Adobe Missions FAQs
Adobe Missions are projects where Contributors create custom content based on specific content briefs to support Adobe’s product, research, and content needs. If a Contributor’s content submissions are approved, they will be paid.
By participating in Adobe Missions, Contributors agree to the Supplemental Works Addendum.
Adobe Missions are open to a global community of Contributors, from first-time creators to experienced professionals. We actively seek Contributors from all regions, cultures, and backgrounds, as geographic and cultural diversity are essential to the content we source.
Missions are open to Contributors who:
Have access to a smartphone or camera and capture clear, have access to a smartphone or camera that can capture clear, well-lit content with steady framing and a clear subject.
Can follow a content brief and deliver high-quality work, from basic to advanced skill levels.
Create content in one or more styles, such as lifestyle, documentary, portrait, product/still life, landscape, interiors, or animals.
Have access to everyday people, places, and environments—no studio or professional models required.
Yes. You must have an Adobe Stock Contributor account to participate in Adobe Missions.
Adobe Missions Briefs
A Mission content brief explains:
The goal of the Mission
What type of content to create
Specific instructions and creative direction
Technical requirements
Deadlines and deliverables
Each Mission has its own instructions and requirements related to specific content needs. Always read the content brief carefully before you start.
A Mission may be a good fit if you:
Have experience with or interest in the content type and subject
Have access to the people, places, or subjects described
Can meet the technical and creative requirements
Are comfortable with the listed usage and payment
If a Mission isn’t a fit, you can simply stay tuned for the next Mission.
Some Missions are open to all eligible Contributors, while others may be selected based on factors such as:
Location or region
Past participation
Specific content needs
Selection criteria vary by Mission and are outlined when applicable.
After you’ve been granted access to Adobe Missions, active Missions will appear in the Open Missions tab of your Adobe Stock Contributor dashboard. You may also receive email notifications when new Missions become available.
Please contact contributor-missions@adobe.com referencing the Mission in question or visit the Adobe Missions FAQs for general guidance.
Mission topics are driven by Adobe’s current product, research, and content needs. These may include:
Real-world interactions and environments
Under-represented scenarios or regions
Content needs identified through AI/ML performance and product development
Topics are designed to help improve realism, diversity, and accuracy in Adobe’s tools.
Depending on the Mission, Adobe may request:
Photos
Videos
Vectors and illustrations
Sound effects (SFX)
3D assets
Not every Mission includes every content type. Some Missions focus on a single format, while others may combine multiple types. Always refer to the individual Mission content brief for exact requirements.
Submitting to Adobe Missions
Content and required releases are uploaded through the Open Missions page in the Adobe Stock Contributor dashboard.
Preparing your content
Before starting a Mission, review the content brief carefully and plan your content to align with its goal.
When creating content, keep the following in mind:
- Authenticity & Creative Approach
- Keep it authentic: Content should capture genuine moments, emotions, and interactions that reflect everyday life, not staged or overly styled.
- People (when applicable): Choose people who naturally reflect diverse identities and experiences. Capture genuine expressions and interactions—avoid posing or direct eye contact with the camera.
- Objects: Place objects in realistic settings and show them as they would naturally appear or be used.
- Lighting: Use natural light whenever possible. If using artificial lighting, keep it soft, realistic, and appropriate for the scene.
- Props & styling: Use props and styling that support the scene and feel natural—avoid anything forced, cliché, or distracting.
- Locations: Shoot in locations that make sense for the subject and help set the right context without pulling focus away from it.
- Technical & Quality Standards
- Clear, well-lit, and in focus
- Properly exposed with accurate, natural color
- Thoughtfully composed
- Variation in angles and perspectives
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting content that doesn’t meet the Mission brief
- Overly staged or inauthentic scenes
- Trademarked or copyrighted elements
- Duplicate or near-duplicate submissions
Yes. Model releases are required for all recognizable individuals and property releases are required for private or commercial locations—unless the Mission content brief states otherwise.
When submitting content for Adobe Missions, you agree to the Contributor TOS which permits varied use of content with models. We recommend reviewing these terms and confirming expectations with your models prior to participating in Adobe Missions.
