How Much Shutterstock Costs

Shutterstock is one of the most popular stock photo platforms, offering a wide range of high-quality images, videos, and music. However, understanding Shutterstock's pricing can be a bit confusing for new users. The platform provides different pricing models to accommodate various needs, whether you’re a casual user or a business looking for large volumes of content. In this guide, we’ll explore the different pricing options available on Shutterstock, so you can choose the best plan that fits your budget and requirements.

Understanding Shutterstock Subscription Plans

Shutterstock offers several subscription plans, designed for users who need frequent access to high-quality content. These plans are perfect for businesses, agencies, or individuals who require a steady stream of stock images and other assets. Let’s break down the subscription options:

• Monthly Subscription: With this plan, you get a set number of downloads each month. The more images you need, the higher the plan you’ll choose. For example, a basic plan might allow you to download up to 10 images per month, while a larger plan could offer 750 images.
• Annual Subscription: This plan is similar to the monthly one, but you commit to a full year. Annual subscriptions are often more affordable than paying monthly, but they require a longer-term commitment.
• Business Plans: These plans are tailored for businesses or teams needing larger volumes of downloads. You can choose from options that include thousands of images or videos each month, with added benefits like collaboration tools.

All subscription plans include standard licenses, which grant you the right to use images for commercial purposes. Some plans also offer additional benefits, such as access to premium content or extended licenses.

Pay-as-You-Go Option on Shutterstock

If you don’t need to download images regularly, Shutterstock offers a pay-as-you-go option. This is ideal for individuals or businesses who only need stock images occasionally. With this plan, you pay for individual downloads instead of committing to a subscription. Here’s how it works:

• Image Prices: On a pay-as-you-go basis, prices typically range from $29 to $199 per image, depending on the resolution and usage rights. The higher the resolution and the more flexible the licensing, the higher the cost.
• No Commitment: Unlike subscription plans, you don’t need to worry about ongoing costs. You simply pay for what you download, making it a cost-effective option for occasional users.
• Credits System: Shutterstock operates a credit system for pay-as-you-go users. You purchase credits, and each image or video costs a set number of credits based on its size and usage rights.

The pay-as-you-go model is simple and flexible, but it can become more expensive if you need a lot of images or high-resolution files. It’s best for smaller projects or businesses that don’t require frequent content downloads.

Shutterstock Credit System Explained

The Shutterstock credit system is an alternative way of purchasing stock images and videos. Instead of paying for each image individually, users can buy credits in bulk and use them to download content. This system is especially useful for those who don’t need a subscription but still want flexibility in their purchases. Here’s how it works:

• Buying Credits: Credits are available in various bundles, typically starting from 10 credits. The more credits you purchase, the better the value per credit.
• How Credits Work: Each image, video, or audio track on Shutterstock costs a certain number of credits, depending on the size, resolution, and licensing type. For example, a standard image might cost 1 credit, while a high-resolution image or video could cost more.
• Using Credits: Once you’ve purchased credits, you can use them to download any content from Shutterstock’s library. Credits are deducted from your balance based on the type and resolution of the content you select.
• Expiry: Credits do not expire immediately, but there are some rules about how long you can use them before they become inactive. Always check Shutterstock’s credit terms to ensure your credits are used before they expire.

The credit system is a great option for businesses or individuals who need to purchase content on-demand without committing to a subscription plan. Just be aware that, while flexible, the credit system can be more expensive for frequent users when compared to subscription plans.

Shutterstock’s Image Licensing Fees

When purchasing images from Shutterstock, understanding licensing fees is essential. Shutterstock offers a variety of licenses that determine how you can use the images. The two main types are Standard and Enhanced licenses, but the fees depend on your usage. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

The Standard License is the most commonly purchased license and covers most commercial uses. However, if you plan to use an image for high-volume distribution or merchandise, you’ll need to purchase the Enhanced License. The price of the Enhanced License varies based on the image resolution and intended use.

It’s important to choose the right license to ensure you’re legally covered for your intended use. If you’re unsure about which license is best for your needs, Shutterstock provides helpful information on each image’s licensing options.

