iStock and Getty Images video requirements

iStock video requirements that are public

Getty Images and iStock use the same contributor site and help articles. Their public article “Preparing your content” gives these video rules:

The 30-second suggestion is the main difference from Shutterstock, Adobe Stock and Pond5, which all accept clips up to 60 seconds. A 45-second shot cut for Shutterstock may need a shorter version for iStock, unless the action needs the full length. The stock video requirements page compares all agencies.

What sits behind the login

The same article links to the “complete video technical requirements”. On 11 October 2026 that link, and the video editing guidelines, redirected to the contributor sign-in page. We do not use third-party copies of these rules, so the table marks them as not published.

How iStock compares with the other agencies

If you send the same clip everywhere, two rules from this table shape the export. Keep it under 3,900 MB so Adobe takes it, and under 3 GB for an HD or vertical clip at Pond5. Then make a cut of 30 seconds or less for iStock, unless the action needs more. Everything else for iStock, from codec to frame rate, has to be checked in the contributor area.

Before your first iStock batch

• Cut each clip to the action, 5 to 30 seconds where you can.
• Export under 6 GB.
• Remove visible logos and trademarks, and keep near-identical takes out of the batch.
• Have a signed release, on a current Getty form, for every recognizable person or property.
• Read the video technical requirements in your account, then test with a few clips.

AI-generated content

Getty Images does not accept content created with generative AI models such as Stable Diffusion, Dall-E 2 or Midjourney. The same article says this does not prevent 3D renders or the use of editing tools. The application page adds Adobe Firefly to the list, and allows limited retouching of your own work, including with AI tools. Shutterstock and Pond5 also refuse AI-generated content; Adobe Stock accepts it with a label. See the AI video policies page.

Becoming a contributor

Getty’s public application page describes the path for creative content:

1. Upload six original samples (photos, illustrations or videos), not created or modified with generative AI.
2. You must hold the copyright or be an authorized representative.
3. Getty reviews the samples and replies by email.
4. If accepted, you sign a non-exclusive agreement with Getty Images (US), Inc., wherever you live, then upload to iStock.
5. Later, you can apply to be exclusive for one or more content types.

Non-exclusive files are searchable by all customers on istock.com and by subscription customers on gettyimages.com. Royalties are paid through Payoneer or PayPal in US dollars. Editorial contributors apply through a separate route.

Video royalties

Getty’s application page puts the overall range at 15% to 45% per license, depending on your agreement. It also says customer prices run from under a dollar to several hundred dollars per file, depending on file type, product and use.

Model and property releases

• Recognizable people or property need a release, whether they are the subject or in the background.
• Print the forms and have them signed in ink for each shoot, or use an approved app.
• Use the latest approved releases (2026), including Getty’s enhanced model release.
• Approved apps: Model Release App with the “Getty Images Release”, and Easy Release with the “Enhanced Model Release Template”. Standard Easy Release forms are not enhanced releases.
• Models photographed in France sign the French version.
• The Brazilian Portuguese form covers the authorization needed for Brazilian minors under 16 in shoots in Brazil.

Getty and iStock forms travel well: Shutterstock accepts non-English releases only on forms from Shutterstock, Getty Images, iStock, Adobe or Easy Release. More in model releases for stock video.

Getty and Shutterstock: no merger

Getty’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 sets out how the deal ended:

For contributors, the two remain separate companies, each with its own portal, rules and payouts. Other rule changes are logged in agency rule changes.