Can You Really Make Money Selling AI Images on Adobe Stock? My Honest Review & Earnings

Is selling AI-generated images online a path to easy money, or just another overhyped internet trend? You’ve probably seen the ads promising hundreds of dollars a day, but let’s cut through the noise. I’ve spent 15 years selling stock images and videos, and I’m here to give you a realistic look at what you can actually expect to earn selling AI art on Adobe Stock. My goal is to share my own data and experience, so you can make an informed decision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCcYLPdEFWs

Debunking the Hype: Realistic AI Image Earnings

Let’s face it, the internet is full of clickbait. You’ve likely come across videos claiming you can easily rake in $100, $300, or even $500 per day selling AI images. I approach this with my years of microstock experience, applying what I know sells well to the world of AI. I’m creating AI images based on themes I know perform well. I’m not making thousands (yet!), but I’m seeing a return, and the potential is there.

My Adobe Stock AI Image Experiment: Numbers and Review Times

I decided to put AI image generation to the test. Here’s a breakdown of my experiment:

• I uploaded 10 AI-generated images to Adobe Stock.
• The images focused on the themes of diversity, climate change, and automation.
• I put in the extra work using Photoshop, carefully cleaning up details.
• My acceptance rate was 9 out of 10, which seems higher than average based on what I’ve seen on the forums.

Important Note: Review times are a factor. When I initially uploaded these images in early July, they were accepted in early August – about one month for review. Now, as of mid-September, review times have increased to two to three months. Keep this delay in mind.

Earning Breakdown: The Cold Hard Numbers

So, what did I actually earn? Here’s the breakdown after the first 34 days:

• Total Earnings: $21.33
• Daily Earnings: $0.627
• Estimated Monthly Earnings (Extrapolated): $18.82
• Earnings Per Image (Monthly): $2.09

These are real numbers, not inflated promises.

The $2,000/Month Potential: Scaling Up

Here’s where the potential becomes clearer. If I could get 1,000 AI images accepted at Adobe Stock, maintaining the same rate of return, that would equal:

• $2,090 per month
• $25,800 per year

That’s a significant income boost! However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges.

The Big Challenges

• Creating high-quality, commercially valuable images that stand out.
• Finding profitable themes with lasting appeal.
• Navigating the increasing competition.

Breaking Down the Time Investment: Image Creation Workflow

Generating AI images isn’t a passive process. It takes time and effort. Here’s a breakdown of my workflow per image:

• Prompting (Midjourney): 10 minutes
• Cleanup (Photoshop): 5 minutes
• Keywording: 3 minutes
• Uploading: 2 minutes
• Total: 20 minutes

That means uploading 10 images per day requires just over 3 hours of work. To reach 1,000 images, it would take approximately 3.5 hours per day for 100 days (just over three months). Would you invest three months of consistent work for a potential $2,000 monthly income?

The Waiting Game: The Impact of Long Review Times

Remember those review times? The current 2-3 month review period adds a significant delay. This means that starting today, it could realistically be five months before you see a substantial income.

Assumptions and Risks

Keep in mind that these projections rely on certain assumptions:

• Competition remains relatively stable.
• Review times don’t increase further.
• Your chosen themes continue to perform well.

These are assumptions, not guarantees.

Beyond Adobe Stock: Other AI Image Agencies (and Why They Might Not Be Worth It)

While Adobe Stock seems to be the most promising platform right now, what about other agencies? As of September 2023, DreamsTime and 123RF also accept AI-generated images.

DreamsTime Analysis

DreamsTime used to be a decent source of income for me, but its performance has declined significantly. The tedious upload process, combined with low potential earnings, makes it a questionable investment of time.

123RF Analysis

I was optimistic about 123RF in the past, but its performance has dropped even more sharply than DreamsTime. While the submission system is less time-consuming, the very low earnings don’t justify the effort.

Adobe Stock is King (For Now)

For me, as of September 2023, Adobe Stock appears to be the most viable option for selling AI images.

Your Turn: Share Your AI Image Experiences

Now I’d like to hear from you. What has your experience been creating and selling AI images? How long have the wait times been for you lately?

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The Path Forward

Selling AI images on Adobe Stock isn’t a get rich quick scheme, but it can be a viable income stream. By setting realistic expectations and committing to a consistent workflow, you can harness the power of AI to generate income. I hope you learned a lot about how to earn more with my free book to earn more!