Problem · Adobe Stock

“My Adobe Stock keywords are in the wrong order, or there are too many.” What to do

On Adobe Stock the order of your keywords matters, and there is a limit on how many you can add. If your best words are buried or your list is too long, here is what to change.

Short answer

Adobe Stock allows a maximum of 49 keywords per file. The first 10 keywords carry the most weight in search, so put the most important, most literal ones there. A focused set, typically around 15 to 35 relevant terms, is good practice. PhotoTager sorts your keywords with the strongest first.

Why it matters

01 The first 10 carry the most weight Adobe tells contributors to list keywords in order of importance. The first 10 have the most influence on search, so a weak word in that spot costs you.
02 49 keywords at most Adobe Stock allows up to 49 keywords per file. Keywords beyond that are not kept, so the least important ones are the ones to leave out.
03 A focused set beats a long list Typically around 15 to 35 relevant terms is good practice. Every keyword should describe what is really in the file.
04 Titles should stay clear Aim for a title under 70 characters, so it reads clearly and is not cut off. PhotoTager allows up to 200 characters as the hard maximum.

How to order your keywords

  1. 1
    Start with the main subjectWhat is the photo of? Use the plainest, most literal word first, then the more specific one.
  2. 2
    Add the action, setting and key details nextPositions 1 to 10 should describe what a buyer would type to find this exact file.
  3. 3
    Then concepts, mood and styleIdeas such as “freedom” or “teamwork” come after the things that are really visible.
  4. 4
    Cut repeats and weak wordsRemove duplicates, singular and plural pairs of the same word, and anything that is not in the file. Stay at 49 or fewer.
  5. 5
    Check the first 10 once moreRead just the first 10 keywords. If they do not describe the file on their own, reorder.

How PhotoTager does it

1 Keywords come with a relevance score Each keyword gets a score from the AI. CSV exports for Adobe Stock and Shutterstock put the highest score first, not alphabetical order.
2 Never more than 49 A file keeps its first 49 keywords. Any extra ones move to the suggested keywords list, so nothing is lost and you can swap them in.
3 A separate Adobe Stock title PhotoTager writes an Adobe Stock title alongside the main title, and the AI is asked for 70 characters or less. A meter in the project page shows the length as you edit (recommended under 70, maximum 200).
4 Free checker and keyword generator The free Adobe Stock metadata checker highlights your first 10 keywords and flags more than 49. The free keyword generator writes a title and keywords, strongest first.

Check your first 10 keywords now, free

See your first 10 keywords, the keyword count and the title length for Adobe Stock. No signup.

Open the Adobe Stock checkerGenerate Adobe Stock keywords

Questions

How many keywords does Adobe Stock allow?

Up to 49 keywords per file. A focused set of around 15 to 35 relevant terms is typically good practice.

Does keyword order matter on Adobe Stock?

Yes. The first 10 keywords carry the most weight in search, so list them in order of importance.

How long should an Adobe Stock title be?

Ideally under 70 characters so it stays clear and is not cut off. PhotoTager allows up to 200 characters as the hard maximum, and warns you above 70.

Does PhotoTager sort keywords alphabetically?

No. Keywords are sorted by their relevance score, highest first, so your strongest terms are in the first 10.

What happens to keywords over 49?

PhotoTager keeps the first 49 on the file and moves the rest to the suggested keywords, so you can still use them in place of a weaker keyword.