Top Shutterstock Alternative

Shutterstock has long been a leader in the stock photography market, but with the growing demand for diverse and high-quality visuals, many creators are looking for alternatives. The global stock images and videos market is expected to grow from $5.28 billion in 2023 to $7.94 billion by 2029, reflecting an increasing need for accessible and varied visual content.

For businesses, marketers, and creators, exploring alternatives to Shutterstock can open doors to fresh libraries and unique features. Platforms like Adobe Stock, iStock, and Envato Elements provide extensive collections, while free resources such as Pixabay and Pexels offer great quality at no cost. This blog highlights top Shutterstock alternatives, including both paid and free options, to help you find the perfect fit for your next project.

Shutterstock: Features, Pros, Cons, and Pricing

Shutterstock is a leading stock photography platform, offering millions of assets, including photos, videos, illustrations, and music. 

A quick breakdown of its features, pros, cons, and pricing is explained below:

Features:

• Vast Library: Access over 500 million royalty-free assets across various media types.
• Flexible Licensing: Offers both Standard and Enhanced Licenses for different usage needs.
• AI Tools: Leverages AI-powered tools for efficient content generation and editing.
• Contributor Marketplace: Connects users with global photographers, videographers, and musicians.

Pros:

• Extensive Content: A wide selection of images, videos, and music for any project.
• Flexible Plans: Various subscription and on-demand options for all needs.
• High-Quality Assets: Regularly updated content ensures relevance and quality.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-navigate platform with advanced search functions.

Cons:

• Pricing: Subscription fees can be high, especially for video and music downloads.
• Download Limits: Restrictions on the number of downloads in some plans.
• No Free Trial: Lacks a free trial period, making it harder to evaluate the service before committing.

Pricing:

• Image Subscriptions: Starting at $29/month for 10 images, up to $249/month for 750 images.
• Video Subscriptions: Starting at $99/month for 5 videos, up to $199/month for 20 videos.
• Music Subscription: $42/month for unlimited downloads (capped at 40 per day).
• Enhanced Licenses: $199 for single images and varying prices for packs.

Top Shutterstock Alternative

While Shutterstock remains one of the most popular stock media platforms, several Shutterstock alternatives provide high-quality content with competitive pricing, unique features, and better flexibility. Whether you're a freelancer, small business, or large enterprise, exploring alternative platforms can help you find the right solution that fits your budget and creative needs. 

Here are some of the top Shutterstock alternatives that you should consider:

Canva

Canva is a user-friendly design platform that allows users to create everything from social media posts to professional presentations. 

An overview of features, pros, cons, and pricing of Canva is added below:

Features:

• Intuitive Design Tools: Easy drag-and-drop interface for all skill levels.
• Template Library: Thousands of customizable templates for various design needs.
• Collaboration Tools: Real-time editing and sharing for team projects.
• Stock Content: Access to images, videos, and audio clips directly on the platform.
• Brand Kit: Store and apply brand colors, logos, and fonts for consistency.

Pros:

• Free Plan Available: Offers basic tools and templates for casual users.
• User-Friendly: Simple interface for both beginners and advanced users.
• Versatile: Suitable for creating diverse content types.
• Collaboration: Effortless team collaboration and sharing.

Cons:

• Limited Features on Free Plan: Some premium assets are behind a paywall.
• Customization Limits: Less flexibility than professional design software.
• Pricing for Premium Content: Extra costs for accessing premium templates and features.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: $0/year with basic tools, templates, and limited storage.
• Canva Pro: $12.99/month or $119/year, offering advanced tools, premium assets, and 1TB of storage.
• Canva for Teams: $14.99/month for up to 5 users, with collaboration features.
• Canva for Education & Nonprofits: Free access to premium features for eligible users.

Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock is a premium stock media service offering over 200 million high-quality assets, including photos, videos, illustrations, and templates. Integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop and Illustrator, it streamlines the creative process for professionals. 

