iStockphoto - Stock Audio Training Manual

2.0 - Categories and Earnings

We try to price all files competitively to provide fair compensation to the artist while still appealing to the buyer's need for a cost-effective, quality product.

Our inspection team carefully classifies files across the pricing categories to ensure the success of your hard work.

Below you’ll find a description of each pricing category, along with sample files for each.

Basic
This category is mainly reserved for sound effects and very simple musical elements. Essentially, these types of files are elements that would be used within more comprehensive soundscapes and musical works.



Moderate
This category is comprised of basic musical and sound elements that have been built into more sophisticated elements. The files in this category are musical stingers and transitions, simple musical loops and comprehensive sound effects.



Detailed
While not full-length compositions, files in this category stand on their own as short-play musical works. Fitting the bill for quick media scenarios or transitions, these files offer high impact with a shorter playing time.



Complex
This category contains files that complete a musical concept within a playing time ranging from 30 to 90 seconds. Utilizing transitions and multiple textures, these files operate beyond the expectations of sophisticated loops, transitions and stingers.



Elaborate
These are full compositions ranging from a minute and a half to four minutes. They are fully structured works that demonstrate the attributes associated with complete songs.



Non-exclusive contributors earn 15%-20% of each download credit used to license their files. Exclusive contributors earn 22%-45% of each download credit used to license their files.

For more information please see the royalty schedule

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