CGTrader Essentials Subscription Contributor FAQ
Answers to questions about CGTrader Essentials subscription and contributor earnings.
Overview
CGTrader is expanding your earnings opportunities by introducing a new "CGTrader Essentials" subscription option for our customers.
Q: What is CGTrader Essentials?
A: CGTrader Essentials is a subscription service for individual customers or companies, allowing them to license 3D and 3D print models for a fixed monthly fee. The Essentials subscription is designed to capture an emerging market of individual 3D artists, game developers, and creators who need regular access to quality 3D assets.
Q: What type of customers will purchase CGTrader Essentials?
A: Our Essentials subscription provides the best value for individuals and small studios who need multiple 3D models per month for their projects. This includes:
- Game developers (indie and small studios)
- 3D artists and freelancers
- Architectural visualization professionals
- Product designers
- VR/AR content creators
To ensure fair usage and prevent abuse of the platform, the subscription has a monthly download cap of 25 models per month. CGTrader keeps the right to amend the cap.
Q: How can I join CGTrader Essentials?
A: Participation in CGTrader Essentials is managed through the “Maximise your earnings” setting in your account. Once you enable this setting in your account, eligible entry-level, low-priced models from your portfolio will participate in the subscription.
Q: How will I get paid?
A: Participating contributors are paid via the Subscriber Share revenue model.
Q: What is the Subscriber share revenue model?
A: Contributor earnings on CGTrader Essentials are based on a "Subscriber Share" revenue model:
- Subscription revenue net of payment fees is allocated on a monthly basis among the individual contributors whose models were downloaded by each subscriber during that month
- Your earnings payout will be calculated based on your subscription revenue and payout rate as established in Section 25.7 of the General Terms & Conditions and will include all taxes that shall be due in accordance with the applicable laws.
- Higher-quality models that subscribers choose to download more frequently will generate proportionally higher earnings
Example calculation:
- Subscriber #1 and subscriber #2 pays $9.99/month each
- If subscriber #1 downloads 2 models that month, and 1 model is yours (50%), you would earn 50% x ($9.99 - payment fees) x payout rate
- If subscriber #2 downloads 5 models that month, and 5 are yours (100%), you would earn 100% x ($9.99 - payment fees) x payout rate
Withholding tax: Subscription earnings are subject to withholding tax calculated per seller on gross subscription earnings and deducted before payout. Applicable tax rates: 15% for individuals, 10% for businesses, 0% for sellers with Lithuanian tax residence.
Deducted tax is remitted to Lithuanian tax authorities. Payout records show gross earnings, applied tax rate, withholding tax amount, and net payout, visible under My Sales → Payments section. Tax rate is determined by the legal status specified in the payment agreement at the time the payout is initiated.
Q: How will my earnings change? Will this cannibalize my regular sales?
A: We understand concerns about cannibalization, but the data shows that cannibalization risk is limited for several important reasons:
1. Different customer segments
- Subscription targets new customers who can't afford multiple individual purchases
- Subscription offers a complementary channel, not a replacement
2. Expanded market reach
- Lower barrier to entry attracts customers who previously used free alternatives or pirated content;
- Expansion of your audience, as users will be encouraged to follow and share your models;
3. Pricing strategy
- Individual model prices remain unchanged
- Enterprise customers prefer individual licenses for specific assets
4. Revenue diversification
- Earn from both channels simultaneously
- Multiple downloads from subscribers compound your earnings
- Popular models gain visibility, potentially driving individual sales
5. Proven model
- Similar platforms show subscriptions increase total contributor earnings
- Expands addressable market and creates recurring revenue
Expected Impact:
✅ Additional revenue stream from new customer segment
✅ Increased visibility and more stable income
✅ Higher total downloads across both channels
Example Scenario:
- Before: 10 sales/month at $5 = $35 net earnings
- After: 8 sales ($28) + subscription downloads ($15) = $43/month (22% increase)
Q: How will I track my earnings?
A: Your CGTrader Essentials earnings can be found in your dashboard. There will be a dashboard in the Subscription area showcasing the earnings.
Your dashboard will show:
- Number of downloads from Essentials subscribers per model
- Total earnings from Essentials subscriptions
Q: When are my earnings paid?
A: Earnings are automatically included in the monthly payment cycle for CGTrader contributors:
- Earnings for the prior month are calculated at the beginning of every calendar month
- The same payout method will be used as for regular payouts
- Your earnings from subscription will be paid out as a separate payment
Q: Will my models still be available outside of CGTrader Essentials?
A: Yes, your models will remain part of the main CGTrader marketplace and available for all customers to purchase individually at your set prices. Essentials subscription is an additional monetization option that runs parallel to traditional single-purchase licensing.
Q: Can I opt out?
- You can opt out of CGTrader Essentials at any time
- If you prefer not to participate, you can disable the setting at any time under: My Sales → Discounts → Maximise your earnings
- When you opt out, your eligible models are removed from CGTrader Essentials immediately.
Note: It may take some time for search results and other pages across the platform to refresh. During this time, your models may still appear in some subscription search results, but subscription downloads will already follow your updated setting.
Q: What if I want to opt back in later?
A: To opt back into CGTrader Essentials, go to My Sales → Discounts → Maximise your earnings and select opt-in again for the models. Your models will be available to Essentials subscribers soon.
Q: Can I remove select models from CGTrader Essentials?
A: No, models are included in CGTrader Essentials at the account level.
Q: What types of models are eligible for CGTrader Essentials?
A: Most entry level 3D models in the marketplace are eligible, including:
- Game-ready models
- High-poly models
- Low-poly models
- PBR textured models
- Rigged and animated models
- 3D printed models
High-end, premium models are excluded from the subscription. Models with special licensing restrictions (custom or editorial) or exclusive marketplace agreements are not eligible.
Q: Under which license will the models be available to subscribers?
A: You will be able to opt-in with your eligible models published under “Royalty free” and "Royalty free, No AI” licenses. Regardless of the original license, models for subscribers will always be available under the "Royalty free, No AI” license.
Q: Will subscribers be able to use my models after expiration or termination of subscription?
A: Subscribers will be able to continue using your models on the projects completed during the active subscription period, but they will not be allowed to use your models in new projects after expiration or termination of the subscription.
Additional Support
Our goal is to build a sustainable, thriving marketplace where you can continue to succeed over the long term. Please contact us at subscriptions@cgtrader.com with any additional questions or concerns about CGTrader Essentials.