A quick breakdown of features, pros, cons, and pricing of Adobe Stock is added below:

Features

• Extensive Library: Over 200 million assets including photos, videos, illustrations, and templates.
• AI Integration: Powered by Adobe Sensei AI for visual search and auto-keywording.
• Creative Cloud Integration: Seamlessly browse, license, and manage assets within Adobe apps.
• Flexible Licensing: Standard and extended licenses for commercial and personal use.

Pros

• High-Quality Assets: Premium, high-resolution images and videos suitable for professional use.
• Efficient Workflow: Direct integration with Adobe apps reduces time spent searching and importing assets.
• AI-Powered Tools: Enhances asset discovery and productivity for creatives.

Cons

• Pricing: Subscription plans can be expensive compared to other stock media services.
• Asset Exclusivity: Some assets, particularly AI-generated ones, are exclusive to Adobe Stock.
• Learning Curve: New users may take time to get familiar with the platform and its features.

Pricing

Subscription Plans

• 10 Assets/Month: $29.99/month
• 750 Assets/Month: $199.99/month
• Annual Plans: Discounted rates are available for long-term commitments.

Credit Packs

• 5 Credits: $50
• 10 Credits: $100
• 150 Credits: $1,200

Storyblocks

Storyblocks is a stock media platform offering unlimited downloads of high-quality videos, audio, and images. It caters to content creators and businesses looking for diverse media assets for their projects.

Features

• Extensive Library: Access a wide range of stock videos, audio, and images for various creative needs.
• Unlimited Downloads: Subscription plans offer unlimited access to assets with no restrictions.
• Creative Tools: Includes tools like Maker, and a video editor to enhance the creative process.
• Flexible Licensing: Clear, royalty-free licenses for both personal and commercial use.

Pros

• Cost-Effective: Affordable plans offer great value with unlimited downloads.
• High-Quality Content: Offers professional-grade videos, audio, and images.
• User-Friendly: Easy-to-use interface and tools for users of all skill levels.
• Flexible Licensing: Royalty-free content with simple licensing for commercial use.

Cons

• Variable Quality: Some assets may not meet all users' needs.
• Learning Curve: Advanced features may require time to master.
• Business Plan Costs: The Business plan can be pricey for smaller teams.

Pricing

Individual Plans

• Starter: $15/month (annual) or $30/month (monthly) for 5 downloads per month.
• Unlimited All Access: $30/month (annual) or $65/month (monthly) for unlimited downloads of HD and 4K footage.
• Pro: $35/month (annual) or $70/month (monthly) for all All Access features plus enhanced tools.

Business Plan

Storyblocks for Business: Custom pricing based on team size, includes unlimited downloads and team access.

iStock

iStock, owned by Getty Images, offers a wide selection of high-quality images, videos, and audio. It provides flexible options for creatives, marketers, and businesses.

Features

• Extensive Collections: Essentials for affordable visuals and Signature for premium, exclusive content.
• Flexible Licensing: Standard and Extended Licenses for different usage needs.
• User-Friendly Tools: iStock Editor allows for quick edits like cropping and adding text.

Pros

• High-Quality Content: A vast library of professional images, videos, and audio.
• Flexible Plans: Choose from subscriptions or credit packs based on your needs.
• Exclusive Visuals: Access to unique Signature content not available elsewhere.

Cons

• Pricing: Premium content and subscription plans can be expensive.
• Learning Curve: New users may need time to navigate the platform.

Pricing

Subscription Plans

• Basic: $29/month for 10 Essentials downloads.
• Premium: $70/month for 10 downloads (Essentials + Signature).
• Premium + Video: $99/month for 10 downloads (images, videos, and music).

Credit Packs

• 1 Credit: $12
• 6 Credits: $60
• 12 Credits: $120
• 30 Credits: $280
• 60 Credits: $520
• 300 Credits: $2,400

123RF

123RF is a stock media platform offering a vast library of images, vectors, videos, and audio clips, catering to designers, marketers, and businesses seeking affordable media assets.

