How to Get Started with Pond5.com

Getting started with Pond5.com is a straightforward process, whether you intend to buy assets or become a contributor.

The website’s user interface is designed for ease of use, guiding new users through the necessary steps.

For Buyers: Acquiring Assets

If your goal is to license and download stock media, here’s how you typically get started:

1. Visit the Website: Navigate to the Pond5.com homepage.
2. Browse or Search: You can immediately start browsing content categories (Video, Music, Photos, etc.) or use the prominent search bar to look for specific keywords (e.g., “travel,” “backgrounds,” “animation”).
   • Tip: If you have specific ethical considerations, begin by focusing on non-musical categories like “Sound Effects” (excluding musical SFX), “Photos,” “Illustrations,” and “Photoshop PSD.”
3. Preview Assets: Click on any asset thumbnail to view its detailed page. Here, you can watch video previews, listen to audio samples, or examine image details. Pay close attention to watermarks, which disappear upon purchase.
4. Create an Account (Optional, but Recommended): While you might be able to purchase some items as a guest, it’s generally recommended to create an account. Click “Join Now” in the top right corner. The pond5 com registration process typically requires:
   • Your email address.
   • A strong password.
   • Agreeing to their Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
   • Confirming your email address.
   • Benefit: An account allows you to track purchases, manage subscriptions, save favorite assets, and access full customer support.
5. Choose Your Pricing Option: Before purchasing, decide on your payment method. You can:
   • Buy per item: Select an asset and click the “Add to Cart” or “Buy Now” button.
   • Purchase Credit Packs: Go to the “Pricing” page and buy a pack of credits, which can then be used to purchase assets at a discounted rate.
   • Subscribe to a Plan: For high-volume needs, consider a subscription plan (also found on the “Pricing” page) that offers unlimited downloads of certain types of content for a recurring fee.
6. Complete Purchase: Proceed to checkout, enter your payment details, and finalize the transaction. Ensure you understand the pond5 commercial license terms for the asset(s) you are acquiring.
7. Download Your Assets: Once the payment is confirmed, the watermarks will be removed, and you can download your chosen assets directly from your account dashboard.

For Contributors: Selling Your Content

If you’re an artist looking to sell your work on Pond5:

1. Visit the Contributor Page: Look for a “Sell Your Content” or “Become a Contributor” link, usually found in the footer or a dedicated section of the website.
2. Register as a Contributor: This is a specialized registration process for pond5.com contributor accounts. It might involve providing more detailed personal information, tax information, and agreeing to contributor-specific terms.
3. Understand Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with Pond5’s content submission guidelines, technical specifications, and legal requirements (e.g., model releases, property releases). This is critical for approval.
4. Upload Your Content: Use Pond5’s upload tools to submit your videos, photos, music, or other assets. Ensure your files meet their technical standards.
5. Add Metadata: Provide accurate and descriptive metadata (titles, descriptions, keywords/tags) for each asset. Good metadata is crucial for buyers to find your content.
6. Set Pricing and Licensing: Determine your pricing for individual assets or allow Pond5 to manage it. Understand the pond5 commission structure, which dictates your earnings.
7. Wait for Review and Approval: Pond5’s curation team will review your submissions. This process can take some time.
8. Start Earning: Once your content is approved and goes live, it becomes available for purchase, and you will earn commissions on sales. You can track your sales and earnings through your contributor dashboard.

Regardless of your role, getting started with Pond5.com involves navigating their intuitive platform, understanding their policies, and for ethical users, carefully selecting content to ensure compliance with personal values. The pond5.com login area serves as your central hub for all activities after registration.