Stock contributor guide

How to Keyword AI Images for Stock Websites

AI-generated images still need metadata that describes what is visible. The fact that an image was generated does not make speculative keywords useful.

Published 2026-08-25Updated 2026-08-25By CSV Metadata

Describe the result, not the prompt

Buyers search for the content they need. Start with the visible subject, composition, style and concepts rather than pasting an entire generation prompt into keywords.

Handle AI-generation fields separately

Where a contributor platform asks for AI-generation information, use its dedicated setting or field instead of inserting model names into ordinary search keywords.

Check impossible details

Generated images can contain visual artifacts or ambiguous objects. Do not keyword an object confidently when the image does not clearly support it.

Avoid brands and artist imitation

Do not add trademarked brands or living-artist names simply to attract search traffic.