Author Topic: What's the Future of Microstock (Read 1594 times)

Big Money · « **on:** December 10, 2024, 19:10 »

Recently, someone asked me what is the future of microstock since I've been in this business for 15 years. I told them to close their eyes and tell me what they see. They responded that they see nothing---Thus I walked away without answering them since they already answered their own question--"Nothing"

tätarätä · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2024, 03:27 »

microstock will became AI stock. Image mining companies will do the job.

stoker2014 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2024, 05:01 »

Quote from: Big Money on December 10, 2024, 19:10

Recently, someone asked me what is the future of microstock since I've been in this business for 15 years. I told them to close their eyes and tell me what they see. They responded that they see nothing---Thus I walked away without answering them since they already answered their own question--"Nothing"

Are you asking a question or is this just a topic about your correspondence?

Andrej.S. · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2024, 08:13 »

I think with AI, the market will continue to grow for another 3 to 5 years, as more niches are covered for the buyers. However, I expect a sudden crash at some point within the next 10 years as soon as AI agents automate the entire process from image creation to image use.

When a blogger or journalist then instructs the agent to create an article and a matching image at the same time, it's game over.

So, one should take as much cash as possible over the next few years and then move on.

Big Money · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2024, 19:09 »

Quote from: stoker2014 on December 11, 2024, 05:01

Quote from: Big Money on December 10, 2024, 19:10
Recently, someone asked me what is the future of microstock since I've been in this business for 15 years. I told them to close their eyes and tell me what they see. They responded that they see nothing---Thus I walked away without answering them since they already answered their own question--"Nothing"
Are you asking a question or is this just a topic about your correspondence?

Both lol

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #5 on:** December 12, 2024, 19:49 »

The future of microstock will include more announcements of "exciting news" from agencies. At some point you'll receive something like this.

"Hello contributors and Happy New Year 2028! You've been extremely important to the success of our business and we've valued our partnership tremendously. We have some exciting news! As you know, Artificial Intelligence has been maturing at an incredible pace so we've taken the tens of millions of photos you've worked so hard to create over the past couple decades and will be using AI to replace you. Not only are we replacing you, we've used your images to do it. Exciting right? Starting in 2029 our entire catalog will be AI content. While royalty payments to you will cease on 1/1/2029, you're welcome to continue submitting content to help support our business and our billionaire executives. We look forward to our continued partnership. The staff at AIstock"

Injustice for all · « **Reply #6 on:** December 14, 2024, 06:53 »

the future of microstock depends on us,because we are the microstock,we try to collaborate only with agencies with honest royalties,and things will improve,but if we lower our heads and accept 15% royalties or 0.10c things will only get worse.

AI only changes the rules don't destroy the game.

real content is always useful,real is real and nothing will ever change this.

the rules of the game have simply changed,but the game is not over.

Mantis · « **Reply #7 on:** December 14, 2024, 08:38 »

You are literally seeing the future of Microstock happen right before your eyes. It's just incremental.

Big Money · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2024, 09:07 »

Quote from: Mantis on December 14, 2024, 08:38

You are literally seeing the future of Microstock happen right before your eyes. It's just incremental.

The rules have changed which means my income has gone down each year. But my rent and all other things have gone up. Too bad my landlord doesn't change her rules and lower my rent lol!

Big Money · « **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2024, 09:08 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on December 12, 2024, 19:49

The future of microstock will include more announcements of "exciting news" from agencies. At some point you'll receive something like this.

"Hello contributors and Happy New Year 2028! You've been extremely important to the success of our business and we've valued our partnership tremendously. We have some exciting news! As you know, Artificial Intelligence has been maturing at an incredible pace so we've taken the tens of millions of photos you've worked so hard to create over the past couple decades and will be using AI to replace you. Not only are we replacing you, we've used your images to do it. Exciting right? Starting in 2029 our entire catalog will be AI content. While royalty payments to you will cease on 1/1/2029, you're welcome to continue submitting content to help support our business and our billionaire executives. We look forward to our continued partnership. The staff at AIstock"

I feel like it is already 2029 sir!

Injustice for all · « **Reply #10 on:** December 14, 2024, 13:40 »

Quote from: Big Money on December 14, 2024, 09:07

Quote from: Mantis on December 14, 2024, 08:38
You are literally seeing the future of Microstock happen right before your eyes. It's just incremental.

