Confused About Too Similar Rule

[Colette255]

I’m a bit confused about the Too Similar Content policy. Many of my submissions have been rejected under this rule, even when the differences were subtle but meaningful.

However, I recently noticed that even featured contributors sometimes have entire series of dozens of nearly identical AI images, all with exactly the same description (for example: “Sleek High-Tech Artificial Satellite Orbiting Earth Amid Twinkling Stars”). In one case, there were more than 60 variations of the same subject accepted.

My question is:
How does this align with the Too Similar Content policy that is strictly enforced for many of us?
Are there different criteria for featured contributors or specific themes (like technology/space), or is there another explanation?

I’m genuinely trying to understand, because right now it feels inconsistent – and it’s frustrating when original content gets rejected while mass-duplicated series are approved and even highlighted.

[daniellei4510]

Everyone is confused by the similar content issue. It does appear entirely random at times. As for the similar assets you are referring to, these could have been approved prior to the similar content issue, as it has only been in effect for a few months. In any event, it's affecting both new contributors and contributors who have been submitting for years, and there is not much to be done. As I've said here often, I've had what I feel are unique assets rejected and similar ones accepted. You can always try resubmitting with more unique titles and keywords to see if that helps. I've been ignoring Adobe's keyword suggestions (or putting them last) and asking ChatGPT, Siri, or Alexa to provide me with synonyms to help with my limited vocabulary. 

[RALPH_L]

Let us know when you figure it out.

[Nancy OShea]

Adobe Stock doesn't view this as a problem, and has this to say about 'Similar Content:'

• https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/help/how-to-submit-distinct-content.html

In addition to submitting unique content, try using less common keywords & titles. 

[daniellei4510]

And this one in particular is key:

Diversify Metadata: Adjust metadata for the unique attributes of each submission as repeating the same titles and keywords for similar submissions can lead to content being refused.

Quality alone doesn't cut it anymore.

[Liz30]

Someone in another thread said when they submitted the same "similar content" image in a different file format it got accepted. Go figure

[Jill_C]

Indeed, we're all trying to "go figure"! It is perplexing and defies logic.

[daniellei4510]

As we've said many times, the similar content issue appears to be random, or at least dependent upon keywords and titles. And while I doubt the file format had anything to do with it, it's possible the keywords were in a different order or the title was slightly more descriptive. We'll never know.

But this is why I no longer try to second-guess what will or won't be accepted. Having had a couple of my own images of dogs rejected for similar content in the past, and given that dogs are represented well over 11 million times following a search (335 thousands times for sleeping dogs in particular), the asset I below that I submitted yesterday was accepted today. Title: "A cute puppy sleeping in front of a red minimalist background. Ample copy space. Man's best friend taking a nap." Keywords (not necessarily in this order): "animal, best friend, copy space, cute, domesticated, furry, minimalist, nap, puppy, red, sleeping, pet, mammal, furry."

So like you said: Go figure. 🙂

[Liz30]

I uploaded the exact same image that was rejected   and it was accepted. The rejected file is EPS, the accepted file is PNG. I don't remember if I used the exact same keywords/ description in the same order. I'm going to try with another rejected pic and see what happens

[Liz30]

By the way, I love your puppy pic, it is sooo cute!