Summary
- Changes were published on 13 July and took effect for existing contributors on 1 September 2026
- Direct-sale shares are Bronze 15%, Silver 20%, Gold 40% and Platinum 50%
- Annual thresholds are $250, $3,000 and $25,000
- Monthly payment is triggered when Cleared Funds exceed $75
- Content created with AI image-generation tools is prohibited
Alamy has activated a new contributor contract with four commission tiers, a higher monthly payment threshold and stricter obligations covering content and metadata.
What changes from 1 September 2026
The amendment was published on 13 July 2026. For contributors registered before that date, it took effect on 1 September after the required 45-day notice. For registrations from 13 July onward, the new contract applied immediately. Alamy’s official record of changes presents the old and new wording side by side.
The Revenue Year now runs from 1 September to 31 August of the following year. Total Licence Fees after refunds determine the account’s tier for the next period.
The four commission tiers
For direct sales through Alamy websites, the contributor receives 15% at Bronze, 20% at Silver, 40% at Gold and 50% at Platinum. Platinum applies to exclusive content when the criteria are met and excludes Agency Contributors.
For distributor sales, after distributor fees, the contributor receives 15% at Bronze, 20% at Silver and 40% at both Gold and Platinum. Affiliate rates are 12.75%, 17%, 34% and 42.5%. Access Only follows a separate model: 30% on direct sales and 25.5% through affiliates regardless of the tier for other content.
When an account changes tier
Bronze applies below $250 in annual Licence Fees. Silver covers $250 through $3,000, Gold applies above $3,000 and up to $25,000, while Platinum may activate at $25,000 or more for exclusive content.
An upgrade need not wait until year-end. Bronze moves to Silver after passing $250, Silver moves to Gold after passing $3,000, and an eligible Gold account’s exclusive content moves to Platinum after passing $25,000. A refund that takes the total below a threshold can reverse the change.
Anyone opening an account after 1 September in a Revenue Year starts automatically at Silver, and their Licence Fees are not assessed for another tier until the following Revenue Year.
The payment threshold rises to $75
The monthly payment threshold rises from $50 to $75. Alamy pays within 30 days of the first day of the month when Cleared Funds, after debit balances, exceed $75 at the start of that day.
The word “exceed” matters: a balance of exactly $75 does not trigger payment. Clause 13.7 also provides for the forfeiture of cleared balances more than one year old when valid payment details are missing or payment cannot be completed, subject to its stated conditions.
Explicit ban on AI-generated content
The revised wording requires content and metadata to meet Alamy’s criteria and prohibits content created with AI image-generation tools. Submitting such material is identified as a material breach of contract.
The contributor remains solely responsible for rights, permissions, captions, keywords, releases and usage restrictions. The contract also states that contributors may bear costs or damages arising from complaints and claims related to their content.
What contributors should check
Photographers should review their current tier, sales since 1 September, whether images marked exclusive are genuinely available only through Alamy, and whether payment details remain active and correct.
Metadata and releases need particular care. Where people, property or intellectual property appear without a recorded release, content is restricted to editorial use. After termination, a contributor cannot open a new account for one year and must obtain Alamy’s prior written authorisation.
What we think
The new structure makes the economic model clearer but widens the difference between low and high annual sales. A contributor below $250 receives 15% on direct sales, while reaching Gold requires more than $3,000 within the Revenue Year.
The higher payment threshold also means a longer wait for low-volume accounts. The practical outcome depends not only on the headline percentage but on sale type, exclusivity, refunds and how quickly balances become Cleared Funds.
Frequently asked questions
When did the new terms take effect?
For contributors registered before 13 July 2026, they took effect on 1 September 2026. Later registrations were covered from sign-up.
What is the Bronze commission?
The contributor receives 15% on direct Alamy sales and 12.75% on affiliate sales.
When is monthly payment triggered?
When Cleared Funds, after applicable deductions, exceed $75 at the start of the first day of the month.
Are AI-generated images allowed?
No. The contract prohibits content created with AI image-generation tools and identifies its submission as a material breach.