The rules have changed which means my income has gone down each year. But my rent and all other things have gone up. Too bad my landlord doesn't change her rules and lower my rent lol!

this was a good one,but how much content have you uploaded this year?

I still don't earn much,but in November I made 91% more sales and 153% more earnings than in November 2023,and all months of this year except September were up compared to the previous year or all of the previous 6 years.

I'm uploading an average of 200 contents per month,in my opinion 2/300 contents per month is the right balance also to be able to take care of indexing in the best possible way.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #11 on:** December 15, 2024, 13:56 »

Quote from: Big Money on December 14, 2024, 09:08

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on December 12, 2024, 19:49
The future of microstock will include more announcements of "exciting news" from agencies. At some point you'll receive something like this.

"Hello contributors and Happy New Year 2028! You've been extremely important to the success of our business and we've valued our partnership tremendously. We have some exciting news! As you know, Artificial Intelligence has been maturing at an incredible pace so we've taken the tens of millions of photos you've worked so hard to create over the past couple decades and will be using AI to replace you. Not only are we replacing you, we've used your images to do it. Exciting right? Starting in 2029 our entire catalog will be AI content. While royalty payments to you will cease on 1/1/2029, you're welcome to continue submitting content to help support our business and our billionaire executives. We look forward to our continued partnership. The staff at AIstock"

I feel like it is already 2029 sir!

Not quite there yet. AI is still creating images where people have fifteen fingers, dogs have two tails, and other things that make it obvious it's AI. In a few short years, you wont be able to distinguish AI from reality. At that point, agencies won't have any need for us except for maybe editorial. And even then, they'll drop royalties to nearly nothing. Maybe at some point stock will slightly rebound when people grow tired of fake AI and want more authentic content.

Injustice for all · « **Reply #12 on:** December 15, 2024, 17:51 »

in my opinion this is true for most agencies but not for all and especially not for Adobe.

we are and will always be useful to the agencies,the point is simply that some agencies have no intention of continuing a long-term collaboration with us contributors,and there are clear signs that indicate this.

the greatest signal,as big as Mont Blanc,is if an agency does not accept AI content from contributors.

Like it or not,the future of digital content is with AI,even if the need for real content is there and will always be there.

so if an agency doesn't accept AI it's a red flag,they would need us if we agree to be a minimum expense,otherwise for these agencies we are relative,that's why the change in SS royalty structure for example.

"if you stick with that for us is ok" say SS or IS "otherwise there is a road there,we don't care!"

why do we serve agencies if there will be perfect text to image AI?

first of all because we are all a giant,unstoppable,inimitable machine of ideas,customers need our ideas.

then we all live in different locations,we can produce real photography and videography from all over the world,which would otherwise be impossible without us.

then there is time,the most precious resource in the world,we are time,AI can be as perfect as you like,but it takes time to produce content,while browsing a library and seeing and downloading content is much quicker.

therefore,in my opinion,we are indispensable to all agencies,but we just need to understand which of these intend to continue collaborating with us,who is interested and who is not.

that's definitely one reason why I decided to go ahead and work only with Adobe,because in my opinion Adobe is a guarantee of long-term collaboration,and imo the signs are everywhere.

Bauman · « **Reply #13 on:** December 16, 2024, 03:25 »

Quote from: Injustice for all on December 14, 2024, 13:40

I'm uploading an average of 200 contents per month,in my opinion 2/300 contents per month is the right balance also to be able to take care of indexing in the best possible way.

I think the number of uploads is really not very relevant to measure future sales.

The important things are two: quality and saleability of images.

Here on the forum someone mentioned the Adobe Stock portfolio of Romolo Tavani: 3000 images, more than 1,000,000 downloads.

And then we read some blogs of contributors who with 20,000 images do not exceed 100$ per month on Adobe. And looking at their work you can understand why they make so few sales.

So I think the focus should be: quality, quality, quality on images requested by customers. And not 2/300 or 1000 images per month. If you don’t improve the quality of your work you will remain at your current level.

DanielVisuals · « **Reply #14 on:** December 16, 2024, 05:03 »

I agree that quality should be the primary focus. With increased competition from other contributors and agencies, quality is paramount.

