How StockDokan Reviews Uploads

When you upload to StockDokan, your files go through a review process designed to protect buyers and highlight high-quality digital assets. If you understand what reviewers look for, you can reduce rejections, improve your metadata, and get approved faster.

Use this guide as a practical checklist before uploading photos, vectors, templates, and other digital assets to StockDokan.

What StockDokan Reviewers Look For

Every file is checked for technical quality, visual quality, content safety, and metadata quality.

Technical quality: resolution, sharpness, noise, and compression
Visual quality: composition, lighting, color, and editing
Content safety: copyright, trademarks, people, and sensitive subjects
Metadata quality: titles, descriptions, keywords, and categories

If your file is clean, original, useful, and clearly described, it has a stronger chance of being approved.

Technical Requirements for Photos and Raster Images

Before uploading any photo or raster image in JPG or PNG format, make sure it meets these basic technical rules.

Resolution and Size

Use high-resolution files suitable for professional use
Avoid upscaling small images just to meet a minimum size
Crop carefully so the main subject stays large and sharp

File Formats

Use JPG or JPEG for photos and most raster images
Use PNG only when transparency or clean graphics are needed

Color Space and Profile

Export in sRGB color space for consistent web display
Avoid unusual color profiles that can change the look after upload

Compression and Artifacts

Do not use extreme compression to reduce file size
Watch for blocky areas, banding in gradients, and pixelation around edges
If artifacts appear, re-export at a higher quality setting

Visual Quality: Make Your Files Look Professional

Technical specs are not enough. Good visual quality is what helps content sell.

Sharpness and Focus

The main subject should be in clear focus
Avoid accidental motion blur, out-of-focus subjects, and over-sharpening halos
Intentional blur is fine if it is clearly stylistic

Exposure and Lighting

Avoid overexposed highlights where details are lost
Avoid underexposed shadows where everything is pure black
Use natural or well-controlled lighting

Noise and Grain

Some noise is normal, especially in night shots
Avoid distracting noise from very high ISO or heavy editing
If needed, use noise reduction carefully so the image does not become too soft

Composition and Cropping

Use clear, intentional composition such as the rule of thirds and leading lines
Keep backgrounds clean and remove distracting elements
Think like a designer or marketer: would this work in a website, banner, or social media post?

Editing and Color Grading

Editing should enhance the file, not damage it
Avoid over-saturated colors, extreme filters, and unnatural skin or sky tones
A clean, natural look usually sells better than heavy effects

Content Rules: What You Can and Cannot Upload

Even a technically perfect file can be rejected if the content is problematic.

Copyright and Trademarks

Your uploads must be original and must not include famous logos, branded packaging, or copyrighted artwork.

Do not include visible brand logos on products, signs, or clothing
Avoid branded devices or packaging with recognizable marks
Do not use copyrighted posters, TV screens, or UI from other products

People and Model Releases

If your content includes people, faces should be clear and respectful. Avoid hateful, offensive, or shameful portrayals. When needed, model releases may be required depending on marketplace policy.

Private Property and Locations

Some modern buildings, artworks, or private locations may have restrictions. When in doubt, focus on public views, generic interiors, or wide landscapes.

Sensitive and Prohibited Content

Do not upload violent, hateful, or explicit content
Do not upload illegal activities
Do not upload content meant to mislead, scam, or harm others

StockDokan aims to be a safe marketplace for all users.

Metadata That Helps You Get Found

Good metadata helps your file get discovered in search, look professional to buyers, and pass review more easily.

Titles

Make titles descriptive and natural
Include important keywords without stuffing
Use a title that clearly explains the file

Good example: Modern Minimal Workspace with Laptop and Coffee Cup on Wooden Desk

Weak example: desk laptop coffee work office home remote work productivity modern minimal nice cool

Descriptions

Use one to three short sentences to describe what is in the file, then mention style, mood, and possible use cases.

Example: High-resolution photo of a modern home office setup with a laptop, notebook, and coffee cup on a wooden desk. Perfect for blog headers, productivity articles, remote work websites, and social media posts.

Keywords and Tags

Think like a buyer searching for your file. Use the main subject, the context, and the style or mood.

Main subject: laptop, coffee, desk, workspace
Context: home office, remote work
Mood or style: minimal, modern, clean, warm light

Do not add irrelevant keywords just to appear in more searches.

Categories and Subcategories

Always choose the most accurate category so the right buyers can find your work faster.

Photos
Vectors and Illustrations
Videos
Themes
Plugins
Apps
Audio
Templates

Extra Guidelines for Vectors, Templates, and Themes

Vectors and Illustrations

Use clean, organized layers
Make sure shapes are editable
Use proper text outlines or include font instructions
Avoid unnecessary anchor points that make files heavy

Templates

Use smart layer structure and clear naming
Include dummy content and instructions
Keep the design modern and usable, not over-decorated

Themes and Plugins

Keep code clean and well documented
Avoid malicious or hidden functionality
Make installation and setup easy

These details build trust and reduce support problems later. You may also want to review the Contributor Guides and Contributor FAQ for related submission help.

Guidelines for Video and Audio Uploads

Video Clips

Use Full HD 1080p or higher when possible
Keep motion smooth unless shake is stylistic
Do not include watermarks or logos
Use clean color and exposure

Audio and Music

Use high-quality audio with no hiss, static, or background noise
Make loop points clean if the track is loopable
Use clear naming that tells buyers what the track is

Common Reasons Files Get Rejected

Understanding common rejection reasons can help you avoid them.

Low resolution or heavy noise
Blurry or out-of-focus main subject
Over-edited colors and filters
Strong compression artifacts
Copyright or trademark issues
Irrelevant or misleading title and keywords
Too many very similar images

If you get a rejection, read the reason carefully, fix the issue if possible, and use the feedback to improve future uploads. If you are ready to contribute, review the Call for Creators page as well.

Pre-Upload Checklist

Before you upload to StockDokan, ask yourself these questions:

Is my file sharp, clean, and properly exposed?
Is there any noise, artifacts, or strange colors?
Does it avoid logos, brands, and copyrighted elements?
Is my title clear and descriptive?
Are my keywords relevant and honest?
Did I choose the correct category?

If you can confidently say yes to all of these, your chances of approval are much higher.