Can You Still Make Money on EyeEm.com? A Photographer’s Guide

For years, EyeEm.com has been a beacon for photographers looking to turn their passion into a paycheck.

It’s a global marketplace designed to connect creative talent with brands and image buyers, offering a platform to sell your photos and potentially earn a passive income.

But the landscape of stock photography is shifting, and EyeEm has faced significant turbulence.

So, can you still make money with EyeEm.com in 2025?

The answer is complex, balancing real opportunity with considerable risk.

How to Make Money on EyeEm.com: The Core Methods

There are two primary ways to earn money through the platform: direct marketplace sales and competitive Missions.

First, you can upload your original photos and artwork to the EyeEm Market.

Your images are then reviewed, and if accepted, they become available for licensing to a global audience.

The platform operates on a 50/50 revenue split for photos sold directly through its market.

Second, photographers can participate in EyeEm Missions.

These are creative contests sponsored by brands looking for specific types of images.

Winning a Mission can result in cash prizes, prominent features, and direct exposure to major companies.

Strategies for Success on the EyeEm Market

Simply uploading photos isn't enough; success on EyeEm.com requires a strategic approach.

Some photographers have reported earning over $10,000 by following a few key principles.

Think like a buyer.

Instead of just uploading your favorite shots, research what kind of content is in demand.

Browse EyeEm’s curated collections and top-selling images to understand current trends.

Authentic, everyday moments often sell better than generic stock photos.

Images featuring diverse groups of people, daily life, work-from-home scenes, and niche topics can be very profitable.

Tagging is crucial.

Use precise and relevant keywords to ensure your photos appear in buyer searches.

Think about themes, objects, locations, and concepts depicted in your image.

Consistency and quality are more important than quantity.

It's better to upload a smaller number of high-quality, well-edited photos than a large volume of mediocre ones.

Patience is also key, as it can take months or even years for a portfolio to start generating steady sales.

A Word of Warning: The Financial Realities

While the potential for earnings exists, it's impossible to discuss EyeEm.com without addressing its recent financial struggles.

The company filed for bankruptcy in early 2023 and was subsequently acquired.

Before and after this period, many photographers reported severe delays in receiving payments, with some royalties remaining unpaid for months.

This has understandably created a crisis of confidence within the contributor community.

Furthermore, EyeEm partners with larger agencies like Getty Images to expand distribution.

While this increases exposure, it can drastically reduce your earnings.

After Getty takes its commission and EyeEm takes its 50% cut of the remainder, a photographer might receive as little as 10% of the final sale price.

This has led to reports of photographers earning just a few cents on images that were licensed for significant amounts.

This financial uncertainty is a major risk for any photographer considering the platform.

The Verdict: Is EyeEm Worth It?

EyeEm.com can still be a place to showcase your work and understand market trends.

For hobbyists who want to test the waters of stock photography without pressure, it offers a user-friendly platform and a global community.

However, for professionals or anyone seeking a reliable source of income, the risks are substantial.

The history of payment delays and the opaque commission structure through partner sites make it a gamble.

If you choose to use EyeEm, do so with your eyes wide open.

Build a diverse portfolio, apply smart selling strategies, and treat any income as a bonus rather than a dependable paycheck.

FAQ:

What is the revenue share on EyeEm.com?

EyeEm offers a 50/50 revenue split for photos sold directly on its marketplace. However, this percentage can be much lower for sales made through partner sites like Getty Images.

How do you get paid on EyeEm?

Payouts are processed through PayPal. However, photographers should be aware of reports of significant payment delays and financial instability surrounding the company.

What kind of photos sell best on EyeEm?

Authentic, high-quality images depicting everyday life, diversity, current events, and niche topics tend to perform well. It's recommended to research EyeEm's market trends before uploading.