Shutterstock Review: Is It Worth It?
Shutterstock Review
In this Shutterstock review, we will break down the features, pricing model, pros and cons, and finally, conclude whether or not Shutterstock is worth it. We'll also give you access to our exclusive Shutterstock Coupon Code.
Background And History
Shutterstock has a vision to be an intelligent, creative platform where its customers could ideate, publish, distribute and measure the performance of their creative work.
Currently, Shutterstock is a leading global creative platform offering full-service solutions, high-quality content, and applications for brands, businesses and media companies. Directly and through its group subsidiaries, Shutterstock's comprehensive collection includes high-quality licensed photographs, vectors, illustrations, videos, 3D models, and music.
Working with its growing community of over 1.9 million contributors, Shutterstock adds hundreds of thousands of images each week, and currently has more than 390 million images and more than 23 million video clips available.
The Company also owns a number of other creative tools and platforms including PicMonkey, an online graphic design, and image editing tool; Offset, PremiumBeat, TurboSquid, Amper Music, and Bigstock.
Stats
Shutterstock is a creative force behind much of the content and storytelling reaching global communities, audiences and consumers daily.
Shutterstock has:
- 25M Shutterstock users per month
- 2M searches for assets per week
- 17M intent-driven actions per week
Shutterstock has the largest library of stock images in the world, and large libraries of videos and music:
- 390M High quality images
- 23M Footage clips
- 13K Music tracks
Licensing
For most Shutterstock plans, the default option is the Standard License. On-demand image packs, single-use Professional plans, and Team subscriptions include Standard Licenses.
Enhanced Licenses can offer more options for large volume customers and organizations. You can get an Enhanced License with customized image packs if you want to use the content for distribution to a large audience or on merchandise.
The Enhanced License provides much more useful capabilities and indemnification than Shutterstock's Standard License. For example, the Enhanced License allows the image to be used on merchandise, web templates, and decoration in commercial spaces.
If you aren't sure which type of plan or license you need for your project, you can work directly with a Shutterstock customer service agent. With Shutterstock's library of royalty-free content and flexible license options, you can take your personal or professional projects to the next level.
Below you can check the main difference between both licenses.
Standard license
- Unlimited web distribution
- Print up to 500,000 copies
- Package up to 500,000 copies
- Out-of-home advertising up to 500,000 impressions
- Video production up to a $10,000 budget
- Decoration in personal space
- Legal indemnification up to $10,000
Enhanced license
- Unlimited web distribution
- Unlimited print copies
- Unlimited packaging copies
- Unlimited out-of-home advertising impressions
- Allowed in merchandising
- Allowed on web templates
- Video production of any budget
- Decoration in personal and commercial spaces
- Legal indemnification up to $250,000
Apps And Usability
Shutterstock's website is quite easy to use and intuitive for professionals and newcomers alike.
Nonetheless, it would be nice to see an upgrade in regards to the overall look and feel of the platform, as it could look nicer and more up-to-date.
Shutterstock also offers a very nice mobile app, and even a WordPress plugin, both are excellent additions for most content creators.
Plans And Pricing
Shutterstock Flex Subscription
Shutterstock Flex (Up to 10 Team Members)
Features: Get 25 credits to use and download up to 25 images, 3 videos, or 6 tracks per month (Mix and match: 1 image = 1 credit, 1 video clip = 8 credits, 1 music track = 4 credits)
Pricing: $69/ month (Month to month) or $49/ month for an annual subscription (12 months)
Shutterstock Image
Subscription Plans Pricing (Single User):
- 10 Image/Month: $29
- 50 Images/ Month: $99
- 350 Images/ Month: $169
- 750 Images/ Month: $199
Subscription Plans Pricing (Multiple Users):
- 750 Images/Month/2 Users: $379
- 750 Images/Month/3-10 Users: $479
- 750 Images/Month/11+ Users: Contact Enterprise Solutions
On-demand Image Pack Pricing (Single User):
- 2 images: $29
- 5 Images: $49
- 25 Images: $229
Shutterstock Footage
Subscription Pricing (Single User):
- 5 Clips/ Month: $99
- 10 Clips/ Month: $159
- 20 Clips/ Month: $199
On-demand Footage Pack Pricing (Single User):
- 5SD Clips: $299
- 5HD Clips: $359
- 54K Clips: $599
- 10SD Clips: $549
- 10HD Clips: $669
- 104K Clips: $999
- 25SD Clips: $1,299
- 25HD Clips: $1,579
- 254K Clips: $2,176
Shutterstock Music
Unlimited Music Plan Subscription Pricing:
- Unlimited: $16.60/ Month
On Demand Music Stock Music:
- Individual tracks start for as low as US$49
Shutterstock Pros & Cons
Shutterstock: Pros
- Available in 150+ countries worldwide
- Global network of over 1 million contributors
- Millions of new assets, added daily
- Monthly and Annual subscription plans
- Free Trial offer available
- Standard and Enhanced licensing options
- All-in-one subscription available: Flex subscription includes all types of media in one easy subscription (Image, Footage and Music)
- Used by reputable companies
Shutterstock: Cons
- Used by many people which makes some content common
- A bit expensive when compared to some alternatives
Shutterstock Review: Verdict
After our Shutterstock review, we found this to be one of the very best all-around stock footage platforms for content creators.
If you are looking for lots of stock images, nothing beats Shutterstock since it boasts the largest library of stock images in the market, Shutterstock also has large libraries of videos (23M) and music (13K).
Shutterstock also offers many different subscription plans with versatile licenses to fit different customers' needs.
The Flex subscription is a great option for most content creators since it combines all types of media in one simple plan.
On the downside, Shutterstock may be a bit expensive for some smaller creators in the industry. Furthermore, it is one of the most commonly used platforms which consequently means that some content is overused. Finally, the overall look of the website could also use an update, not for ease of use, but to make it look more modern.
If you'd like to get 25% OFF Shutterstock's products, simply follow the link below and get our exclusive Shutterstock Coupon Code!
