As a video stock contributor and buyer I tend to lurk around a number of different sites to see which one has the perfect video at the perfect price. The three sites I use are iStockphoto.com, Revostock.com and Pond5.com. I know for myself I contribute the same content on all three sites. However many people don’t realize this but the content is not priced the same. Take for example one of my most popular downloaded files the “Old Fashioned Leader”. On iStock this full resolution video sells for $63.20 (40 credits), on Revostock it sells for $25 (25 credits) and on Pond5 it sells for $20. What is even more interesting is how little I make from iStock than Pond5 or Revostock. The most iStock has ever paid me for a single download of this file is $8.80. Istock is only paying me 7.1% of the sale whereas Revostock is paying out 45% and Pond5 50%.
Is there an effective way in searching all the sites to make sure you cannot get the same clip somewhere else cheaper? I wish there was! I make it easy for the savvy consumer because I have used the same user name on all three sites “shiftback”. However it is not always that easy. For example I found this HD clip on Pond5 selling for $25 and a similar SD clip (actually not as nice) selling on iStock for $63.20. I wonder if there is a lot more overlap than I think?
I hope to have more information on this atrocity later and if you have any insights to share please do so.
by PixelFlow
On October 4, 2008 at 2:13 am
I think you hit it right on when you said ‘atrocity’. PixelFlow (http://www.PixelFlow.com) offers premium royalties (80%) and allows you to adjust your price at any time. We also do quite an aggressive job marketing your work, are non-exclusive, and offer other great services for Broadcast Graphics/Motion Designers like you.
by John
On November 26, 2008 at 10:01 am
It is also a challenge for the contributor as well. I am exclusive with iStock for now but if I submitted to Pond5 I could ask a lower price because they pay 50/50. My clips are exclusive so I think that is what iStock has in its favor. They also have set pricing and good quality which I think would be good for a buyer. As a seller I want to know what buyers are looking for and where they buy from the most as well as which site has the best interface. Thanks for the article.