Help Understanding “Similar Content” Rejection on AI Character Images

[CodiXpert]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to Adobe Stock and recently uploaded a batch of AI-generated cartoon/game-style character illustrations. Out of 7 uploads, only 2 were accepted. The others were rejected for either technical quality or "similar content" reasons.

For example:

One rejection said the image did not meet quality standards (File ID: 1563249939)

The rest said they were too similar to existing content in the collection (File ID: 1563236234 , 1563250030, 1563249959, 1563236211 )

All of these images were created using randomized prompts, and I made sure to change details like color, pose, and accessories. But maybe I didn't change enough?

Could someone help me understand:

What kind of differences does Adobe look for in a batch of character images?

How to avoid "spamming" or "similar content" issues when using AI?

Any tips on how to safely upload multiple images in a series without getting rejected?

(I also tried searching on Adobe Stock using keywords from my titles, and I ran a reverse image search on Google, but I couldn't find any images that looked the same or very similar. I'm not sure what Adobe's system is flagging as "too similar," so any insights would be really helpful.)

I'd really appreciate any feedback, and I've attached small previews of 3 of the rejected images (below) for reference.

Thanks in advance!

[RALPH_L]

We are not Adobe employees and therefore have no access to your submitted images. Please upload the original that were rejected for "quality" here for us to review. As far as similar goes, we can only tell you what Adobe has made available to us in their help pages. Unfortunately, there seems to be new criteria that we have not been made aware of. We have seen a large rise in the number of "similar" rejections.,

[CodiXpert]

Thanks so much for the reply!

Yeah, I understand the quality rejection now. I think that one had a bit of blur in the background, so it makes sense why it didn't pass.

My main confusion is with the "similar content" rejections. I used random prompts for each image and tried to change the colors, pose, background, and other details. But I still got the "closely resembles content already available" message. I'm really not sure what part is being flagged as too similar.

I've attached 3 preview images (with watermark) that were rejected for similarity. If anyone here can spot what looks too close or suggest what I could change more, I'd really appreciate it.

Also, I was wondering:
Is there any way to request a second check or review of rejected files? I'm okay to try uploading more images, but if this same "similar content" rejection keeps happening, could it eventually affect my account? Just trying to figure out what the best and safest approach is moving forward.

Thanks again for your help!

[RALPH_L]

Originally, this meant similar assets in your portfolio or too many similar assets in the database. This has changed and we do not know why. It may be that keywording is similar, titles are similar, the subject is over represented in the database. We do not know why the moderation is  now rejecting more assets for this reason. The rejection will only effect your account if it is considered "spamming". 

[CodiXpert]

Thanks a lot, that really helps!

Yeah, now that you mentioned it, I actually did use very similar titles across all of the images. That might have been part of the issue. I didn't realize title and keywords could also trigger the "similar content" rejection.

I'll try re-uploading a few with more variation in the titles and see how that goes. I really appreciate the explanation, even though the moderation system has changed, this gives me a better direction to work with.

Thanks again!

[daniellei4510]

Consider yourself lucky. I presently have a total of 194 assets rejected as being too similar, which has really done a number on my former 98% rejection rate after 5,700+ acceptances. I've all but ceased submitting for this reason. And yes, you can resubmit, but you can't reach out to Adobe to ask for reconsideration for any reason of refusal.

[CodiXpert]

Thanks for sharing that Daniellei4510, appreciate you being honest about your experience.

Wow, 194 rejections sounds rough, especially after such a strong approval rate. That definitely helps me feel a bit less alone in this. I'm still pretty new to Adobe Stock, so it's good to know even experienced contributors are running into this lately.

I'll keep testing with more variety in titles and prompts for now and see how it goes. Hopefully, the review system gets a bit more balanced again soon.

Also, wishing you a smooth recovery from your surgery!

[daniellei4510]

I should also add that I submit a lot of images of people (among my bestsellers), often times being the types of image that Adobe claims they are looking for, and they still get rejected for being too similar. It's a losing battle at this point.

[CodiXpert]

Yeah, must be really frustrating, especially when it's content you know used to sell well and fits what Adobe says they want. It does feel a bit random right now with how things are being reviewed. Hopefully, they adjust the system soon, because it's discouraging for everyone trying to do the right thing.

[jacquelingphoto2017]

Hi @CodiXpert ,

Commenting on the technical quality:

The edge of the image is jagged. Toes are merge with leg and toe. 

The second file is also jagged. I'm not sure if the eyes on the chest was intended.

There is a crack in what appears to be an eye of the third image. That too is jagged.

The watermark on your image hindered detailed inspection. I assume you did not submit the image to Adobe with them. 

Definition for Similar.

Each image must be significantly different from others you upload. You are allowed to submit similar images if each image has something significantly different and beneficial for the customer. In a series of images there must be something significantly different from all other images you submit. Color change is not counted. Example the subject back, front, side and top. Two sides only if each side has something significantly different. Landscape, portrait and close-up count. A model standing and sitting is also counted. The above are counted as similar but allowed because of the added beneficial differences. If two images are looking closely alike (although different) they are counted as too similar and will be refused. There is a limited number of similar images accepted for each file format although meeting the above criteria. For new contributors, it is more advantageous to start with a wide assortment of different images. 

The information about Generative AI Content will answer most of your AI questions.

Best wishes

Jacquelin

[Nancy OShea]

I'm no expert on game characters.  But all AI images suffer from a certain degree of sameness, depending on the amount of source content that was used to train it. The same patterns begin to emerge for body types, eyes and hairstyles. If you stare at AI all day, every day as Reviewers do, it all begins to look the same. Humans are hardwired to notice repeating patterns intuitively. 

Stock judges for Uniqueness, both in relation to other content you’ve submitted and content already in the Stock collection. And Stock contains well over 300 million assets.

Follow the advice given for Vector Icon variation.  Avoid using similar shapes to the extent that you can. Mix up your submissions with other content.

https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/help/vector-requirements.html

Hope that helps.