Andrej.S. · « **Reply #15 on:** December 16, 2024, 05:52 »

Yes, definitely. The days of mass uploads, like back in Fotolia's time, are over. The competition is just too high.

Mass uploading only works if you deliver phenomenal quality, which is only possible with a large team, like Gorodenkoff (https://stock.adobe.com/de/contributor/200571845/gorodenkoff).

Another example like Romolo is ipopba with around 5,000 images and over 250,000 downloads (https://stock.adobe.com/de/contributor/205024019/ipopba). However, he is currently being heavily copied by other Thai contributors.

I would recommend diversifying one's portfolio very broadly and keeping it very lean. Per topic max 3 - 5 images and no mass spamming.

It's better to have one super top image than 100 uploads otherwise your portfolio ranking will drop and your bestsellers will also lose sales.
Most AI contributors kill their rankings and portfolios in the long term because of mass uploading.

Injustice for all · « **Reply #16 on:** December 16, 2024, 07:08 »

Quote from: Bauman on December 16, 2024, 03:25

Quote from: Injustice for all on December 14, 2024, 13:40
I'm uploading an average of 200 contents per month,in my opinion 2/300 contents per month is the right balance also to be able to take care of indexing in the best possible way.

I think the number of uploads is really not very relevant to measure future sales.

The important things are two: quality and saleability of images.

Here on the forum someone mentioned the Adobe Stock portfolio of Romolo Tavani: 3000 images, more than 1,000,000 downloads.

And then we read some blogs of contributors who with 20,000 images do not exceed 100$ per month on Adobe. And looking at their work you can understand why they make so few sales.

So I think the focus should be: quality, quality, quality on images requested by customers. And not 2/300 or 1000 images per month. If you don’t improve the quality of your work you will remain at your current level.

of course,I agree,in fact,as I have already said many times,the contents that I sell the most are the contents on which I have wasted the most time.

200 contents per month are few,this month I will probably upload more than this,but it depends on the type of work I'm doing.

but to earn money in microstock,like any other business,you also need to have the ability to invest money in hardware,equipment,AI subscriptions,travel....

if you don't have the opportunity to invest in all this,it is much more difficult to earn more,and above all to grow quickly.

cobalt · « **Reply #17 on:** December 16, 2024, 07:10 »

A lot of the high quality ports come from teams. They do not just produce excellent quality, but also invest heavily in researching needed content and current trends.

I don't believe in mass uploads, but I am trying to increase the size of my port and branch out into genres I have never offered before. Adding new things and new genres should help a lot with the ever occurring algo swings.

Trying to get a baseline of 300 a month and hopefully a reliable 400.

But for 2025 I will be adding lost of video and real photos.

There is so much content missing and if you do localized content or editorial you have files the ai spammers cannot copy easily because they do not live here.

fotoroad · « **Reply #18 on:** December 16, 2024, 07:50 »

Here is really great news from AI https://youtube.com/shorts/BdTyn6kYnz4?si=2LReZsm1a6rGpS85
Sounds good

Have nice Monday

cobalt · « **Reply #19 on:** December 16, 2024, 08:06 »

You rally want the spammers to triple, right?

Upload ai enhanced images directly from your camera to stock agencies...no post processing, instant money...

Oh well...

fotoroad · « **Reply #20 on:** December 16, 2024, 08:26 »

Quote from: cobalt on December 16, 2024, 08:06

You rally want the spammers to triple, right?

Upload ai enhanced images directly from your camera to stock agencies...no post processing, instant money...

Oh well...

Oh NO I just try be optimistic

Big Money · « **Reply #21 on:** December 16, 2024, 08:58 »

Quote from: fotoroad on December 16, 2024, 08:26

Quote from: cobalt on December 16, 2024, 08:06
You rally want the spammers to triple, right?

Upload ai enhanced images directly from your camera to stock agencies...no post processing, instant money...

Oh well...

