocks reviews it against its content standards. Approval can depend on factors including visual quality, technical quality, authenticity, and value.
For an overview of the process and approval standards, visit:
8. Start earning
Once approved and available in the Storyblocks library, your footage can be downloaded by customers. Contributors earn a share of subscription revenue, with earnings based on the proportion of downloads their content receives compared with other contributors.