Each Adobe Mission has a set number of submission slots. Once all slots are allotted, you cannot submit more content to this specific Mission. For example, if an Adobe Mission allows 5 submissions and 3 are approved while 2 are refused, you’ve used all 5 slots.
Submission deadlines are typically fixed and cannot be extended. The cutoff date and time are always outlined in the Adobe Mission content brief. If you miss the deadline, save your content—it may fit a future Adobe Mission. If you do not submit the content to Missions, or if your content is not approved for Missions, then you can upload your best content to Adobe Stock.
In rare cases, a deadline may be extended, and any changes will be clearly stated in the Mission content brief.
Yes, after your submission is reviewed, you may upload your best content to Adobe Stock. Please remember to adhere to our content guidelines.
To submit content to Adobe Stock, you must follow these Account and Content Submissions Guidelines, which are a part of the Adobe Stock Contributor Agreement.
Review and Approval Process
While we aim to review submissions promptly, review times may vary based on submission volume.
Each submission is reviewed to ensure it:
Meets the Mission brief requirements
Meets quality and technical standards
Complies with legal and IP requirements
You can track the status of your submissions directly in the Adobe Stock Contributor portal.
In most cases, submissions can’t be edited after submission. If changes are allowed, the Mission brief or feedback will clearly explain what can be updated.
There are several reasons why submissions may be rejected. Below are common rejection reasons and how to avoid them:
Intellectual property (IP)
Trademarked elements: Trademarked designs, logos, or third-party works on clothing, props, or backgrounds are prohibited unless specified in the Adobe Mission brief.
Copyright compliance: Only submit original content that you own fully to avoid copyright infringement.
Non-compliant:
Failure to follow all instructions: Submissions must adhere to all aspects and instructions of the brief, including both creative and technical requirements (e.g., video submissions should not include audio or slow-motion effects).
Missing or incorrect model releases: All recognizable individuals must have a valid model release. Releases must match every person who appears in the submission and should not be attached if that person does not appear in the content.
Incorrect titles or metadata: Submissions must have accurate and descriptive titles or filenames that align with the content. If specific file naming instructions are provided in the Adobe Mission brief, ensure your submissions follow them precisely to avoid rejection.
Hateful content: We do not approve submissions that include hateful content, which is content that promotes insensitivity, intolerance or broadly mocks or belittles an individual or group, based on attributes such as race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, among others.
Watermarks or branding: Content should not contain any watermarks, logos, or branding.
Not relevant to the brief
Irrelevant content: Submission doesn't meet the Adobe Mission's goal or requirements. Make sure your content follows the Adobe Mission brief and review the guidelines carefully.
Authentic representation: Avoid overly posed or staged content, as it may be refused. Casting should reflect diverse and inclusive subject matter, with individuals who genuinely embody the characters and experiences. Locations, props, and wardrobe should feel natural and fit the story. Capture genuine moments and interactions in real settings.
Similar content within the submission
Similar content: Avoid submitting identical or near-identical content. Ensure your submission includes a variety of angles, perspectives, and compositions. See our Similar Content Guidelines for more info.
Duplicate content from another submission
Duplicate content: Previously published content on Adobe Stock or other Adobe Missions cannot be resubmitted. Only unique submissions will be accepted.
Technical quality
Production value: Plan your shoot carefully, including casting, locations, wardrobe, props, and lighting, to create polished, intentional content.
Color accuracy: Use accurate white balance and natural color tones to ensure realistic, true-to-life results.
Composition: Frame your subject thoughtfully and vary your angles and perspectives to create balanced, engaging visuals.
Exposure: Aim for balanced lighting with clear detail in both highlights and shadows.
Focus: Keep your main subject sharp, steady, and clearly defined.
Getting Paid
Each Mission lists a payment amount in the Open Missions tab of your Adobe Stock Contributor dashboard, so you know what you’ll earn before submitting. Approved submissions are paid through the Adobe Stock payout system, using the same payment methods Contributors already use.
Payments are processed after approval and follow standard Adobe Stock payout timelines.
Payments may be subject to tax withholdings depending on your location and tax information on file.
Payment status and earnings can be viewed in your Adobe Stock Contributor dashboard.
