Platform Comparison Matrix

Start Here
A quick-start guide explaining how to use the workbook. It tells users to review the Platform Matrix, use the Scoring Tool, check the Top Picks Dashboard, explore individual Platform Notes tabs, and verify current platform rates through source links or official platform resources.

Choosing Platforms by Goal
A strategy guide for selecting platforms based on creator goals. It includes volume strategy, premium strategy, video focus, and simplicity strategy, with examples of which platforms may fit each approach.

Important Notes
A reminder section explaining that commission rates, payout thresholds, and platform terms can change; fields marked as current-value checks should be verified; exclusivity can increase commission but limit distribution; and creators should start with 2–3 platforms before expanding.

Platform Matrix
A side-by-side comparison table covering 15 stock content platforms: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images, iStock by Getty, Alamy, Dreamstime, Depositphotos, Pond5, Envato Elements, 123RF, Freepik Contributor, Canva Creators, Wirestock, Picfair, and Foap.

Platform Comparison Fields
The matrix compares each platform by content types, exclusivity options, commission structure, payout threshold, payment methods, submission requirements, review process, approval difficulty, best-for recommendation, pros, cons, and source link field.

Scoring Tool
A customizable scoring worksheet where users can set priority weights from 1–5 for commission rate importance, ease of approval, video friendliness, upload workflow ease, and global reach or buyer base.

Platform Rating System
Users can rate each platform from 1–5 across key criteria. The workbook calculates weighted scores and ranking results to help identify which platforms best match the user’s specific priorities.

Top Picks Dashboard
An automatic recommendation dashboard that pulls from the Scoring Tool to show top starter platforms, growth platform recommendations, and a diversification strategy based on the user’s custom weights and ratings.

Diversification Strategy
A guidance section explaining how to start with the top-ranked platform, add a second platform after building a base of approved images, expand to additional platforms after consistent results, and consider aggregators like Wirestock after building a larger portfolio.

Shutterstock Notes
Platform-specific notes covering key takeaways, commission tiers, beginner suitability, non-exclusive strategy, common rejection reasons, best content types, upload tips, and contributor resources.

Adobe Stock Notes
Platform-specific notes covering fixed commission structure, Creative Cloud integration, premium quality expectations, first payout delay, rejection reasons, best content types, upload tips, and contributor resources.

Getty Images & iStock Notes
Platform-specific notes covering Getty’s premium and editorial focus, iStock exclusivity options, portfolio application expectations, payout considerations, rejection reasons, best content types, and upload tips.

Alamy Notes
Platform-specific notes covering higher commission potential, lenient approval standards, editorial and documentary strengths, common rejection reasons, best content types, upload tips, and contributor resources.

Pond5 Notes
Platform-specific notes covering video-focused selling, creator-set pricing, exclusive video options, audio and motion content opportunities, rejection reasons, best content types, upload tips, and contributor resources.

Envato Elements Notes
Platform-specific notes covering subscription-based earnings, template and design asset opportunities, quality expectations, rejection reasons, best content types, upload tips, and author resources.

Freepik Notes
Platform-specific notes covering vectors, illustrations, PSD files, AI-generated content labeling, revenue share structure, rejection reasons, best content types, upload tips, and contributor resources.

Canva Creators Notes
Platform-specific notes covering Canva template and element opportunities, royalty pool model, beginner-friendly payout threshold, rejection reasons, best content types, upload tips, and Canva Creator resources.

Example Tab
A tutorial example showing how to use the Scoring Tool. It demonstrates a sample creator scenario, priority weights, platform ratings, weighted score calculation, and how the Top Picks Dashboard uses the results.

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