If you’re looking for high-quality stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos, Shutterstock is one of the most popular and reputable stock photography websites available today.
But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which one is right for your needs.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Shutterstock and its features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.
What is Shutterstock?
Shutterstock is a global stock photography website founded in 2003 by Jon Oringer. It offers a wide range of creative assets, including stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos, to individuals and businesses.
Shutterstock’s library boasts over 350 million images, with an additional 1 million assets being added each week, making it one of the largest stock photo libraries online.
Pros of Shutterstock
- Extensive Library of Creative Assets
As previously mentioned, Shutterstock has an extensive library of creative assets, with over 350 million images, illustrations, vectors, and videos to choose from. This library is continually expanding, with an additional 1 million assets added every week, making it a great source of inspiration for any project you might be working on.
- High-Quality Images and Videos
Shutterstock ensures that all of its assets are of the highest quality, so you can be confident that you’re getting the best images and videos possible. They have strict quality control standards, and all assets go through a rigorous approval process to ensure they meet the company’s guidelines.
- Advanced Search Functionality
Shutterstock’s search functionality is incredibly advanced, allowing you to filter your search results based on a variety of criteria, including color, orientation, image size, and more. This makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, saving you time and hassle.
- Easy to Use Website
Shutterstock’s website is easy to navigate, with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to find the assets you need. It’s also easy to use on both desktop and mobile devices, making it a convenient option for busy professionals who need to access their assets on the go.
- Multiple Subscription Options
Shutterstock offers multiple subscription options to suit your needs, including monthly and yearly plans. You can also purchase image packs if you only need a few assets or aren’t ready to commit to a full subscription.
Cons of Shutterstock
- Pricing
While Shutterstock is known for its high-quality assets, it can be quite expensive, especially for individual users or small businesses. The cost of a subscription can quickly add up, making it a less attractive option for those on a tight budget.
- Limited Licenses
Shutterstock’s licenses are limited, meaning you can’t use assets for all purposes without purchasing an extended license. This can be frustrating for users who need more flexibility in how they use their assets.
- No Free Trial
Shutterstock does not offer a free trial, which can be a drawback for those who want to test the service before committing to a subscription.
- Limited Free Assets
Shutterstock offers a limited selection of free assets, which can be a drawback for those who need a lot of assets but don’t have the budget to purchase a subscription.
- No Exclusive Content
Shutterstock does not offer exclusive content, meaning the same assets may be available on other stock photography websites. This can be a disadvantage for users who want unique assets that can’t be found elsewhere.
Pricing
Shutterstock offers a range of pricing options to suit your needs, including monthly and yearly plans, as well as image packs. Here are some of the most popular subscription options:
- Monthly Subscription
The monthly subscription plan costs $29 per month, which includes 10 standard assets or 5 premium assets per month. Standard assets include images, vectors, and illustrations, while premium assets include high-quality images and videos.
- Annual Subscription
The annual subscription plan costs $199 per year, which includes 50 standard assets or 25 premium assets per year. This plan offers a significant cost savings compared to the monthly plan.
- On-Demand Image Packs
Shutterstock also offers on-demand image packs, which allow you to purchase a set number of assets without committing to a subscription. Image packs start at $49 for 5 standard assets and go up to $499 for 50 standard assets.
- Enhanced Licenses
Enhanced licenses allow you to use assets for more extensive commercial purposes. Prices for enhanced licenses vary based on the intended use of the asset and start at $199 per asset.
Brands that Partnership with Shutterstock
In 2018, Facebook announced a partnership with Shutterstock to provide free access to Shutterstock’s library of images and videos for use in Facebook and Instagram ads. This partnership allows Facebook and Instagram advertisers to access Shutterstock’s vast library of assets directly from Facebook’s ad creation tool, making it easy to create high-quality ads that stand out on social media.
The partnership with Facebook is a significant win for Shutterstock, as it enables the company to tap into Facebook’s massive user base and expand its reach. It also benefits Facebook, as it provides its advertisers with an easy and cost-effective way to access high-quality creative assets for their ad campaigns.
In 2020, Google announced a partnership with Shutterstock to provide free access to Shutterstock’s library of images and videos for use in Google Ads campaigns. This partnership allows Google Ads advertisers to access Shutterstock’s vast library of assets directly from the Google Ads platform, making it easy to create high-quality ads that stand out on the search engine results page.
The partnership with Google is another significant win for Shutterstock, as it enables the company to tap into Google’s massive user base and expand its reach. It also benefits Google, as it provides its advertisers with an easy and cost-effective way to access high-quality creative assets for their ad campaigns.
- Wix
Wix is a popular website builder that allows users to create professional-looking websites without any coding experience. In 2020, Wix announced a partnership with Shutterstock to provide users with access to Shutterstock’s vast library of images and videos directly from the Wix platform.
The partnership with Wix benefits both companies, as it provides Wix users with an easy and cost-effective way to access high-quality creative assets for their websites, while also providing Shutterstock with a new audience of potential customers.
