Model release requirements

When you upload content showing someone who can be recognized, make sure to include a signed model release. People can be identified by other features or details. So, a model release may be required even if the person's face isn't visible. 

Use a model release for content that includes:

• Portraits of people. 
• Close-ups of body parts, even when faces are not visible. 
• Self-portraits (sign as both the model and the photographer). 
• People in the background or passing through your frame. 
• Audio clips with identifiable voices. 
• Illustrations or vectors based on real individuals. 
• Clothing or products featuring recognizable faces. 

Model release exemptions

Contributors don't need a model release if their content doesn't show identifiable individuals. They aren't required to submit a model release when their content includes:

• Abstract or fully fictional illustrations. 
• Crowds where individual people aren’t identifiable. 
• Back views of people with no recognizable features. 
• Animals, objects, or scenes without identifiable features.  

Guidelines for model release submission

Refer to the tips for an accurate model release submission.

Model release submission requirements

Ensure the model release meets these submission requirements before uploading content to Adobe Stock:

• If using Acrobat Sign, attach a reference image of the person. 
• Submit a release for each person in the content. Group releases or digitally combined forms will not be accepted. 
• Ensure that the signatures are clearly dated. 
• Don't stitch together multiple model releases digitally. Model releases that appear to be digitally stitched together will not be accepted.  

Guidelines for witnesses on model releases

Review these guidelines when adding a witness to a model release:

• If the model was under 18 when the content was created and still is, the Contributors need a parent or legal guardian's signature. When possible, have both parents sign the release: one as the parent or legal guardian and the other as the witness. This reduces the risk that one parent will revoke the other's consent.  
• If the Contributor is submitting a release for their child, the Contributor needs to print their name and sign twice, once as the artist and once as the parent.  
• Witnesses must be someone other than the depicted person or photographer (unless they use Acrobat Sign). 

Inclusive search standards

Follow these standards to ensure accurate details about the identity, which helps the content shine and ensures the Adobe Stock collection is both inclusive and accurate:

• Provide identity details to add value and credibility to the content and help customers find accurate imagery for inclusive storytelling. 
• Provide optional identity data with the model’s full awareness and consent to ensure accuracy. Models can provide their ethnicity, race, and heritage information in checkboxes, free text, or both, depending on the model release they use.  
• Engage in respectful conversation with the model, encouraging them to accurately describe themselves in their own words on the model release you submit. 
• Be mindful of regional or country laws that could make it uncomfortable or risky to supply information.
• Inform the model that Adobe Stock is a global platform and reconfirm their consent to participate in the production.