Can I Sell the Same Images on Canva and iStock if I Own the Copyright?

When dealing with image licensing services, it is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of each platform. Many creators upload the same images to multiple image-licensing services with the intention to maximize their earnings. However, the rules and restrictions can vary significantly from one platform to another.

Understanding Image Licensing Services

Most image-licensing services do not sell images directly; rather, they sell licenses. A license grants the user the right to use the image for a specified purpose or duration, with certain limitations. If you are an end user, you typically obtain licenses for images every day. If you see an image on the website of one service, you can check the services you already subscribe to for the same image.

Exclusive Rights and Copyright Transfer

Certain image-licensing services, such as iStock, may offer to broker exclusive rights to an image. This means the creator must agree to this, and the copyright will transfer from the creator to the buyer. This transfer of ownership means the creator cannot offer the image for sale or license on any other site.

Canva and Its Restrictions

Canva is a design tool that is popular among hobbyists and non-designers. However, it is not typically used by professional designers, as files created in Canva may often be unusable for professional work. Unless artwork is created in a vector editing program, the files may be of limited use. When a client provides a Canva file, it often requires re-creation, and clients may pay more to make the file usable.

Copyright Ownership

You own the copyright if you personally created the image. If this is the case, you can sell the images, but you will need to read the specific selling parameters of both Canva and iStock. The Canvas Content License Agreement specifies that free or pro content cannot be used to design and sell your own stock content. If you want to sell stock content, you need to create your own designs from scratch.

Potential Violations of Terms of Service

Depending on the terms and conditions of the listing, your assumption that the copyright is yours may not hold up. Some services require exclusive rights to the images they host, which means selling the same images on multiple platforms would likely violate their terms of service.

For instance, if you own the copyright to a photo, you can certainly sell it on any other website. When you upload your image to Canva, you continue to retain the copyright. However, selling the same image on both Canva and iStock would be a violation of their terms and could result in your account being suspended or terminated.

Thus, understanding the terms and conditions of each platform is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues. Always read the licensing agreements and terms of service to ensure you are in compliance with the rules and restrictions of each platform.