Sell Your iStock Contributor Account

iStock has been owned by Getty Images since 2006, making contributor accounts part of the Getty ecosystem. This integration means your content can reach both iStock's subscription-based customers and Getty's premium corporate clients. The Getty backing adds credibility and buyer trust, often increasing account valuations compared to standalone stock sites.

Several factors affect valuation: exclusivity status (exclusive accounts earn 25-45% vs 15% non-exclusive), Signature collection inclusion, total file count, monthly earnings consistency over 12+ months, niche focus (business, lifestyle, and technology content commands premiums), and account age. Established accounts with diverse portfolios typically sell for 10-20x monthly earnings.

Both have market demand. Exclusive accounts fetch higher prices due to better royalty rates (25-45% based on earnings tier) and often priority search placement. Non-exclusive accounts appeal to buyers wanting to distribute content across multiple platforms. Your exclusivity status transfers with the account, so buyers factor this into their offers.

iStock uses a tiered royalty system for exclusive contributors: you start at 25% and can reach 45% as lifetime earnings increase. Your current tier transfers with the account, making high-tier accounts significantly more valuable. Non-exclusive contributors receive a flat 15% regardless of earnings history.

Signature is iStock's premium tier featuring curated, high-quality content that sells at higher price points. Accounts with Signature-approved files are more valuable because this content generates larger per-download royalties and attracts quality-focused buyers. Signature status is maintained when the account transfers.

We use professional escrow: the buyer deposits the full amount with us before any transfer begins. You then change the account email and credentials. Once the buyer verifies full access and portfolio accuracy, we release funds minus our 5% fee. If any issues arise, we hold funds and mediate resolution.

Plan for 3-5 business days total. Day 1: buyer funds escrow and payment clears. Days 2-3: you update account email and credentials, buyer receives access. Days 4-5: buyer reviews portfolio, confirms everything matches the listing, and we release your payment. We provide step-by-step guidance throughout.

You control what information to share. Most serious buyers request earnings screenshots showing 6-12 months of history to verify income claims. We recommend sharing this data only with verified buyers who have funded escrow or signed an NDA. Your personal information remains confidential.