Oh NO I just try be optimistic

You're a good guy but think about what you just stated. Instant money and no post processing? Come on. Thus no skill required to submit images basically. A 10 year old would be able to to this now. The very reason why this business is fading because they lowered the requirements to submit images. Initially there were required tests to get into the companies and many folks including myself failed the tests. Shutter required 7 out of 10 to pass and iStock was a nightmare. Mostly only the professional or semi pro's passed the requirements. So you want to even lower the standards of today which is very easy? Think not...

fotoroad · « **Reply #22 on:** December 16, 2024, 09:28 »

Quote from: Big Money on December 16, 2024, 08:58

Quote from: fotoroad on December 16, 2024, 08:26
Quote from: cobalt on December 16, 2024, 08:06
You rally want the spammers to triple, right?

Upload ai enhanced images directly from your camera to stock agencies...no post processing, instant money...

Oh well...

Oh NO I just try be optimistic

You're a good guy but think about what you just stated. Instant money and no post processing? Come on. Thus no skill required to submit images basically. A 10 year old would be able to to this now. The very reason why this business is fading because they lowered the requirements to submit images. Initially there were required tests to get into the companies and many folks including myself failed the tests. Shutter required 7 out of 10 to pass and iStock was a nightmare. Mostly only the professional or semi pro's passed the requirements. So you want to even lower the standards of today which is very easy? Think not...

It was just respond from AI to my question how will be microstock in 2025, make me smile and I just try share it with stockers group. I remember also sending slides to ALAMY and very well all the micro tests, when I start with that I already have many published images in magazines, the best test is marketplace. No I wan not lover standards, I just like fun

and love to see sometimes situation from distance and other angle.

Big Money · « **Reply #23 on:** December 16, 2024, 19:13 »

Quote from: fotoroad on December 16, 2024, 09:28

Quote from: Big Money on December 16, 2024, 08:58
Quote from: fotoroad on December 16, 2024, 08:26
Quote from: cobalt on December 16, 2024, 08:06
You rally want the spammers to triple, right?

Upload ai enhanced images directly from your camera to stock agencies...no post processing, instant money...

Oh well...

Oh NO I just try be optimistic

You're a good guy but think about what you just stated. Instant money and no post processing? Come on. Thus no skill required to submit images basically. A 10 year old would be able to to this now. The very reason why this business is fading because they lowered the requirements to submit images. Initially there were required tests to get into the companies and many folks including myself failed the tests. Shutter required 7 out of 10 to pass and iStock was a nightmare. Mostly only the professional or semi pro's passed the requirements. So you want to even lower the standards of today which is very easy? Think not...
It was just respond from AI to my question how will be microstock in 2025, make me smile and I just try share it with stockers group. I remember also sending slides to ALAMY and very well all the micro tests, when I start with that I already have many published images in magazines, the best test is marketplace. No I wan not lover standards, I just like fun and love to see sometimes situation from distance and other angle.

Many years ago Yuri predicted that smartphones would take over the business. He was partly right.

AM24 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 19, 2024, 20:06 »

Over a year ago, I retired from microstock. I had seen my earnings from $30,000+ per annum (from about 5 or 6 years ago) in freefall down to a fraction of what it used to be. Especially on SS, which used to bring in half of my total earnings. I still get the occasionally large-ish photo SOD or video sale, but its nothing compared to what it used to be.

A year ago, I successfully applied to a premium agency and although I am making sales there. Basically I am retired from stock, don't need that income anymore, and just needing a creative outlet as a hobby. Its nice when a hobby gives you a bit of financial return, but it certainly isn't microstock anymore - for me, at least.

AI and agency subs/low commissions have seemed to have destroyed the market, at least it's certainly not what it used to be. There is no enjoyment anymore. I don't like AI but I decided to give it a try. I uploaded some holiday AI to DT and 7 images sold fairly quickly. And that was just on DT - I didn't upload to AS, so it could have been even better. But I can't stand looking at the photos!!!

(they look terrible and the 6 thumbs or whatever you get are awful!) No, I will not be uploading any more.

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and wish everyone Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.

Cheers!

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Author Topic: What's the Future of Microstock (Read 1594 times)

Big Money

tätarätä

stoker2014

Andrej.S.

Big Money

PaulieWalnuts

Injustice for all

Mantis

Big Money

Big Money

Injustice for all

PaulieWalnuts

Injustice for all

Bauman

DanielVisuals

Andrej.S.

Injustice for all

cobalt

fotoroad

cobalt

fotoroad

Big Money

fotoroad

Big Money

AM24

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