- Canva
Canva is a popular online graphic design tool that allows users to create professional-looking designs without any design experience. In 2019, Canva announced a partnership with Shutterstock to provide users with access to Shutterstock’s vast library of images and videos directly from the Canva platform.
The partnership with Canva benefits both companies, as it provides Canva users with an easy and cost-effective way to access high-quality creative assets for their designs, while also providing Shutterstock with a new audience of potential customers.
- Shopify
Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that allows users to create online stores and sell products online. In 2020, Shopify announced a partnership with Shutterstock to provide users with access to Shutterstock’s vast library of images and videos directly from the Shopify platform.
The partnership with Shopify benefits both companies, as it provides Shopify users with an easy and cost-effective way to access high-quality creative assets for their online stores, while also providing Shutterstock with a new audience of potential customers.
20 Frequent Q&A About Shutterstock
- What is Shutterstock?
Shutterstock is a global stock photography website founded in 2003 by Jon Oringer. It offers a wide range of creative assets, including stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos, to individuals and businesses.
- How does Shutterstock work?
Shutterstock works by providing users with access to a vast library of creative assets. Users can search for specific assets using keywords or browse by category. They can then purchase a subscription or on-demand image packs to download and use the assets.
- How many images are in Shutterstock’s library?
Shutterstock’s library boasts over 350 million images, with an additional 1 million assets being added each week, making it one of the largest stock photo libraries online.
- What types of assets are available on Shutterstock?
Shutterstock offers a wide range of creative assets, including stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos.
- How does Shutterstock ensure the quality of its assets?
Shutterstock ensures that all of its assets are of the highest quality, so you can be confident that you’re getting the best images and videos possible. They have strict quality control standards, and all assets go through a rigorous approval process to ensure they meet the company’s guidelines.
- What are Shutterstock’s subscription options?
Shutterstock offers multiple subscription options to suit your needs, including monthly and yearly plans. You can also purchase image packs if you only need a few assets or aren’t ready to commit to a full subscription.
- How much does Shutterstock cost?
The cost of a subscription can vary based on the type of plan you choose, but the monthly subscription plan costs $29 per month, while the annual subscription plan costs $199 per year.
- What types of licenses does Shutterstock offer?
Shutterstock offers two types of licenses: Standard and Enhanced. Standard licenses allow you to use assets for most commercial purposes, while Enhanced licenses allow you to use assets for more extensive commercial purposes.
- How can I search for assets on Shutterstock?
Shutterstock’s search functionality is incredibly advanced, allowing you to filter your search results based on a variety of criteria, including color, orientation, image size, and more.
- Can I use Shutterstock assets for commercial purposes?
Yes, you can use Shutterstock assets for commercial purposes with a Standard license. However, you may need an Enhanced license for some uses, such as merchandise for resale.
- Can I download watermarked assets from Shutterstock?
Yes, you can download watermarked assets from Shutterstock to preview them before purchasing. However, you cannot use these watermarked assets for any commercial purposes.
- Does Shutterstock offer refunds?
Shutterstock does offer refunds in certain circumstances. For example, if you accidentally purchase the same asset twice, or if the asset is defective, you may be eligible for a refund.
- Can I cancel my Shutterstock subscription?
Yes, you can cancel your Shutterstock subscription at any time. However, you should note that your subscription will remain active until the end of your billing cycle.
- Can I share my Shutterstock account with others?
No, sharing your Shutterstock account with others is strictly prohibited. Each user must have their own account and subscription.
- Does Shutterstock offer exclusive content?
No, Shutterstock does not offer exclusive content, meaning the same assets may be available on other stock photography websites.
- Does Shutterstock offer a free trial?
No, Shutterstock does not offer a free trial. However, you can download watermarked assets to preview before purchasing.
- What is the difference between Standard and Enhanced licenses?
Standard licenses allow you to use assets for most commercial purposes, such as in print and digital advertisements, websites, social media, and more. However, if you plan to use an asset in merchandise for resale, such as t-shirts or phone cases, you will need an Enhanced license. Enhanced licenses also allow you to use assets for more extensive commercial purposes, such as in television and film productions.
- Can I use Shutterstock assets for personal projects?
Yes, you can use Shutterstock assets for personal projects as long as you have a valid subscription or have purchased the assets with an image pack.
- Can I use Shutterstock assets for social media?
Yes, you can use Shutterstock assets for social media, as long as you have a valid subscription or have purchased the assets with an image pack.
- How can I contact Shutterstock customer support?
You can contact Shutterstock customer support through the company’s website by clicking on the “Contact Us” button at the bottom of the page. You can also email support@shutterstock.com or call 1-866-663-3954.
Conclusion
Shutterstock is a powerful tool for anyone looking for high-quality creative assets for their projects.
By understanding how the service works, what types of assets are available, and how to navigate the various subscription and licensing options, you can make the most of your Shutterstock experience.
Hopefully, these frequently asked questions have helped provide some clarity and guidance for anyone considering using Shutterstock for their creative needs.
