For some time, observers have wondered about the apparent lack of traction of Corbis’ late-to-market microstock division SnapVillage. Apparently, so has Corbis: SnapVillage will be gone by the end of this year, to be replaced by a new product.
Today, the company told the press that it needs a bigger, better offering to achieve success in the microstock space. The new plan is to roll SnapVillage into a new microstock business on Veer, acquired by the Bill Gates-owned stock agency in 2007.
Corbis predicts that microstock will soon account for more than 25% of the overall stock-photography market, and the company is intent on taking a large piece of that market share. Veer’s industry-leading Web site, global customer base and its loyalty provide the ideal platform to rapidly build the company’s microstock business. SnapVillage’s assets—and knowledge gained from the experience—will be used to launch a microstock section on veer.com.
Veer Marketplace will begin to invite SnapVillage contributors and customers to join over the coming months. Starting later this month, the Marketplace will offer single images. A full launch, anticipated mid-year, will bring contributor upload capabilities, credit-based pricing and subscriptions.