17 Best Sites to Sell Photos and Videos Online (2025)

In this blog post, I am pleased to share the most comprehensive list of the best sites to sell photos and videos online available on the web.

The Best Sites to Sell Photos and Videos

When I first started selling my photos online, I had no idea where to begin. I wanted to turn my passion for photography into passive income, but figuring out the best platforms, pricing, and licensing felt overwhelming. After plenty of trial and error, I found some great sites that made it easy to connect with buyers, showcase my work, and earn money from digital downloads, stock photos, and even prints.

This is a massive list of the best places to sell photos and videos online. While I haven’t used every single one, I have experience with several and plan to try more as I continue growing my photography business. Whether you’re uploading shots from your smartphone or looking for a professional platform, there’s an option here for you. Some sites cater to social media-friendly images, while others are great for stock photographers wanting to license their work.

With the right strategy-consistent uploads, a unique style, and a little market research-you can start earning and turn your photography hobby into a real source of income. Let’s dive in!

Summary Table: Top 17 Photo and Video Sites

Below is a comprehensive guide comparing each platform’s best use case and beginner-friendliness on a 1–5 scale. By referencing these online marketplaces-some of which are best websites for certain niches-you’ll see where you might gain the highest profit margins with minimal transaction fees.

#1. Shutterstock

Shutterstock stands out among the best sites to sell photos and videos because of its massive global audience, which includes graphic designers, publishers, and businesses of all sizes. They offer a wide variety of royalty-free images and digital files, allowing you to market your best shots to potential clients around the world.

Now considered one of the best stock photo websites for consistent sales, Shutterstock requires an approval process for each submission, but the potential for extra money is high once your images start selling. It’s a great place for professional photographers who want to earn in the long run and for those seeking numerous ways to make passive income.

📽️ Video Credit: Mike Vestil

#2. Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock is regarded by many as one of the best sites to sell photos and videos due to seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud tools, like Photoshop and Lightroom. This platform is a great way for photographers of all levels to diversify their online presence, especially if they already use adobe id for creative work.

In addition to images, Adobe Stock supports video clips, vectors, and other digital images, making it popular among graphic designers. Submissions can be strict in terms of high-quality content, but the affiliate program occasionally offers a free trial or other incentives for new sign-ups, so it’s a good thing to keep an eye on promotions.

📽️ Video Credit: Trace

#3. iStock (by Getty Images)

Owned by Getty Images, iStock is widely recognized among the best sites to sell photos and videos, thanks to a robust buyer network spanning magazines, ad agencies, and even corporate social media teams. This site focuses on professional photographers and amateur photographer contributions alike, but it’s crucial to understand non-exclusive photos vs. exclusive terms if you want to maximize profit margins.

One great thing is the brand clout of Getty Images, helping you reach potential buyers who value high-quality photos. However, the approval process and the sale price might differ for exclusive vs. non-exclusive content, so do your homework before committing.

📽️ Video Credit: The Teaching Doc

#4. Alamy

Alamy belongs on any list of the best sites to sell photos and videos because it offers some of the highest commissions around-up to 50% for non-exclusive content. This platform is well-known for accepting a wide array of stock images and stock photos, including editorial, creative, and specialized niches like architecture or wildlife.

Its user-friendly approach and minimal upfront costs make it appealing for those with a large library of high-quality photos. While it might not be the best way to reach casual social media clients, Alamy excels at attracting potential clients in need of professional or specialized content, such as educational publishers or magazines.

#5. Dreamstime

Dreamstime is considered one of the best sites to sell photos and videos for those seeking a supportive environment. In addition to stock photo sites expertise, Dreamstime focuses on helping new photographers and amateur photographer enthusiasts learn the ropes by providing community forums, tips, and tutorials on how to sell photos online.

What makes Dreamstime appealing is its approach to royalty-free images that can be licensed multiple times, providing you with income potential from your existing catalog. It’s not the largest platform, but the sense of community and a straightforward approval process can be reassuring for people venturing into stock photography websites for the first time.

📽️ Video Credit: Ardoun

#6. 123RF

123RF is an international micro-stock site that often appears on lists of the best sites to sell photos and videos for beginners. They handle everything from royalty-free images to video clips, making it a great way for you to reach photographers of all levels or even graphic designers seeking fresh content.

One big advantage is the free plan for contributors to start uploading without monthly fees, though certain advanced features might require a paid plan. This strategy helps you test the waters and see if your unique style or professional photographers approach resonates with 123RF’s global audience.

#7. Bigstock

A simpler offshoot of Shutterstock, Bigstock is regularly touted among the best sites to sell photos and videos for people who dislike complicated upload processes. The environment here is more laid-back, so you won’t find as many upfront costs or demanding guidelines as in some larger networks.

If you want an online presence that’s easier to manage and still includes a loyal buyer base seeking royalty-free images for commercial use, Bigstock is a great place to start. Think of it as a bridge between amateur photographer status and more advanced stock platforms requiring in-depth portfolios.

📚 Related: Best Print-On-Demand Coffee Mugs to Sell

#8. Depositphotos

Depositphotos is often referred to as one of the best sites to sell photos and videos for creators seeking moderate returns and a flexible approach. They accept a wide range of digital images, from lifestyle shots to backgrounds and high-quality content aimed at online platforms or print.

With a step-by-step approval process, you’ll need to ensure your files meet the platform’s standards. However, envato elements aside, Depositphotos is a good websites alternative if you want a stable environment that balances the needs of new photographers and more established professional photographers.

