How to add keywords to Shutterstock

Shutterstock reads metadata from JPGs on upload: with embedded XMP, the description and keywords are pre-filled automatically. Here are the limits and how to stop typing cards by hand.

Shutterstock limits

• Description — up to 200 characters, required.
• Keywords — 7 to 50.
• Categories — 1–2, chosen in the dashboard (not read from metadata).
• Format — JPG, at least 4 MP.

Three ways to add keywords

• By hand in the dashboard — in the Content Editor after upload. Fine for single works.
• Embed into the file first — XMP metadata in JPG is picked up on upload. That's how Lightroom and Bridge work.
• Generate with AI — Stock Metadata Tagger writes a 200-char description and up to 50 keywords from the image and embeds them into the file.

The Shutterstock profile in Stock Metadata Tagger

Pick the “Shutterstock” profile at upload: the downloaded ZIP will have titles/descriptions trimmed to 200 characters at a word boundary and at most 50 keywords. The full metadata always stays in the service database.