Stock Photography/Video

Stock photography and video involves creating visual content that businesses, marketers, and creators license for their projects.

You upload photos and videos to platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images, and Pond5, earning royalties each time someone downloads your work.

Successful contributors focus on commercial-demand content - business meetings, diverse people, lifestyle shots, nature, and trending topics.

While individual download payments are modest ($0.25-120 depending on license type), prolific contributors upload thousands of images generating substantial passive income.

Modern smartphones with good cameras can produce acceptable quality, though professional gear helps.

Video content (especially 4K) commands higher prices but requires more skill.

Keywords and descriptions are critical for discoverability.

The model requires volume - shooting regularly, uploading consistently, and building a portfolio of 500+ images before seeing significant income.

Consider specializing in underserved niches (rural scenes, specific professions, diverse representations) to reduce competition.