AI-generated stock photos are making waves in the creative world, offering tools that simplify image creation. However, not every creator finds success when selling AI-generated photos on platforms like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock. If you’re wondering why your photos aren’t flying off the shelves, you’re not alone. Below are seven reasons this might be happening—and actionable ways to fix them.

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1. Your Images Aren’t Meeting Platform Standards

Stock photo platforms have strict guidelines, especially when it comes to AI-generated images. For example, Adobe Stock requires submission tags like “Generative AI.” If your images don’t comply with these requirements, they might be rejected outright.

How to fix it:

• Familiarize yourself with submission guidelines for platforms you use. For example, check out this guide to selling AI-generated images on Adobe Stock.
• Use tools like StrongTag to improve your tagging process and ensure compliance.

2. Lack of Niche Focus

If your portfolio is too broad, it may blend into a sea of similar content. Buyers often seek specific imagery, such as trendy business settings or lifestyle shots. AI tools like MidJourney or DALL-E can veer too generic if you don’t define a focus.

How to fix it:

• Research trending niches on platforms like Reddit’s Stock Photography Community.
• Build a portfolio that specializes in one area, like modern office setups or urban photography.

3. Poor Image Quality

AI tools can sometimes produce artifacts like blurred edges or unnatural proportions in faces and hands. Potential buyers won’t accept anything other than high-quality visuals, especially for commercial use.

How to fix it:

• Review and refine your images before uploading. Use editors like RunwayML to enhance and automate image quality improvements.
• Stay updated with advancements in AI image tools for better outputs.

Photo by Markus Winkler

4. Inefficient Tagging

Great visuals won’t sell if buyers can’t find them. Proper tagging is crucial for search visibility. Unfortunately, many creators slap on generic keywords or too few relevant tags.

How to fix it:

• Use tools like StrongTag for a streamlined tagging process, ensuring your images are searchable.
• Research what terms buyers use. Adding location or theme-specific phrases can increase discoverability.

5. Unclear Image Licensing

AI-generated images often face skepticism over copyright compliance. Buyers need assurance that the images they’re purchasing are legally safe to use.

How to fix it:

• Clearly label your images under “AI-generated” and provide descriptions of the tools you’ve used.
• Highlight compliance certifications or authenticity disclaimers to reassure buyers.

6. Targeting the Wrong Platforms

Not all stock photo sites accept AI-generated content. Some platforms may still lean toward traditionally generated visuals, limiting your potential exposure.

How to fix it:

• Focus on uploading to marketplaces that welcome generative AI photos. Here’s a list of such platforms.
• Balance your efforts across platforms to reduce dependency on one site.

7. Failure to Stand Out

With so many creators dipping into AI imagery, competition is fierce. Bland or commonplace visuals get buried quickly, leaving more creative and innovative works to shine.

How to fix it:

• Experiment with unique themes, colors, and concepts to set your portfolio apart.
• Stay inspired by browsing through top-selling AI images on discussion boards like Reddit AI Photography.

Closing Thoughts

Selling AI-generated stock photos can be rewarding, but it takes more than technology to succeed. By addressing these common pitfalls and implementing the fixes above, your images will have a better shot at catching buyers’ attention. Start by refining your skills, utilizing helpful tools, and researching what buyers want. Want to scale up faster? Explore tools like StrongTag to simplify your workflow.

Getting started right can make all the difference. Ready to reimagine how you sell your AI-based visuals?