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Shutterstock
Shutterstock · New York, NY · founded 2003
What it is
Shutterstock is a searchable platform for licensed creative assets, including photos, vectors, illustrations, video, 3D models, music, and sound effects. The company says its library contains more than 450 million images and adds 200,000 each day. Image editing tools include Expand Image, Variations, Magic Brush, and Background Remover. Background Remover works on images up to 7000×5000 pixels and does not remove vector background layers. Its AI image generator creates four results from a prompt; generated images can be downloaded with a Standard or Enhanced license. Both licenses allow perpetual use of downloaded content, while Enhanced adds permissions for uses such as merchandise, templates, and unlimited physical print runs. Unlimited plans include AI models from Runway, Google, OpenAI, and others, but downloads are capped at 100 assets per day under the fair usage policy. Monthly subscription downloads do not roll over. The API supports search and licensing inside third-party applications, but the API Platform License bars raw asset file downloads or access. Listed options include $25 a year for 10 monthly image downloads, billed yearly at $300, and a $29 one-time image pack.
For and against
For
- Library spans images, video, 3D, music, and sound effects.
- AI image generation returns four results per prompt.
- Downloaded content has perpetual use under both listed licenses.
- API supports search and licensing in third-party applications.
Against
- No free plan is listed.
- Monthly subscription downloads do not roll over.
- Unlimited plans cap downloads at 100 assets daily.
- API terms prohibit raw asset file access or downloads.
The verdict
Shutterstock brings a broad range of licensed media together with editing, generation, and API options. Consider the license terms, download limits, and API restrictions when choosing how to use its assets.
Who it suits
It suits people seeking licensed creative assets across image, video, audio, and 3D categories, as well as developers integrating asset search and licensing through an API.
Plans and prices
Image downloads
10 image downloads per month
Read 21 Sep 2026 · shutterstock.com
Image packs
2-25 image downloads
Read 21 Sep 2026 · shutterstock.com
Image pack
2–25 image downloads · single seat · no commitment
Read 3 Oct 2026 · shutterstock.com
Image downloads (10 per month)
10 image downloads/month · Standard license · single seat
Read 3 Oct 2026 · shutterstock.com
Unlimited Images
Unlimited image downloads · 50 AI generation credits/month · single seat · fair use policy applies
Read 3 Oct 2026 · shutterstock.com
Unlimited Plus
Unlimited images, video, music, SFX, and AI generations · 100 AI generation credits/month · single seat · fair use policy applies
Read 3 Oct 2026 · shutterstock.com
Teams and Enterprise
Custom pricing · team controls and personalized support
Read 3 Oct 2026 · shutterstock.com
On the record
- AI editing
- Image editing features include Expand Image, Variations, Magic Brush, and Background Remover; Background Remover works only on images up to 7000×5000 pixels and does not remove vector background layers.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- AI generation
- The AI image generator creates four image results from a prompt, and generated images can be downloaded with a Standard or Enhanced license.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- AI models
- The Unlimited plans include access to AI models from Runway, Google, OpenAI, and others.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- API access
- Yesinvestor.shutterstock.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- API restriction
- The API Platform License does not allow raw Shutterstock asset files to be downloaded or accessed; assets delivered in an app must be restricted to projects created within that app.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Asset library
- The company About page states that its library has over 450 million images and adds 200,000 more each day.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Company
- Shutterstock says it was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in New York City.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Download limits
- Unlimited plans limit downloads to 100 assets per day under the fair usage policy, and monthly subscription downloads do not roll over.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Editorial assets
- Yesinvestor.shutterstock.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Illustration assets
- Yesinvestor.shutterstock.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The Shutterstock API provides library search and licensing within third-party applications and is integrated with Google, Facebook, IBM, and Wix, among others.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- License usage
- Standard and Enhanced licenses provide perpetual use of downloaded content, while Enhanced adds permissions such as merchandise, templates, and unlimited physical print runs.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Monthly downloads
- 10investor.shutterstock.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Product
- Shutterstock provides licensed photos, vectors, illustrations, video, 3D models, music, and sound effects through a searchable creative platform.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Shutterstock offers a 24/7 multilingual AI support agent that can connect customers to a live agent during live support hours.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Team plans
- Team subscriptions have an annual commitment paid upfront; image-only plans cover up to 20 people, while mixed-media Flex Team plans cover up to 10.shutterstock.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Included team seats
- 1investor.shutterstock.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Vector assets
- Yesinvestor.shutterstock.com · read 21 Sep 2026
