Adobe Stock vs Shutterstock: Metadata Requirements Compared

Understanding Platform Differences

Both Adobe Stock and Shutterstock are major players in the stock photography industry, but they have different metadata requirements and best practices. Understanding these differences is crucial for maximizing your visibility on each platform.

Title Requirements

Adobe Stock

• Character limit: 200 characters
• Best practice: Descriptive sentences
• Example: "Young professional woman working remotely from cozy home office with laptop and coffee"

Shutterstock

• Character limit: 200 characters
• Best practice: Keyword-rich but natural
• Example: "Remote Work - Young Woman Using Laptop in Home Office"

Keyword Differences

Adobe Stock

• Maximum keywords: 25 keywords
• Minimum keywords: None specified
• Format: Comma-separated
• Tip: Focus on quality over quantity

Shutterstock

• Maximum keywords: 50 keywords
• Minimum keywords: 7 required
• Format: Comma-separated
• Tip: Use all 50 for maximum discoverability

Category System

Adobe Stock

Uses a category system integrated with Creative Cloud:

• Business
• Technology
• People
• Nature
• And more...

Shutterstock

Has two category selections:

• Category 1: Primary category (required)
• Category 2: Secondary category (optional)

Choose categories that best match buyer search behavior, not just image content.

Description Requirements

Adobe Stock

• Optional but recommended
• Helps with SEO and buyer context
• Can include usage suggestions

Shutterstock

• Optional
• Less emphasis on description
• Focus more on keywords

Editorial vs Commercial

Both platforms distinguish between editorial and commercial content:

Aspect	Adobe Stock	Shutterstock
Property releases	Required for commercial	Required for commercial
Model releases	Required for recognizable people	Required for recognizable people
Editorial label	Must be marked	Must be marked

CSV Upload Formats

Both platforms support CSV uploads, but with different column structures:

Adobe Stock CSV Columns

• Filename
• Title
• Keywords
• Category
• Releases

Shutterstock CSV Columns

• Filename
• Description
• Keywords
• Categories (2)
• Editorial

Optimization Strategy for Both

• Create a master metadata file with maximum detail
• Use CSVGen to export platform-specific formats
• Adapt titles to each platform's style
• Maximize keywords for Shutterstock (50)
• Focus on quality keywords for Adobe Stock (25)

Which Platform Pays More?

Payment structures differ:

• Adobe Stock: Tiered commission (33-35%)
• Shutterstock: Level-based earning (15-40%)

Both can be profitable - diversify across platforms for best results.

Conclusion

Success on both platforms requires understanding their unique requirements. While the core of your metadata (subject, concepts, style) remains the same, adapt the format and quantity for each platform.

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