Understanding Photo Licensing — Simplified
Photo licensing confuses many buyers. Subscription models, extended licenses, editorial-only restrictions — the major stock platforms have made licensing unnecessarily complex. AfroStocker takes a different approach: three simple tiers that cover virtually every use case without the complexity.
This guide explains exactly what each AfroStocker license covers, what it costs, and how to choose the right one for your project.
The Three AfroStocker Licenses
Web & Social Media License — $9
Best for: Bloggers, social media managers, small businesses, content creators.
Covers: Website use, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, email newsletters, digital presentations, online advertising. Resolution up to 1,500px.
Does not cover: Print production, physical products, resale, broadcasting.
The $9 Web license is AfroStocker’s most accessible option. For anyone publishing African photography in a purely digital context — blog posts, social media content, email campaigns, online articles — this license provides everything needed at a price point accessible to independent creators.
Standard Commercial License — $29
Best for: Marketing agencies, brands, publishers, NGOs, corporate communications.
Covers: Advertising campaigns, brand identity, product packaging, corporate reports, editorial publications, presentations, website design. Resolution up to 3,000px.
The $29 Commercial license is AfroStocker’s most popular tier. It covers the full range of professional marketing and communications use cases — from one-page ads to comprehensive brand identity systems. The 3,000px resolution is sufficient for most print applications up to A3 format.
Premium HD License — $49
Best for: Print production, exhibition, extended commercial campaigns, architectural and interior use.
Covers: All commercial uses, unlimited print runs, exhibition materials, large-format printing, long-term campaigns without end date. Maximum resolution (up to 6,000px on eligible images).
The $49 Premium HD license provides the highest-resolution file available with the broadest usage rights. For any application where maximum quality matters — A2 poster printing, exhibition photography, luxury brand campaigns — this is the correct choice.
How to Choose the Right License
Ask three questions
1. Where will the image appear? Digital-only = Web license. Print or mixed = Commercial or Premium HD.
2. What resolution do you need? Screen display = 1,500px (Web). Print to A3 = 3,000px (Commercial). Print to A2 and beyond = 6,000px (Premium HD).
3. What is the commercial context? Personal or small business = Web. Agency or brand campaign = Commercial. High-value print production = Premium HD.
Common Use Cases Matched to Licenses
Blog post with one hero image: Web license ($9)
Brand Instagram campaign: Commercial license ($29)
NGO annual report: Commercial license ($29)
Museum exhibition print: Premium HD license ($49)
Book cover design: Premium HD license ($49)
Email newsletter: Web license ($9)
Product packaging: Commercial license ($29)
Large-format poster: Premium HD license ($49)
What Happens After Purchase
After completing your purchase through PayPal, you receive an email with your download link and password. The email also serves as your license document — proof of rights for the usage you selected. Download and save this email for your records.
Downloads are available immediately after payment. There is no waiting period, no approval process, and no subscription required.
Questions About Licensing
For questions about specific use cases not covered in this guide, contact AfroStocker through the contact page. Most licensing questions are answered within 24 hours.
