Why Haven’t My Shutterstock Earnings Cleared and What to Do About It?

Introduction

As a Shutterstock contributor, you may have noticed that your earnings haven’t cleared as expected. This can be frustrating, especially if you thought you had completed all necessary steps to receive your payment. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue, how to resolve it, and provide you with tips to ensure timely payouts in the future.

The Complexity of Shutterstock's Payment System

Shutterstock's payment system can indeed be complex, especially for new contributors. It is important to understand the various factors that can affect your earnings payout. Shutterstock typically pays contributors quarterly, but this can vary based on your earnings and the payment settings you have chosen. It is also important to note that Shutterstock recently acquired Pond5, leading to potential changes in their payment processes.

Have You Filled in Your Tax Information?

One of the key factors in receiving your payment is the completion of your tax information. According to Shutterstock's guidelines, you must have completed your tax form before you can receive your earnings. If you have not yet filled in your tax information, it could be causing the delay in your payment. Here are the steps to check and update your tax information:

Log in to your Shutterstock account.

Navigate to the "Manager" section.

Click on "About Me" and then "Taxes."

Ensure that your tax information is accurate and up-to-date.

Payment Requirements and Settings

In addition to having completed your tax information, you also need to select an electronic payment provider to receive your earnings. Shutterstock supports multiple payment options, such as PayPal, Skrill, or Payoneer. Here’s what you need to do:

Complete your tax information.

Select an electronic payment provider. Choose from PayPal, Skrill, or Payoneer.

Save your payment settings.

Once these steps are completed, your earnings will be eligible for payment on the scheduled payout date. If you don’t see any changes after completing these steps, it is recommended to contact Shutterstock support for assistance.

Budget and Earnings Payouts

Shutterstock has a payout threshold of at least $25 before you can request a payout. This threshold is designed to ensure that small transactions are efficient and cover the costs associated with processing payments. If your earnings have not yet reached this threshold, you may not see any payouts despite having completed all necessary steps.

Additionally, there might be a payout limit set to prevent you from receiving an excessively large amount in a single transaction. If you have reached your payout limit, you will need to wait until it resets to receive further payments.

Conclusion

Shutterstock's payment system can often seem complicated, but by understanding the requirements and completing all necessary steps, you can ensure that your earnings are cleared and paid out promptly. If you have any questions or issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Shutterstock's support team for assistance. Always keep your tax information updated and ensure that you have selected a valid payment provider to avoid any delays in your earnings.

Note: Shutterstock's policies and procedures may be subject to change, so it is recommended to visit the official Shutterstock website for the most up-to-date information.