Rejected as Non-Licensable Content: What It Means
Non-Licensable Content is the rejection that no edit can fix. It means the subject itself is something the agency cannot sell, for commercial or editorial use, because of legal restrictions.
What the agency says
Shutterstock
Non-Licensable Content
Shutterstock says such content "cannot be published for either commercial or editorial use". Its examples include currency, public figures, screens showing third-party media, published works, license plates as the main subject, and content that appears to be AI-generated.
What Shutterstock cannot sell
Shutterstock's list of non-licensable subjects includes:
- Currency.
- Public figures: celebrities, politicians, musicians, religious leaders.
- Screens where third-party news, TV, film or game content is the main subject.
- Published works and media: books, music, maps and globes, franchise characters and designs.
- License plates or registration numbers as the main subject.
- Postage stamps without a postmark.
- Images that raise privacy concerns, and private property or land.
- Certain products, trademarks, artworks and buildings on its restricted lists.
- Content that appears to be AI-generated.
What to do next
- Do not resubmit the same image. Unlike a quality rejection, there is nothing to fix in the file.
- Reshoot without the restricted element: a blank or generic screen, a prop instead of a branded product, your own artwork instead of someone else's.
- Check other agencies' rules before sending it elsewhere. Rules differ, and some of these subjects are restricted everywhere.
- Ask contributor support if the reason is unclear. Shutterstock suggests it.
Get a second pair of eyes on your set
The free Stock Photo Review looks at 5 to 10 photos and says which ones might suit stock and what to fix first, including photos that may need a release. It is an AI opinion, not a reviewer's decision.
Sources and when this was checked
Last checked: November 2026. The agency wording on this page comes from the help pages below. Agencies reword their reasons from time to time, so open the source if your message reads differently.
Frequently asked questions
Does Shutterstock accept AI-generated images from contributors?
No. Shutterstock says ownership of AI-generated content cannot be assigned to an individual, so it should not be submitted even if you wrote the prompt. Content that appears to be AI-generated is on its non-licensable list.
Can I photograph money for stock?
Shutterstock lists currency as non-licensable, to prevent counterfeiting.
Why was a photo of a phone screen rejected?
Screens showing third-party content such as news, TV, films or video games as the main subject are non-licensable. Show a blank screen, or your own content, instead.
Is there a list of what is restricted?
Yes. Shutterstock keeps Known Restrictions articles listing specific trademarks, artworks and buildings. Check them before you shoot.
