We’ve put together this contributor checklist to point out some of the specifics that should be considered when you’re creating and uploading vectors, stock photos, and stock videos.
Resources that meet the criteria listed below will not only be more likely to be approved for our site, but they’ll also gain more visibility and attract more downloads.
If you’re not already a Vecteezy contributor, you can join our contributor program here.
1. Unique
The vectors, photos, and videos you upload should be unique, original, and authentic. Unique resources will stand out to visitors and attract downloads, allowing you to make more money. Our most successful and highest-earning contributors provide visitors with resources they won’t find anywhere else.
2. Clear Subject and Purpose
When you’re creating resources, think about the specific types of users that will want to download the file and how they’ll use it. This is a great way to ensure that your vectors, photos, and videos will be useful, practical, and in-demand. Resources that have a clear subject and purpose will appeal to the specific type of visitor you’re creating them for.
3. Any Necessary Releases Included
Photo by chrisghinda
While this won’t apply to all resources, certain content should be accompanied by a signed release. When submitting content, be sure to consider these requirements and include any releases needed.
If your content contains a recognizable person, a signed model release is needed and should be submitted along with the file. If it includes more than one recognizable person, separate signed releases should be submitted for each person. For models under the age of 18, a signed minor release form should be submitted.
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A signed property release form is needed if your content includes a recognizable object, building, or property.
Vecteezy provides downloadable PDF release forms that contributors can use. After you upload files you’ll have the option to attach releases to any file before it’s submitted for approval.
4. Keywords and Titles
Each resource submitted to Vecteezy will need a unique title. We require unique titles for every resource to ensure that each one gets an accurate and descriptive title that will help users to find exactly what they’re looking for when they search our site. After you upload your files, you’ll have the opportunity to enter the title, along with some details like keywords and other metadata.
Keywords are also extremely important for getting your content the exposure it deserves. You can enter a maximum of 30 keywords and we encourage you to use at least 10 different keywords. The keywords will help your content to be seen when visitors search Vecteezy (as well as in areas where related resources are shown). Use specific keywords that describe your content, particular details about the content, or even the way it could be used.
It can be tempting to rush through the process of adding titles and keywords, but these are important details that will significantly impact the exposure your content receives and the number of times it’s downloaded. Take your time and you’ll be rewarded with better results.
For more details on this topic, please see our article 7 Important Keywording Tips for Vecteezy Contributors.
5. Free of Copyright or Trademark Issues
Photo by Volodymyr Ivash
Content submitted to Vecteezy should not include people, places, or things that violate trademark, copyright, or intellectual property. This includes celebrities, movie characters, cartoon characters, brand logos, etc.
The most often and easily overlooked issue here is related to company logos and branding. This could come into play if you have a photo of someone holding a smartphone with a clear and visible brand logo, a model wearing clothing with brand logos, or other similar scenarios. You can eliminate complications by planning your shots to avoid logos and branding, you can creatively cover them up in some way (for example, make sure that the model’s hand is covering the logo or a smartphone), or remove the branding in post-processing.
6. File Format
Ensure that your files are being submitted in the correct formats that are accepted by Vecteezy.
Formatting for Vectors
- EPS format and compatible with Illustrator 10 (see this page for instructions on saving files correctly)
- EPS maximum file size 50 megabytes
- EPS minimum image size 4 megapixels
- EPS maximum image size 25 megapixels
- Color mode can be RGB or CMYK
Formatting for Photos
- JPG/JPEG files that have been compressed at the lowest available level
- Color profile should be sRGB
- No less than 4 megapixels
- No larger than 50 megabytes in file size
Megapixels refer to the dimensions of the image, not the file size. To calculate the number of megapixels of an image, multiply the width by the height. For example, if an image is 2,000 pixels wide and 2,400 pixels tall, this is the formula you would use: 2,000 x 2,400 = 4,800,000 (4.8 megapixels).
Formatting for Videos
- MP4 (.mp4), Quicktime MOV (.mov), RED (.r3d), or Motion Graphics Template (.mogrt) format.
- At least 5 seconds in length and no longer than 2 minutes
- Maximum file size of 8GB
- Frame rates – 18, 23.98; 24, 25; 29.97; 30; 47.95; 47.96; 48; 50; 59.94; 60
4K and HD videos are preferred, but we do also accept the resolutions listed below:
- 4K – 4096×2160; 4096×2160; 4096×2304; 4000×2160; 3840×2160; 3996×2160; 4800×2700, 4096×2700
- 2K – 2048×1080; 2400×1350; 2432×1366; 2702×1520; 2704×1520;
- HD – 1920×1080; 1440×1080; 1440×1089
- SD – 1280×720; 1152 × 720
Additional Considerations for Vectors
If you’re submitting vector files, there are a few other details that should be considered as well.
Text Issues
Check for issues like misspellings or outdated text (for example, mentioning a year in the past like “Happy New Year 2019”). The types of text-related issues could prevent a file from being approved.
Layers Organized
Be sure that all layers are unlocked and any empty or unused layers are deleted. Layer names should be written in English.
Conclusion
Keep these issues in mind when you’re creating and uploading resources. The checklist will help to ensure that your files are approved and that they meet the needs of our users, which ultimately leads to more downloads and more income for you.
Lead image by phanuwatnandee.