Features

• Extensive Library: Access to over 200 million royalty-free images, vectors, videos, and audio clips.
• Flexible Licensing: Offers Standard and Extended Licenses to suit various usage requirements.
• User-Friendly Tools: Features like reverse image search and a free online photo editor to enhance the creative process.

Pros

• Affordable Pricing: Competitive rates with options for subscriptions, credit packs, or on-demand purchases.
• High-Quality Content: A diverse selection of professional-grade assets suitable for various projects.
• Flexible Plans: Options to choose plans based on download frequency and content needs.

Cons

• Credit Expiration: Credits and download packs have a one-year validity, which may not suit all users.
• Learning Curve: Some advanced features may require time to master.

Pricing

123RF offers several pricing options:

Subscription Plans

Monthly Plans

• 10 Downloads/Month: $29/month
• 50 Downloads/Month: $89/month
• 150 Downloads/Month: $129/month
• 350 Downloads/Month: $169/month

Annual Plans

• 10 Downloads/Month: $269/year ($22.42/month)
• 50 Downloads/Month: $799/year ($66.58/month)
• 150 Downloads/Month: $1,149/year ($95.75/month)
• 350 Downloads/Month: $1,519/year ($126.58/month)

Credit Packs

• 30 Credits: $24
• 90 Credits: $64
• 270 Credits: $168
• Custom Packs: Starting from 10 credits, prices vary based on quantity.

Vecteezy

Vecteezy is a stock media platform offering a wide range of free and premium resources, including photos, vectors, and videos, catering to designers and businesses.

Features

• Extensive Library: Access to millions of free and premium photos, vectors, and videos.
• Flexible Licensing: Offers Standard and Extended Licenses for various use cases.
• User-Friendly Tools: Vecteezy Editor allows direct customization and editing of resources.

Pros

• Affordable: Free and Pro plans with competitive rates.
• High-Quality Content: Professional-grade assets suitable for diverse projects.
• Flexible Plans: Options for unlimited downloads or on-demand purchases.

Cons

• Free Plan Limitations: Ads and attribution are required for free resources.
• Learning Curve: Some features may take time to master.

Pricing

• Free Plan: $0, with access to free resources and required attribution.
• Pro Subscriptions:
  
  • Yearly: $9/month, billed annually ($108), unlimited downloads, premium access, and commercial rights.
  • Monthly: $14/month, with the same benefits as the yearly plan.
• On-Demand Credits:
  
  • 1 Download: $10
  • 5 Downloads: $15
  • 10 Downloads: $20

PixaBay

Pixabay is a free stock media platform offering a vast collection of high-quality images, videos, and music, catering to designers, marketers, and businesses with a user-friendly interface.

Features

• Extensive Library: Access to over 5.4 million royalty-free images, videos, and music tracks.
• Flexible Licensing: All content is released under the Pixabay License, allowing free use without attribution, even for commercial purposes.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation with search filters and categories to quickly find desired media.
• Integration with Canva: Seamless integration with Canva for direct editing of images and videos.

Pros

• Free Access: All media is available for free, reducing project costs.
• High-Quality Content: A diverse selection of professional-grade assets suitable for various projects.
• No Attribution Required: Use content without the need to credit the author, simplifying usage rights.
• Community Contributions: A platform for creators to share their work, enriching the media library.

Cons

• Variable Quality: As content is user-generated, the quality can vary, requiring careful selection.
• Presence of Ads: Free access includes ads, which may be distracting for some users.
• iStock Promotions: Prominent display of iStock promotions may lead to confusion about free and premium content.

Pricing

Free Access: $0

• Unlimited downloads of images, videos, and music.
• No attribution is required.
• Includes ads on the platform.

