How to Upload Metadata to Shutterstock (CSV Guide)
Published March 5, 2026
Shutterstock lets contributors upload metadata in bulk using CSV files. Instead of typing titles, descriptions, and keywords for each image individually, you can fill out a spreadsheet and apply metadata to your entire batch in one upload.
This guide covers the Shutterstock CSV format, how to create and upload your file, and how to handle categories and editorial content.
Shutterstock CSV column format
Shutterstock uses a specific CSV format. Columns must appear in the correct order, and the file must be UTF-8 encoded.
| Column | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Filename | Yes | Exact filename including extension |
| Description | Yes | Image description, 5-200 characters |
| Keywords | Yes | Comma-separated, 7-50 keywords |
| Categories | No | Up to 2 Shutterstock categories |
| Editorial | No | "yes" or "no" — marks content as editorial |
| Mature content | No | "yes" or "no" |
| Illustration | No | "yes" or "no" — marks as illustration vs photo |
Step 1: Upload your images first
Images must be uploaded to Shutterstock before you can apply metadata via CSV. Use the Shutterstock Contributor portal to upload your files. Wait until they appear in your "Unsubmitted" content.
Step 2: Create your CSV file
Here's an example of a properly formatted Shutterstock CSV:
Filename,Description,Keywords,Categories,Editorial
IMG_1234.jpg,"Golden retriever puppy playing in colorful autumn leaves in a park","golden retriever,puppy,dog,autumn,fall,leaves,playing,pet,park",Animals,no
IMG_1235.jpg,"Modern office workspace with laptop and coffee cup on wooden desk","office,workspace,laptop,coffee,desk,modern,business,work,computer,wooden",Business,no
Key differences from Adobe Stock
- Shutterstock uses Description instead of Title
- Minimum 7 keywords required (Adobe has no minimum)
- Categories are names, not numbers
- Editorial flag is a separate column
Step 3: Upload the CSV
- Log in to the Shutterstock Contributor portal
- Go to your content dashboard
- Click "Upload CSV" or "Import metadata"
- Select your CSV file
- Review which files will be updated
- Confirm and submit
Shutterstock categories
Shutterstock uses named categories rather than numbers. You can assign up to 2 categories per image. Common categories include:
Editorial vs. commercial content
If your image shows recognizable brands, logos, or public events without model/property releases, mark it as editorial. Editorial images can only be used for news and informational purposes, not advertising.
Set the Editorial column to "yes" for:
- News events and protests
- Recognizable brand logos or storefronts
- Public figures in editorial contexts
- Sports events and concerts
Common CSV upload errors
Not enough keywords
Shutterstock requires a minimum of 7 keywords per image. Rows with fewer will be rejected.
Description too short or too long
Descriptions must be between 5 and 200 characters. Very short descriptions like "Dog" will fail.
Wrong encoding
Save your file as UTF-8 CSV. Excel's default CSV format may use a different encoding that causes special characters to break.
Faster way to create Shutterstock CSVs
KeywordPic generates descriptions and keywords for your images automatically, then exports a CSV already formatted for Shutterstock. No manual data entry, no reformatting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same CSV for Adobe Stock and Shutterstock?
No. The two platforms use different column formats. Adobe Stock uses "Title" while Shutterstock uses "Description," and the category systems differ. You'll need separate CSV files for each platform.
What's the maximum number of keywords on Shutterstock?
Shutterstock allows up to 50 keywords per image, with a minimum of 7. Using 25-50 well-chosen keywords is the sweet spot for discoverability.
Can I edit metadata after submission?
Yes, but only before your content is reviewed and approved. Once approved, you can still edit keywords and descriptions through the contributor dashboard.