How Long Does It Take Shutterstock to Approve Your ID and Start Selling

When you're ready to sell your work on Shutterstock, the first important step is getting your identity verified. Shutterstock requires contributors to submit an official ID as part of its standard security measures. The ID approval process is straightforward but may take some time depending on factors like document quality and completeness.

To verify your identification must be done for the purpose of establishing who exactly you really are. By doing this Shutterstock will keep its credibility and safeguard both its purchasers and vendors. Hence, it is necessary that you present authentic details which could enable us to prevent avoidable setbacks.

Let’s go over the specifics of what you require and how to send in your ID for a streamlined experience.

What Information is Needed for Shutterstock ID Verification

It is very important to collect all the necessary information and documents before you submit your ID for approval. Shutterstock has these specific regulations that ensure and verify your identity. You should make sure that you have:

• Government-issued ID: This can be a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. Make sure it’s valid and not expired.
• Clear photo: The document should have a clear, readable photo of you. Blurred or low-resolution images can lead to rejection.
• Full name: The name on your ID should match the name you use for your Shutterstock account.
• Date of birth: Your ID must clearly show your date of birth to verify your age.
• Country of residence: Shutterstock may also ask for proof of your current residence, depending on the region you’re applying from.

To prevent typical mistakes which delay the process it is essential to recheck all specifications prior to the submission of your document.

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How to Submit Your ID for Approval on Shutterstock

Submitting your ID via Shutterstock is an easy process that can be completed within a few steps. In order to carry out the whole procedure, follow these simple instructions:

1. Log in to your Shutterstock contributor account.
2. Navigate to the “Account Settings” section.
3. Find the option labeled “Verify Your Identity” or a similar term.
4. Upload a clear, high-quality scan or photo of your government-issued ID. Make sure the entire document is visible.
5. Review the details before clicking the “Submit” button.

Shutterstock will start reviewing your ID right after receiving it. So you should regularly check your Email for updates or notifications about any issues related to your submission.

Bear in mind that submitting an explicit and precise document will hasten the procedure and enable quick approval.

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Average Time for Shutterstock to Approve Your ID

Shutterstock has different timeframes on which they approve IDs but on average, it usually takes them between 24 to 72 hours. Generally, contributor’s ID acceptances will be communicated via email after some days, which either confirms or requests additional measures if necessary. During this period, Shutterstock carefully looks at all documents submitted by you including your ID in order to confirm that they conform to their requirements.

Whenever your identification is conspicuous and conforms to all the standards, everything should flow easily, hence giving you an opportunity to begin vending your materials without delay. Yet when there are many users or on festive days, endorsements may consume more time.

Here is an interpretation of this information:

• Normal processing time: 24-72 hours
• Potential delays: Weekends, holidays, or high submission volumes

Whenever you are in line for approval, it is always good practice to keep checking your emails from Shutterstock. They will let you know if there is anything else they require or if your approval has been granted.

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Common Reasons for Delays in ID Approval

Although the majority of ID approvals take a couple of days to finalise, there are certain common reasons as to why your submission may be stalled. As a rule of thumb these problems concern either quality or correctness of supplied documents. Below are some frequent delay causatives:

• Blurry or low-quality ID image: If the photo or scan of your ID isn’t clear enough, Shutterstock may not be able to verify it properly, leading to delays.
• Incomplete information: Missing details, such as an obscured birth date or an unclear name, can cause your submission to be flagged for additional review.
• Expired ID: Submitting an ID that is no longer valid can immediately result in a rejection or delay.
• Incorrect document type: If you provide a document that isn't considered valid for ID verification (such as a student ID), Shutterstock won’t be able to approve it.
• Mismatch between ID and account info: If your account name doesn’t match the name on the ID you provide, this could lead to further verification steps.

A quicker approval time can be achieved if there is clarity in your document and it meets all the requirements.

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What to Do If Your Shutterstock ID Approval is Taking Longer Than Expected

Don’t wait more than seventy-two hours; check the status of your Shutterstock ID approval as there are several steps you can take in this respect. Here are some of them:

1. Check your email: Shutterstock may have sent you an update asking for additional information or explaining why there’s a delay. Make sure to check your inbox, including your spam folder.
2. Log into your account: Go to your Shutterstock contributor dashboard and look for any notifications or messages related to your ID verification.
3. Review your submission: Ensure the ID you uploaded meets all the requirements, such as clarity, completeness, and validity. If needed, re-upload a higher-quality image.
4. Contact Shutterstock support: If it’s been more than a few days without any updates, you can reach out to Shutterstock’s support team for assistance. Provide your submission details and ask for a status update.

Usually, by taking these actions, you may be able to quickly facilitate this procedure and even fix your ID approval problems. But it is important to be patient; however, if you sense that something is wrong you should definitely reach out and ask.

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How to Start Selling After ID Approval

When your ID is confirmed by Shutterstock, you will be on your way to becoming a seller at their website. With your ID verified, now all you need to do is build an appealing profile and start marketing it. In case you just got approved here’s what you should know about getting started:

1. Upload your content: Start by uploading your high-quality images, videos, or illustrations to Shutterstock’s platform. Make sure to adhere to the platform’s submission guidelines for file types, resolution, and content quality.
2. Tag and categorize: Properly tagging and categorizing your content is essential for visibility. Use relevant keywords, titles, and descriptions to help buyers find your work.
3. Submit for review: After uploading, your content will go through a review process to ensure it meets Shutterstock’s standards. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
4. Track sales and performance: Once approved, your content will be live on the platform. Keep an eye on your sales, monitor trends, and adjust your uploads based on buyer demand.
5. Set payout preferences: Make sure to set up your payment details in the account settings to ensure you get paid when your content sells.

These steps will help you transform your creative work into earnings on Shutterstock.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shutterstock ID Approval

Do you have questions regarding ID approval process? So long as this is you, it means that you are probably a first person visiting at Shutterstock. Below are common queries that contributors usually ask:

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Shutterstock Sellers

In order to be a successful contributor on Shutterstock, the approval of one’s ID is among the first steps that need to be taken. This is important because it ensures both the buyers and sellers have a safe platform. Key take-aways are as follows:

• Prepare your documents carefully: Ensure your government-issued ID is valid, clear, and up-to-date to avoid delays.
• Average approval time is 24-72 hours: While most approvals happen quickly, it’s important to be patient, especially during busy periods.
• Stay proactive: If there are delays or issues, follow up by checking your email and account dashboard or contacting support if necessary.
• Start uploading after approval: Once your ID is verified, you can immediately start uploading and selling your work on the platform.