Photocase

Photocase was a German stock photography platform known for its curated collection of high-quality, artistic images. Established in 2001, it catered to designers, marketers, and businesses seeking unique visuals. However, as of December 20, 2024, Photocase ceased operations.

Features

• Curated Collection: Photocase specializes in a selective range of images, focusing on quality and creativity over quantity.
• Flexible Licensing: Provided Royalty-Free licenses with custom terms, allowing commercial and editorial use without time or geographic restrictions.
• Credit System: Offered a credit-based purchasing system, enabling users to buy credits in bulk for discounted rates.

Pros

• High-Quality Imagery: Emphasized artistic and unique visuals, appealing to users seeking distinctive content.
• Flexible Usage Rights: Licenses allowed broad usage without additional royalties, simplifying legal considerations.
• Cost Savings: The credit system provided discounts for bulk purchases, making it economical for frequent users.

Cons

• Platform Closure: As of December 20, 2024, Photocase has discontinued its services, rendering the platform and its resources unavailable.
• Variable Quality: While curated, the subjective nature of "artistic" images meant some content might not meet all users' needs.
• Credit Expiration: Credits had a one-year validity period, which could be limiting for users with infrequent image needs.

Pricing

Before its closure, Photocase offered images and credit packs at the following rates:

Individual Image Purchase

• Small Image: Approximately €14
• Medium Image: Approximately €28
• Large Image: Approximately €42

Credit Packs

• 25 Credits: €55
• 50 Credits: €100
• 100 Credits: €190
• 250 Credits: €445
• 500 Credits: €820
• 1000 Credits: €1,520

Why Look For Shutterstock Alternative

Shutterstock is a popular stock media platform, but there are several reasons why you might want to explore alternatives. From cost savings to unique content, here are the key factors that make Shutterstock alternatives appealing.

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Shutterstock's subscription plans can be expensive. Alternatives like Pixabay and Pexels offer free high-quality resources, while platforms such as iStock and 123RF provide more affordable pricing plans, including pay-per-download options.

2. Licensing Flexibility

Shutterstock’s licensing structure can be complex. Platforms like Pixabay offer clear and straightforward licensing, allowing free use even for commercial purposes, making it easier to understand usage rights.

3. Unique and Creative Content

Shutterstock’s vast library can sometimes feel generic. Alternatives like Photocase and Vecteezy provide curated, artistic visuals that stand out, offering more creative and exclusive content.

4. Ease of Use

Shutterstock can be overwhelming with its extensive features. Platforms like Canva and Vecteezy offer user-friendly tools that allow for easy editing and customization directly on the platform.

5. Free Content

For small businesses or personal projects, platforms like Pixabay, Pexels, and Unsplash offer completely free high-quality images, videos, and music without attribution.

6. Better Customization

Some alternatives, like Vecteezy and Canva, provide built-in design tools, enabling easier customization of stock media without needing external software.

7. No Forced Subscription

Alternatives like 123RF and iStock offer credit packs for pay-per-download options, which is more flexible for users who don’t need a subscription but want to buy images as needed.

8. Niche Content

If you need specific content, platforms like Pexels and Pixabay feature unique, independent photographer content that may not be available on Shutterstock.

Conclusion

While Shutterstock remains a popular choice for stock media, exploring alternatives can offer significant advantages in terms of cost, flexibility, and unique content. Platforms like Pixabay, Pexels, and Vecteezy provide free, high-quality resources, while iStock and 123RF offer more affordable plans with flexible credit-based options. Additionally, the curated, creative collections on platforms like Photocase and Vecteezy can give you access to distinctive visuals that stand out.

Whether you're a freelancer, small business, or large enterprise, Shutterstock alternatives cater to a wide range of needs offering everything from budget-friendly solutions to easy-to-use tools and flexible licensing. By considering these alternatives, you can find the perfect stock media platform to suit your creative projects while saving on costs and enjoying greater flexibility.