How to Create a CSV for Dreamstime: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Create a CSV for Dreamstime: A Step-by-Step Guide





How to Create a CSV for Dreamstime: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dreamstime is a popular platform for contributing stock images, videos, and illustrations. If you are looking to upload your assets in bulk, you’ll need to create a CSV file that adheres to their requirements. This guide will walk you through the process, focusing on how to use the sample CSV file.


Step 1: Download the Sample CSV File

To make the process easier, you can download a sample CSV file from Dreamstime’s website. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Dreamstime contributor page at Dreamstime Sample CSV Download.

  2. Download the provided sample file.

The downloaded file contains three sheets:

  • Sheet 1: The main CSV template where you will input your data.

  • Sheet 2: The default opening sheet, which contains example data.

  • Sheet 3: Instructions for filling out the template.

Switch to Sheet 1 to begin editing your content.


Step 2: Understand the Required Columns

In Sheet 1, you will find the following columns:

  1. Filename: The exact name of your file (e.g., image01.jpg). Ensure the name matches the file you will upload, including its extension.

  2. Image Name: A unique and descriptive title for the asset (200 characters max).

  3. Description: A brief, SEO-friendly description highlighting the content.

  4. Category 1, Category 2, Category 3: For Category 1, select 112 for standard images. Keep Category 2 and Category 3 as 0. Once your files are uploaded and the CSV is attached, you can use the auto-fill feature on Dreamstime to update these categories if needed.

  5. Keywords: A list of relevant keywords, separated by commas (50 max).

  6. Free: Enter 1 for Yes or 0 for No, indicating if the asset is free.

  7. W-EL, P-EL, SR-EL: License types. If the image is exclusive to Dreamstime, put 1 in SR-EL, W-EL and P-EL Otherwise, use W-EL and P-EL only. Leave everything else 0

  8. SR-Price: Price for the SR-EL license (optional).

  9. Editorial: Enter 1 for Yes or 0 for No, indicating if the file is editorial.

  10. MR doc IDs, PR Docs: IDs for model release and property release documents (if applicable).


Step 3: Fill in the Template

For each row in Sheet 1:

  1. Enter the Filename for each image or video.

  2. Provide an Image Name that describes the content.

  3. Write a brief Description highlighting the main features of your asset.

  4. Use 112 in Category 1, and keep Category 2 and Category 3 as 0.

  5. Add comma-separated Keywords that improve discoverability.

  6. Fill in other columns as needed, following the exclusive image rules for licenses and editorial content.

Your spreadsheet should look something like this:

FilenameImage NameDescriptionCategory 1Category 2Category 3KeywordsFreeW-ELP-ELSR-ELEditorial
image01.jpgBeautiful ForestA scenic view of a forest11200nature, forest, trees, green01100
image02.jpgSunset Over BeachA sunset on a sandy beach11200sunset, beach, ocean, sand01110

Step 4: Save and Verify the CSV File

Once your data is complete:

  1. Save the file as CSV (Comma Delimited).

  2. Open the saved CSV file in a text editor (e.g., Notepad) to ensure proper formatting.

  3. Verify that all required fields are filled, and the structure is correct.


Step 5: Upload to Dreamstime

  1. Log in to your Dreamstime contributor account.

  2. Navigate to the bulk upload section.

  3. Drag and drop your CSV file into the upload area. Note that there is no dedicated "Upload CSV" button.

  4. Map the columns in your CSV to Dreamstime’s fields.

  5. Use the auto-fill feature to assign additional categories or adjust fields as needed.

  6. If there are any errors in the upload process, navigate to Upload History within the Upload section to review the error messages and resolve them.


Tips for Optimizing Your Content

  • Use descriptive and SEO-friendly titles and descriptions.

  • Add diverse and relevant keywords to improve discoverability.

  • Use proper categorization to help users find your content easily.


Conclusion

By using the sample CSV template and following these steps, you can simplify the process of uploading content to Dreamstime. Pay close attention to the required fields and optional columns to maximize your file’s visibility and sales potential.

Happy uploading!

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