What Influences Shutterstock’s Pricing?

Shutterstock’s pricing is influenced by a number of factors, from the resolution of images to the type of license you need. Let’s explore the main elements that affect the cost of content:

• Image Resolution: High-resolution images, especially those suitable for print, tend to be more expensive than lower-resolution images used for web design or social media.
• License Type: As mentioned earlier, the type of license you purchase will impact the price. Standard licenses are cheaper, while enhanced licenses for large-scale usage or merchandise can cost significantly more.
• Subscription Plan vs. Pay-as-You-Go: Users on subscription plans get better value per image compared to pay-as-you-go users. With subscriptions, you pay a fixed monthly or annual fee, which includes a set number of downloads, making it more affordable for frequent users.
• Image Popularity: Highly in-demand or premium images often come with a higher price tag. Exclusive content or images from top photographers may be priced at a premium.
• Bulk Purchases: If you’re buying credits in bulk or signing up for a business plan, Shutterstock often offers discounts, making the cost per image lower.

When deciding on which Shutterstock plan to choose, consider these factors carefully. Depending on your needs and how often you purchase stock images, different factors may affect the overall pricing for you.

Shutterstock Discounts and Promotions

Shutterstock often offers discounts and promotions to make their pricing more accessible, especially for new customers or those looking to purchase in bulk. These discounts can be a great way to save money, whether you're buying credits, subscribing to a plan, or making a large purchase. Here's a look at some of the common discounts and promotions you might encounter on Shutterstock:

• New Customer Discount: Shutterstock frequently offers a discount to first-time customers, allowing them to get started with a lower-cost subscription or a bundle of credits.
• Bulk Credit Discounts: If you’re purchasing a large number of credits at once, Shutterstock may offer a discount based on the quantity of credits. The more credits you buy, the better the value.
• Seasonal Sales: During major holidays or special events, Shutterstock may run promotions with significant savings on subscriptions and credit purchases. These deals typically offer discounts of up to 50% off.
• Exclusive Email Offers: Subscribers to Shutterstock’s newsletter often receive exclusive offers, including discounts and special deals, delivered directly to their inbox.
• Extended License Discounts: For business users, Shutterstock sometimes offers discounts on enhanced licenses for bulk image purchases or when buying premium content.

To take full advantage of Shutterstock’s discounts and promotions, it's a good idea to subscribe to their email list, check their website regularly for sales, or even contact customer support to inquire about current offers. Keep an eye out for limited-time deals that can help you get the most out of your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Shutterstock pricing, along with their answers to help clarify any doubts you might have:

• What is the difference between subscription and credit-based pricing? Subscription plans provide a set number of downloads per month or year for a fixed price, whereas the credit-based system allows you to purchase credits and pay for individual images as needed.
• How can I cancel my Shutterstock subscription? You can cancel your subscription at any time through your Shutterstock account settings. Be sure to check the terms for refunds or unused credits before canceling.
• Are there any free images on Shutterstock? While Shutterstock doesn’t offer free downloads, they do offer a free trial that includes a limited number of downloads. Additionally, you may occasionally find free images in promotions or on their blog.
• Can I use Shutterstock images for commercial purposes? Yes, both standard and enhanced licenses allow for commercial use, though the enhanced license provides additional rights for large-scale distribution and merchandise use.
• Do Shutterstock credits expire? Yes, Shutterstock credits typically expire after one year if they haven’t been used. Be sure to use your credits within the timeframe to avoid losing them.

If you have other questions or need further clarification, Shutterstock's customer support is available to assist you with any specific concerns.

Conclusion

Shutterstock offers flexible pricing options to cater to different types of users, whether you’re an occasional user or a business with ongoing content needs. From subscription plans to the credit system, there’s a solution that fits almost any budget. Understanding the various pricing models, licensing fees, and available discounts can help you make an informed decision about which plan is best for your needs.

If you’re just starting out with Shutterstock, take advantage of their promotions to save money, and don’t forget to carefully select the right license for your intended use. By taking time to explore all available options, you can find a plan that provides the best value without overspending.