#9. Freepik

Freepik caters heavily to graphic designers looking for stock vectors, but it also ranks among the best sites to sell photos and videos for those targeting a design-centric audience. Because Freepik places such emphasis on vector and illustration, your stock photos might stand out if they’re creative or highly stylized.

The best things about Freepik include a large, established user base and the possibility for rapid downloads if your images fit popular design trends. However, you’ll face a fairly strict curation process to maintain high-quality images, so be prepared to refine your submissions to match Freepik’s style guidelines.

📚 Related: DALL-E vs MidJourney vs Stable Diffusion: Which AI is Best?

#10. Canva (Contributor Program)

Canva is among the best sites to sell photos and videos because it integrates with a popular design tool that small business owners, graphic designers, and professional photographers rely on daily. This synergy can expose your stock images or short video clips to a broader audience seeking quick, user-friendly solutions.

One key perk is the potential for your content to be featured in marketing materials or recommended templates. Although there’s a thorough approval process, your images might enjoy higher usage if they align with seasonal or niche trends, thus boosting your income potential in the long run.

#11. Etsy

Etsy may not be the first platform people think of when discussing the best sites to sell photos and videos, yet it’s a great way to open an online store for digital downloads. Many professional photographers find success selling photo books, physical prints, or digital images that can be printed at home.

Setting your own prices on Etsy and using gift cards or coupons can attract more potential buyers. You also have full control over branding, enabling you to cultivate a personal relationship with your fans-just remember that transaction fee and listing fees might eat into your profit if you don’t plan well.

#12. Stocksy

Stocksy is an artist-owned cooperative recognized for its curated catalog of high-quality photos and video clips, making it one of the best sites to sell photos and videos if you’re going for a fine art america type of approach. It’s aimed at professional photographers who produce top-tier, one-of-a-kind content with a unique style.

Though it offers full control over how images are licensed (since you can be exclusive or partly exclusive), the approval process is tougher. Still, if you pass that hurdle, you’ll reap rewards with excellent profit margins from higher-end clients searching for best stock photo websites in terms of artistry and exclusivity.

#13. EyeEm

EyeEm started as a social media community for visual creatives but evolved into one of the best sites to sell photos and videos for a modern, smartphone-centric generation. With an easy-to-use mobile app, EyeEm encourages quick uploads of stock photography sites–quality content, including real-life, candid moments that appeal to brand marketing.

Through EyeEm’s partnership with Getty Images, your selected photos may also get additional exposure on broader networks, boosting your earning potential. It’s a great thing for those who prefer minimal overhead and want an easiest way to test the waters, but keep in mind that truly standing out often requires a very unique style.

#14. Foap

Foap is frequently listed among the best sites to sell photos and videos via smartphone. You can upload photos shot on a mobile device directly into brand-sponsored “Missions,” which often pay more than typical stock sales.

It’s a great place for amateur photographer or new photographers who focus on casual, everyday imagery that resonates with social media campaigns. Although you keep 50% of each sale, success can vary, so it’s wise to join Missions or stand out with a unique style for more consistent sales.

#15. Twenty20 (Envato Elements)

Twenty20, now under Envato Elements, ranks among the best sites to sell photos and videos with a focus on real-life, lifestyle-oriented media. It’s a good websites choice if you love capturing genuine moments, as marketing agencies appreciate the authenticity.

Your content may also end up on envato elements, broadening your reach to potential buyers seeking modern, relatable images. However, the sale price you receive per download can fluctuate depending on subscription tiers, so it’s a good thing to factor in how many times your image needs to sell to see meaningful returns.

📚 Related: Sqribble eBook Software Review

#16. SmugMug

SmugMug isn’t a classic “stock” solution, but it’s absolutely one of the best sites to sell photos and videos if you desire full control over your brand and marketing. Think of SmugMug like an own website with built-in e-commerce-an online store where you can set your own prices, offer physical prints, and run client galleries for private or commercial use.

One great place to start is with a free trial to see how the platform’s customization features match your needs. If you’re looking to combine print-on-demand services with direct licensing of your digital images, SmugMug can help you handle everything from photo books to private property shoots.

#17. Zenfolio

Zenfolio offers a comprehensive guide for photographers who want an online store and robust e-commerce features. It’s often called one of the best sites to sell photos and videos for professional photographers seeking a polished environment to showcase high-quality content-from wedding pictures to fine art.

The best platforms for client galleries usually focus on features like password-protected pages, easy ordering, and gift cards for physical prints or digital downloads. Zenfolio delivers on these fronts, but you’ll need to direct potential clients to your page, as the site itself doesn’t have a large, built-in buyer community.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best sites to sell photos and videos depends on your creative focus, need for free access or a paid plan, and whether you prefer a built-in marketplace or your own site with full control. If you crave broad exposure on stock photography sites, check out Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock-though each platform’s approval process can be stringent.

For a great way to market your high-quality content directly, SmugMug or Zenfolio might be the right platform-especially if you want to set your own prices and manage client galleries. Meanwhile, Foap and EyeEm are simpler, good websites for new photographers or amateur photographer enthusiasts who want to upload photos quickly and chase brand-sponsored Missions on a mobile device. Regardless of your choice, each of these 17 platforms offers a great place to grow your audience, build an online presence, and earn extra money from your best work in the photography business.

Ultimately, these best sites to sell photos and videos provide numerous platforms to reach countless potential clients, so pick one (or a few) that align with your unique style and monetization goals. With a bit of market research and consistent posting of high-quality images, you’ll be well on your way to turning your camera skills into a profitable venture-even if it’s just a micro-stock site at first. Remember: the easiest way to succeed is to keep refining your portfolio, invest in marketing, and stay determined over the long run. Good luck!