New microstock distribution tools

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Distribution is  very important in  stock photography and a  quite  time  consuming task. when uploading to multiple agencies. Since the unfortunate closure of Isyndica a month ago,  non exclusive contributors have been waiting for  some new alternatives  and  we are  fortunate this month to have  not only one but three  new distribution tools.

• Microstocksubmitter

Microstocksubmitter, developed by microstock contributor Yermolayev Konstantin is a standalone application which upload files to every selected agencies. It is not an "upload once "product, however the  big advantage  is that, you can  (for 7 agencies so far) select categories  and  your attach model releases from the application itself  which  is a real time saver. Pop up window sale reports are also available and are working  for DT,SS,FT,CSP, 123RF,IS, Veer at the moment.


Here is the  list of the agencies I tested so far:

No final submission step with  model release attached and submitted: Shutterstock,Fotolia,Dreamstime,DepositPhoto,Veer, Canstockphoto,Bigstockphoto,123RF,Istock.

Final submission and upload of  model releases necessary: Stockfresh,Scanstockphoto,Yaymicro,Zoonar,

(MR not needed), mostphotos (MR not needed).

With the free version of Microstocksubmitter, you can distribute up to 50 files per channel per month. If needed, you can upgrade your account to submit up to 333 files  for  $7  a  month or  choose  the   unlimited uploads option for $15 a month. A version for unlimited uploads  not limited in time can be purchased for $250.

Pros: free account available, automatic final submission (categories,  model release) for the main 4 stock agencies.
Cons: Upload many times.

• PicWorkflow

The second product released this month as a beta version is picWorkflow (referral link included) by microstock  contributor Robert  Davies, already behind the development of Picniche. The aim of Picworflow is to provide a replacement of Isyndica to upload once and distribute everywhere. Statistics and promoting tools also are on the development roadmap.

For cost calculation, files are segmented by 22MB blocks so most of pictures will cost 1 credit (1 US cent) to distribute to one channel and a 35MB photo for example will cost 2 credits to distribute. A 500MB movie file would cost 25 credits (25 US cents) to distribute per channel.

Once uploaded using an ftp client like Filezilla,  files are stored seven days and subsequently deleted.It is however possible to extend their storage life by paying an additional fee. I am using picWorkflow to syndicate videos to Pond5, Clipcanvas and Revostock and as a former Isyndica user, I am very pleased with the service so far.


Pros:  Upload once, multichannel distribution. Footage distribution. Storage option available.
Cons: Login necessary for final submission of pictures. no IPTC reading for footage. No Analytics

• LightBurner

LighBurner, like picWorkflow, is another  ''upload once'' distribution tool developed by David Mail already behind  Prostockmaster and Pixamba. It is hard to believe but Lightburner is free so far to distribute pictures to 13 photo agencies.  Like picWorfkflow, you have to  send your files by ftp then login into the online platform to distribute your work. Lightburner looks  promising as Analytics and  promotion tools will be included soon as well as a  full integration  with Prostockmaster. I expect also the platform to be capable to distribute footage in the near future and it will be interesting  then to compare  fees with picWorkflow.

Pros: Free. Upload once, multichannel distribution.No upload limits. Automatic final submission fo some agencies.
Cons:  No footage distribution. Pictures get erased from the server after 3 days with no option available for permanent storage. Bugs still exist (duplicates).

• What are the challenges for distributors?

Challenges are both technical and financial. for distributors. We saw in the past with Isyndica that a great distribution platform alone is not enough, the venture has to be profitable as well. Due to the small amount of contributors willing to pay for this service   and the because of the small margins, it has either has to be a one man operation or side  activity of an exciting company.
Distributors can also provide promotion, keywording and statistics tools which will add value to their product and increase their margin.

Regarding the technical part, contributors with paid accounts expect a reliable good technical support and frequent updates from the distributor and it is not easy task as agencies do not not really support them.
Due to the storage place, distribution  is expected  to be a challenge as well especially with heavy contributors who have 1000's of clips ready to upload.