Contribute to Unsplash+

Today we are launching Unsplash+, a subscription that gives members access to new content, features, and expanded legal protections. Unsplash+ contributors will be paid for content created specifically for the Unsplash+ library.

Unsplash’s open library will continue to grow and thrive alongside the Unsplash+ subscription library. You can still submit imagery that will be free to use, but you will have the added opportunity to monetize your skills by creating commissioned content for Unsplash+.

Contribute to Unsplash+

To submit content for Unsplash+, contributors need to apply. If your application is approved, you get access to multiple creative briefs and get paid per image accepted into the Unsplash+ library.

Contributing content to Unsplash+ has similar ease and flexibility as submitting content to Unsplash’s open library. You can pick which briefs you want to submit content in response to, in a timeline that fits into your schedule. Have a slow month? Shoot ten briefs. Too busy? Skip a month.

Unsplash search data is used to identify areas of demand, and briefs are created to fill those content needs, Unsplash+ contributors then submit their content in response to the posted briefs. Brief topics are influenced by forecasted trends, popular search terms, and hard-to-find concepts. Unsplash then selects and pays the photographer for their images that meet the submission guidelines, and adds it to the Unsplash+ library so it can be licensed by Unsplash+ subscribers.

Join the Unsplash+ Community:

Some of the names you already know and love have been working hard behind the scenes over the past few months to help build this new library of images. By joining the Unsplash+ community you are joining an existing community of talented photographers and 3D artists from around the world. One of them is longtime Unsplash contributor, Maryam Sicard from Mexico.

"As a former designer I’ve used Unsplash for my projects over the past decade, and I’ve always been amazed at the creativity and quality of the Unsplash library. After becoming a food photographer, I wanted to become part of this outstanding community of creators and when I realized I could get paid for it, it was a dream come true. Unsplash+ allowed me to create the content I love, and I get rewarded for my talent and hard work. It is simply the best thing that happened to me this year!" – Maryam

Maryam shot an incredible collection of vegan food for Unsplash+.

Check out other curated Unsplash+ collections from OG Unsplash contributors Brooke Cagle, Rodion Kutsaev, and Oladimeji Odunsi.

Payment

Compensation to you is on a one-time, per-image basis (meaning, you will not receive royalties on an ongoing basis for each accepted image) and may vary depending on the brief. Complex briefs with models and unique locations may be priced higher than landscapes or environmental shots with no people. For example, if the brief price is $10 USD per image and Unsplash accepts 100 photos from the content you submit in response to that brief, then you would receive $1000 USD. Rates for photos will range, on average, between $5 - $30 an image.

We offer a one-time payment which is a system we believe is more transparent, where you can see the amount upfront and can decide if that’s worth the value of the image you’re submitting. No matter if your image is downloaded by Unsplash+ subscribers, you make money.

Unsplash+ contributors who continuously submit accepted content will get special access to higher budget shoots and additional opportunities.

Apply to be an Unsplash+ Contributor

Fill out this easy application by linking your personal portfolio.

FAQ

How can I contribute to Unsplash+?

Shooting for Unsplash+ is by application only. Only those with accepted applications have access to see the briefs, can submit images to Unsplash+, and be eligible for payment. Apply to Unsplash+ by filling out this application form.

Once your application is accepted, you will also need to agree to the Unsplash+ artist supply agreement, which covers important details about your relationship with Unsplash and your responsibilities as an Unsplash+ contributor.

What requirements would photographers need to be accepted?

We are looking for people with creative ideas, originality, an eye for detail and a commitment to producing exceptional quality imagery. We welcome both professionals and hobbyists to apply and we will provide resources on releases and intellectual property considerations to get you started on your Unsplash+ content creation journey.

What makes Unsplash+ visuals different than Unsplash’s open library?

Unsplash+ content is reviewed to make sure any necessary model and property releases are included, and is inspected for any copyright, trademark, other IP, and privacy and publicity issues. Check out the Unsplash+ Submission Guidelines for more information.

What is the license?

Unsplash+ content is licensed to Unsplash+ subscribers on a royalty-free, unlimited, perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide license, for use in any and all media, subject to the terms of the Unsplash+ Subscription Terms. Unsplash+ visuals are licensed to Unsplash+ subscribers with a legal guarantee that covers third-party property rights, as well as privacy and publicity rights, for the people, places, and other property depicted. Read the full Unsplash+ License.

Who owns the rights to the photos?

You (as the contributor) do! You retain the copyright (ownership) to all the images you create and own. In exchange for the fees paid to you for your accepted content, you grant Unsplash a non-exclusive, perpetual license to display and market your images on the Unsplash+ website, and the further right to license your images to Unsplash+ subscribers.

Your contract with Unsplash will be non-exclusive (meaning you can shoot for other platforms or partners outside of Unsplash). However, the content you submit that's accepted in the Unsplash+ library will be exclusive to Unsplash+, meaning you agree that you will not license accepted content with other platforms or partners.

Full details about your, and Unsplash’s, responsibilities will be outlined in your contributor agreement once your contributor application is accepted.

See full Unsplash+ contributor frequently asked questions here.