What Shutterstock Licenses Are Included with Subscription

Shutterstock offers various subscription plans that give users access to its vast library of high-quality images, videos, and music. With a subscription, users can download a set number of assets per month or year at a reduced cost compared to purchasing them individually. Subscriptions are designed for frequent users, whether you're a business, marketer, or content creator. Understanding the licenses included with each subscription is key to making sure you use the assets properly while protecting your work and your rights. Let’s dive deeper into the different Shutterstock license types included with their subscription plans.

Understanding Shutterstock License Types

Shutterstock provides several license types to cater to different use cases, ensuring that users can access images, videos, and music in a way that meets their needs. When you subscribe to Shutterstock, you get access to licensed content that falls under specific terms and conditions. Each license grants different usage rights, so it’s essential to understand which one applies to the content you’re downloading. Here’s a closer look at the key licenses available:

• Standard License: The most common license, covering most personal and commercial uses.
• Enhanced License: Provides additional rights, ideal for large-scale projects.
• Editorial Use License: Used for non-commercial projects like news articles or blogs.
• Extended License: Grants further rights for more exclusive and extensive usage.

Each license has its own limitations, so understanding the scope of what’s included is crucial for proper and legal usage of Shutterstock content. Let's now look at the specifics of the Standard License, which is the most commonly included with subscriptions.

Standard License Included with Shutterstock Subscription

The Standard License is the most commonly used license with Shutterstock subscriptions. It provides broad rights for personal and commercial use, making it ideal for most projects such as websites, marketing materials, social media, presentations, and more. Here’s what the Standard License covers:

• Personal Use: You can use the images in personal projects, such as posters, blogs, or personal websites.
• Commercial Use: This includes using the images in advertisements, brochures, websites, and other commercial materials.
• Unlimited Reproductions: You can reproduce the image an unlimited number of times, as long as the distribution is within the license terms.
• Worldwide Usage: Images can be used in global campaigns and across multiple locations.
• Modifications: The images can be edited, cropped, and altered to fit your project needs.

However, the Standard License does not cover certain uses such as creating merchandise for resale or large-scale prints exceeding a certain size (typically over 500,000 copies). If you need more extensive rights, you may need to upgrade to an Enhanced License. Understanding the Standard License helps ensure that your usage stays within the legal boundaries while making the most of your Shutterstock subscription.

Enhanced License and What It Covers

The Enhanced License provides extended rights and greater flexibility compared to the Standard License, making it an excellent choice for users with larger-scale projects or more specific needs. It allows you to use Shutterstock content in ways that go beyond the typical use cases covered by the Standard License. Here's what the Enhanced License includes:

• Unlimited Reproductions: You can use the content in unlimited copies, even for items like merchandise, packaging, or products for resale, which is typically restricted under the Standard License.
• Large Prints: The Enhanced License permits larger prints, such as billboards or posters larger than the usual 500,000 units limit in the Standard License.
• Inclusion in Merchandise for Resale: With the Enhanced License, you can use images in designs for products that will be sold or distributed, like t-shirts, mugs, and posters.
• Increased Customization: You have more freedom to manipulate the images and use them in projects like templates, logos, or product designs.

The Enhanced License is ideal for businesses, marketers, and designers who need to use Shutterstock images for wide-reaching campaigns, advertising, or commercial products. It grants the flexibility to modify, print, and use the images without worrying about additional restrictions. If your project requires more extensive use, upgrading to the Enhanced License ensures you have all the permissions you need.

Editorial Use License for Shutterstock Images

The Editorial Use License is designed for non-commercial purposes, primarily for content like news stories, blogs, or any media used to report on events or provide commentary. This license is ideal for journalists, bloggers, and content creators who need to use images in a way that doesn't involve direct marketing or promotional goals. Here's what the Editorial Use License covers:

• News and Current Events: You can use images to accompany articles, news reports, and social media posts related to events or trending topics.
• Blog Posts and Educational Content: The images can be used in educational materials or posts that provide information, advice, or research.
• Non-Commercial Use: The Editorial Use License specifically prohibits using the images for commercial purposes, such as advertisements or selling products.
• No Modifications for Commercial Purposes: While you can edit these images, modifications for resale, branding, or promotion are not allowed under this license.

