Keywording for Stock Photography

If you're uploading photos to stock platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock, you’ve probably realized that great photography isn’t the only thing that drives sales. The way you tag your images matters just as much.

In fact, keywords are the link between your content and the people searching for it. Let’s break down what keywording is, why it’s so important, and how to do it right — including where to find the best keywords for stock photography without wasting time.

What does keywording mean, and why is it so important?

Keywording simply means adding the right words to describe what’s in your photo. These keywords help potential buyers find your image when they search on stock websites.

For example, imagine you’ve uploaded a photo of a young woman working on her laptop in a café. Solid keyword choices could include:

• woman

• laptop

• coffee shop

• freelancer

• remote work

• creative professional

If you forget to tag it with terms like "freelancer" or "remote work," the photo might never show up in searches — even if it’s exactly what the buyer needs.

How to choose the right keywords for stock photography

1. Start with what’s clearly visible
   Don’t add what’s not there — describe the image as it is.

2. Add broader and alternative terms
   Use not just “woman,” but also terms like “young adult,” “female entrepreneur,” or “millennial,” depending on context.

3. Use abstract concepts where they fit
   Words like “success,” “freedom,” or “productivity” can help if they match the overall feel of the photo.

4. Avoid overloading with tags
   Going over 50–60 keywords is usually unnecessary and can actually hurt your ranking if the tags are weak or generic.

5. Think like your customer
   What would someone type into the search bar to find this image? Are they looking for blog visuals, an ad banner, or editorial content?

Knowing where to find the best keywords for stock photography often comes down to thinking like the end user.

What to avoid when keywording

• Using redundant variations: "woman, women, adult woman, female woman"

• Translating from another language without adapting the meaning

• Adding tags that don’t clearly relate to the photo

• Including keywords so abstract that no one would realistically search for them

Speeding things up with AI tools

Tagging hundreds of images by hand can take forever. It’s not unusual for a single photo to require 3–5 minutes of keywording — and that adds up fast.

If you’re wondering where to find the best keywords for stock photography without spending hours, consider tools like TagWithAI. This tool can help generate:

• Titles

• Descriptions

• Keywords

You upload your image, and our service suggests relevant tags. You still have full control and can edit them — but the bulk of the work is already done. This approach is especially useful when dealing with large batches of content.

If you're new to the platform, here’s how to get started with TagWithAI step by step

Final thoughts

Strong keywording is what makes your images searchable — and ultimately, sellable. The right words connect your work to buyers. So if you want to boost your visibility (and income), getting your keywording right is key.

AI can definitely help, especially when time is short — just make sure to review and refine what it suggests. Think of it as a smart assistant, not a replacement for your own judgment.

Try TagWithAI and make keywording for stock photography faster and smarter.