Why the 100 downloads rule before you can submit illustrative editorial?

Question

I would love to submit more photos to Adobe Stock, but their peculiar rule that you have to have at least 100 downloads before you are permitted to submit illustrative editorial content is holding me back. I could submit loads more content to Adobe if this rule wasn’t in place.

Its curious that none of Adobe’s competitors have the same rule. You can submit IE with all of the major names straight away. I have reached out to Adobe on Twitter on a number of occasions, but never got a response. Perhaps Adobe don’t know the answer either…?

MatHayward · Accepted Answer

If you have a strong, existing portfolio of Illustrative Editorical images, you can send a link or links for review. In some cases, we are able to bypass the requirement. Please send your portfolio to contributor-support@adobe.com and someone will get back to you shortly.

Kind regards,

Mat Hayward

Test Screen Name · Answer

(This is pure speculation. Adobe are certainly not going to share their business strategy with anyone who asks). I imagine it is because people view editorial as a way of ignoring IP and model release rules. Adobe don't accept general editorial. Illustrative Editorial is a very specific craft working with brands, and not a general escape. I imagine Adobe find that new contributors who have not yet learned the rules will often misunderstand this and just flood with their pictures of high streets and cars and iPhones. Adobe's aim is always to reduce their costs, and their largest cost is surely moderation.

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