It’s important to note that images under the Editorial Use License cannot be used in advertisements or any content aimed at promoting or selling a product or service. If you need to use an image for commercial purposes, you will need to upgrade to a Standard or Enhanced License. This license ensures that the content is used in the correct context, aligning with copyright and licensing guidelines.

Extended License and Its Benefits

The Extended License offers the most comprehensive set of rights available on Shutterstock, giving you complete flexibility for any type of use. While the Enhanced License is great for large-scale projects, the Extended License goes a step further, offering more control over how you use the content. Here’s what you get with an Extended License:

• Merchandise and Products for Resale: Just like the Enhanced License, the Extended License allows you to use images on merchandise, but it includes even more extensive distribution rights, such as in unlimited print runs or high-volume product sales.
• Exclusive Rights: You get more control over the image’s use, potentially limiting others from using the same image for similar purposes.
• Large-Scale Advertising Campaigns: Perfect for use in major advertising campaigns, including TV, online, and print ads that reach wide audiences.
• No Restrictions on Modifications: You can fully customize the image for any project, including creating designs or logos without limitations on distribution.
• Global Use with No Restrictions: The Extended License gives you the freedom to distribute content worldwide, even in media and products that are available globally.

The Extended License is ideal for those needing complete rights for high-profile projects, mass distribution, or exclusive uses. It’s perfect for businesses, product creators, or anyone who needs to use Shutterstock images at a larger scale or in more specialized ways. The Extended License ensures that you have the freedom to create and distribute content without worrying about any licensing restrictions.

Shutterstock’s Contributor Guidelines and Licensing

Shutterstock’s Contributor Guidelines are an essential part of their licensing framework. These guidelines ensure that contributors upload content that meets Shutterstock’s quality standards and is legally sound for licensing. Whether you're a photographer, illustrator, or videographer, it's crucial to follow these rules to ensure your work is accepted and can be sold under Shutterstock’s licenses. Here’s an overview of what contributors need to keep in mind when it comes to licensing:

• Content Ownership: Contributors must own the rights to their work, ensuring that no copyright infringement occurs when the content is sold.
• Model and Property Releases: Any images involving recognizable people or private properties need to have signed model or property releases. This protects against legal issues when the images are used for commercial purposes.
• Quality and Technical Standards: All content submitted must meet Shutterstock’s technical requirements, including resolution, clarity, and composition. Low-quality or poorly edited images may be rejected.
• Appropriate Usage: Contributors must ensure that their work complies with Shutterstock’s licensing terms and doesn’t violate any third-party rights, including trademarks or patents.
• Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Content: Contributors can choose to sell their work exclusively on Shutterstock or submit it to multiple platforms. This decision affects the revenue-sharing model.

By following these guidelines, contributors can ensure that their work is eligible for licensing under Shutterstock’s various licenses, including Standard, Enhanced, and Extended. Proper understanding and adherence to these rules benefit both contributors and buyers, fostering a legal and professional environment for all.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shutterstock Licenses

When it comes to Shutterstock licenses, many users have common questions regarding usage rights, restrictions, and best practices. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions that can help clarify how Shutterstock’s licenses work:

If you have specific concerns or unique use cases, it’s always a good idea to review Shutterstock's full licensing agreement or contact their support team for further clarification.

Conclusion

Understanding Shutterstock’s various licenses is crucial to ensuring that you’re using images, videos, and music in accordance with the platform's terms. Whether you're a content creator or a business, Shutterstock provides flexible options like the Standard, Enhanced, and Extended Licenses to accommodate different needs. By choosing the right license, you can protect your work, avoid legal complications, and maximize the potential of the assets you’re using. Always be sure to check the terms of each license and follow Shutterstock’s Contributor Guidelines to stay on the right track. With the right knowledge, you can confidently use Shutterstock content for a wide variety of purposes, ensuring your projects are both legal and successful.