Low Scenario
iStock: $360/year
Motion Array: $150/year
300 hd stock videos
iStock vs Motion Array Contributor Earnings
The iStock vs Motion Array earnings comparison estimates realistic stock income for iStock and Motion Array contributors using 2026 contributor payout ranges. The goal is not to crown a universal winner, because exclusivity, upload time, and buyer audience can change the answer for each contributor. For exclusive programs, the calculator keeps the comparison nonexclusive unless the page clearly models exclusivity. This page models 300 hd stock videos on iStock, then shows low, average, and high revenue bands with monthly, yearly, daily, and per-asset values. Adjust the asset count, switch the scenario, and use the result as a planning baseline before producing the next batch.
Royalty Rates 2026
| Platform | Photo RPI | Video RPC | Payout | AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iStock | $0-$3/asset/year | $1-$10/asset/year | $100 | not allowed |
| Motion Array | n/a | $1-$5/asset/year | n/a | not stated |
Real Earnings Scenarios
Average Scenario
iStock: $1,050/year
Motion Array: $540/year
300 hd stock videos
High Scenario
iStock: $3,000/year
Motion Array: $1,500/year
300 hd stock videos
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculator work without JavaScript?
Yes. The default average estimate is rendered into the HTML during the PHP build. JavaScript only updates the numbers live when you change an input.
Are these numbers revenue or profit?
The calculator estimates contributor revenue before production costs, taxes, gear, software, models, props, travel, and editing time.
Can AI-generated content use this estimate?
Use it only on platforms that allow AI content and label it according to marketplace rules. AI-generic content often needs a lower demand multiplier because supply is extremely high.
How accurate is the iStock vs Motion Array earnings comparison?
It is a planning estimate based on contributor-reported payout ranges, annualized per-asset revenue, and the visible inputs on this page. Real results vary with keywording, content quality, review acceptance, buyer mix, and seasonality.
Why are low and high scenarios so different?
Stock income is uneven. A strong commercial niche, better metadata, and recurring buyer demand can lift the same asset count far above a weak or oversupplied library.
Does exclusivity change the estimate?
Only pages and platforms with explicit exclusive and nonexclusive commission fields can model an exclusivity bonus. Otherwise, the calculator keeps the nonexclusive baseline.