Using Unsplash to Grow Your Reach
Ayup! Having contributed to Unsplash for over five years, I'm sharing a few pointers here on how to grow your reach and visibility. As a regular uploader to the platform, my account is currently sitting at 114,478,804 views. Way more than anything you could ever achieve on social media.
Unsplash is primarily a free stock image platform. Additionally, in 2022, they introduced Unsplash+, a premium service that pays photographers for their contributions. Either way, you'll need to be OK with people using your images (however they please) for the following to apply.
Every photographer has their own stance on this. Personally, my photos would only ever sit on a hard drive. You know the drill. Nobody, including myself, is ever going to look at them again. Instead, I'd much rather folks get some use out of them. The occasional payout from Unsplash+ is always welcome, too.
The decision to upload to Unsplash boils down to a simple concept: finding more value in sharing than in withholding. As photographers, we seek platforms that enhance our work's visibility and impact. Unsplash stands out as a beacon for those of us who cherish art, community, and the spirit of giving.
Your First 100 Million Views on Unsplash
Granted, this figure seems a little bold, but once you get into how it all works, you'll be chasing it down in no time. Within your Stats dashboard, you can see both views and downloads. Via the Unsplash API, your work can be dropped into projects without the need for downloading. Therefore, views are normally the best indicator on how well your images are performing.
Find your feet (and niche)
Firstly, get a feel for the images that Unsplash like by viewing the homepage. Here you'll find a hand curated selection of what they consider to be the best of the best from recent uploads.
You might want to experiment with different subjects or styles as you begin contributing. Eventually, you'll figure out what's working and most popular. For example, my architecture work does infinitely better than any nature shots I upload. I still enjoy both, but only tend to upload tree and plant images every now and again.
Hashtags & description
Always include hashtags. Super important! As you upload an image, you have space for both a description and hashtags. The latter does a wonderful job of suggesting popular search terms as you start typing. Generally speaking, aim to only use what it suggests.
The Unsplash blog is a valuable source of tips and info. Their article, How to get your photos found, dives into best practices for tagging your images.
The image description is completely optional. I'd always include something, though, as it may help land you a spot in the monthly round-up. Unsplash feature a small selection of their favourite uploads from the previous month in a blog post. To be in with a chance of gaining even more exposure, simply include a description.
Making sure you tag exactly what’s in the photo, as well as what the image is trying to evoke is an easy way to increase your exposure on Unsplash.
Browse & submit to categories
Once you've got a few images uploaded and figured out how it all works, it's time to delve into category pages. At the time of writing, you have:
As with the homepage, browse the categories that apply to your photography and see what's currently being featured. If you feel any of your images are a good fit, go ahead and submit either a new or current upload. Nothing to lose, everything to gain.
Plenty of images won't be accepted, so set your expectations. As long as you believe they're worthy, submit them anyway. It might even be a while before anything is featured, but keep at it. As soon as you've had one photo accepted, you'll likely find that plenty more will follow.
When it comes to views, the real magic lies in a homepage feature. You can't directly submit to this, but a feature on a category page will increase your chances of landing a prime-time spot.
Keep on top of trends
Unsplash provides you with access to a rather handy set of insights on what's trending across the site. Incredibly useful. While they might not always apply to your chosen subjects, it's well worthwhile keeping an eye on. Every now and again, you'll spot something that you can include in your hashtags. This will instantly increase the visibility and reach of your image.
Find out which keywords have had the highest increase in search frequency over a period of time on Unsplash.
Review best performing photos
Lastly, one of the most powerful data points for growth on Unsplash is your image stats. What are your top performers? Which images are getting you featured? Have any particular photos died a slow and painful death?
Invaluable information. From this, you'll start to figure out a) what's most in-demand and b) what Unsplash are looking to promote. Of course, there needs to be a balance. If the work you enjoy the most isn't doing so well, it's far from being a reason to quit. If, however, increased reach is your ultimate goal, it's vital to remain aware of your best and worst performing photos.
Leverage your reach
Alrighty then. You've grown your reach on Unsplash. Now what? It's highly likely you haven't received a single penny, or been commissioned by anyone who found your work. Yikes! While I don't think most contributors are too fussed about this, there are certain things you can do to help make it all worth your while.
Link to your website from your profile
Include a support via PayPal button
Start contributing to Unsplash+ (paid)
Link to your Instagram account
Enter the yearly awards (paid prize)
Show that you're available for hire
Conclusion
Overall, Unsplash is, in my humble opinion, the best platform to get the most eyes on your photography. It way surpasses any social media channel. In a world of restrictions and reach limiting algorithms, it's refreshingly easy to place your work in front of a huge audience.
Giving your images away isn't for everyone. I get it. But for the hard drive hoarders among us, maybe you'll enjoy seeing how and where other folks are using your work. I know I do.
To fast track your way to 100 million views, try out the following best practices:
Find your feet (and niche)
Use hashtags and image description
Browse and submit to categories
Keep on top of trends
Review best performing photos
