Estate planning as a Shutterstock account holder

A Shutterstock contributor account holds a portfolio of uploaded photos, vectors, illustrations, and videos that generate ongoing royalty income each time they are licensed. Contributors retain copyright ownership of their work. Royalty rates range from 15% (Level 1) to 40% (Level 6) based on download volume, and levels reset to Level 1 every January 1st. Contributors also earn from Shutterstock's data licensing program (AI training datasets) at a 20% average corporate royalty rate, distributed through a collective Contributor Fund. A well-established portfolio can generate passive income indefinitely.

Shutterstock allows accounts to be transferred to the estate or heirs after the account holder's death. A death certificate and supporting documentation are required to initiate the transfer.

What happens at death

Shutterstock is one of the most estate-friendly digital platforms. They publish a help article specifically addressing contributor death stating: "In the event of a contributor's death, Shutterstock honors the instructions of Estate representatives worldwide." Portfolios can be transferred to a beneficiary: "Your portfolio may be transferred over to a beneficiary if it is mentioned in a will that is reviewed and approved by a lawyer or notary public." Shutterstock also recommends contributors "seek legal counsel to answer your questions regarding Trusts and Estates and set up a Last Will and Testament," and states their Fin AI Agent "can help or put you in contact with the right team when the time has come and we will help with processing the necessary paperwork for an account transfer." Contributors retain copyright under the Contributor Terms of Service, so the estate inherits both the IP and the ongoing royalty stream.