Flickr to shut down its commercial licensing and royalty program

Yahoo’s photo-sharing site, Flickr, will be shutting down its commercial licensing and royalty program in the coming months.

The company spokesperson confirmed the report and said, “Over the past year we have received feedback from several of our users regarding the experience around licensing and royalties."

“It was our hope to create the right Marketplace for our contributors, but based on consistent feedback, we understand there is more work to be done. As a result, we have decided to close the Flickr Marketplace licensing program. This closure will take place over the next few months.”

Those participating in the program were notified by email.

Flickr Marketplace was aiming to increase exposure for photographers and helping to monetize their work. Not only did it promise photos would be featured across the Yahoo network including the homepage, Yahoo News, Yahoo Sports, and Flickr, but images and videos may be shared with members of the media and industry.

Though Yahoo’s email statement suggests that an alternative solution could be in the works, Flickr’s role is still unclear, especially following its parent’s acquisition by Verizon.

Till then, photographers have other options to choose where they can monetize their creative work, including 500px and EyeEm.