What the Policy for Using Shutterstock Photos Is

Shutterstock offers a vast library of images, videos, music, and more, available for various uses. However, like any stock photo provider, it has specific rules about how these assets can be used. Shutterstock's usage policy is designed to protect the rights of both creators and customers. Understanding these rules is crucial to ensure you're using the content legally and appropriately. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or content creator, knowing the ins and outs of Shutterstock's policy will help you avoid any copyright issues down the road.

Understanding Shutterstock's Licensing Types

Shutterstock offers two primary types of licenses for its content: the Standard License and the Enhanced License. Here’s a breakdown of each:

• Standard License: This is the most common option. It allows you to use the image for most personal and commercial purposes, including websites, social media, and printed materials. However, it does have limitations when it comes to distribution and resale.
• Enhanced License: This license provides broader usage rights. It’s ideal if you plan to use the content on a larger scale, such as for merchandise or in a product that will be resold. It also permits greater distribution limits.

Choosing the right license depends on how you plan to use the image or video. Always review the terms carefully before making your selection.

What You Can Do with Shutterstock Photos

Once you’ve purchased or downloaded a Shutterstock image, you have a range of options for how to use it. The exact permissions depend on your license, but here’s an overview of what you can generally do:

• Use in Websites: You can incorporate images into personal or commercial websites, blogs, or landing pages.
• Marketing and Advertising: Shutterstock photos can be used in promotional materials, including flyers, posters, brochures, and digital ads.
• Social Media Posts: You’re free to use these photos in your social media content across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Printed Materials: The images can be printed in books, magazines, business cards, and other printed formats, depending on the license.

Shutterstock’s licensing model is designed to provide flexibility while ensuring content creators are compensated for their work. If you're unsure about a particular usage, always check the specific terms of the license to avoid any misuse.

Restrictions on Using Shutterstock Images

While Shutterstock provides great flexibility with its images, there are some important restrictions to keep in mind. These rules are designed to protect the original creators and ensure that the images are used appropriately. Understanding these limitations will help you avoid any legal complications in the future.

• Reselling Images: You cannot simply buy an image and resell it, either on its own or as part of a collection. This includes reselling it as a template or a stock image.
• Illegal Uses: Images cannot be used in a way that is illegal, defamatory, or offensive. They should not be altered to mislead or harm others.
• Use in Logos or Trademarks: Shutterstock photos cannot be used as logos or trademarks. This is prohibited, even if you have an Enhanced License.
• Inappropriate Content: You cannot use Shutterstock images to create content that promotes hate, violence, or discrimination.
• Mass Production: If you intend to use an image in mass production, such as on physical products or for distribution, be sure to check the restrictions based on the license type you've purchased.

Always read the full licensing terms and review the restrictions before using Shutterstock content. This ensures that you stay within the bounds of the policy and use the images responsibly.

How to Properly Attribute Shutterstock Photos

Attribution is an important aspect of using Shutterstock photos, particularly if you’re working with free images or certain types of licenses. Shutterstock provides clear guidelines for how to credit the original creators when required. Here’s how to do it right:

• Credit the Photographer: If required by the license, always give credit to the photographer or artist. This typically includes the creator’s name or the Shutterstock username.
• Use the Correct Format: The attribution should be clear and unambiguous. A common format is: “Image by [Photographer's Name] / Shutterstock” or “[Image ID] via Shutterstock.”
• Include a Link: If you're using the image online (e.g., on a blog or website), link to the Shutterstock image page or the Shutterstock website.
• Respect Attribution Rules: Remember, attribution is only required if specified by the licensing terms. If you're using a paid image with a standard license, attribution may not be necessary, but check the details just to be sure.

Correct attribution is not just a requirement; it’s a way of respecting the creator's work. So, always follow the rules to avoid copyright violations and ensure you’re using Shutterstock’s images responsibly.

Shutterstock's Policy for Commercial Use

Shutterstock’s images can be used for commercial purposes, but there are specific guidelines you need to follow depending on the type of license you have. Commercial use typically refers to using images in marketing materials, websites, advertisements, or products that are sold. Here’s what you need to know:

For any commercial use, it’s essential to read the terms carefully to determine whether the use falls within the scope of your license. If you intend to use Shutterstock images in any way that could generate profit (e.g., selling products with the image on it), you may need the Enhanced License to avoid restrictions.

Always ensure that you're following Shutterstock's licensing policies for commercial uses to protect both your business and the rights of the image creators.

FAQ about Shutterstock Usage Policy

If you’re still unsure about Shutterstock's usage policy, here are some frequently asked questions that can help clarify things for you:

• Can I use Shutterstock images for free?
  Shutterstock offers both paid and free images, but free images often come with restrictions. It's essential to check the licensing terms before using any free content.
• Do I need to credit the photographer when using Shutterstock images?
  Credit is typically not required when purchasing a paid image, but you must always check the terms associated with your specific license to be sure. Free images may require attribution.
• Can I use Shutterstock images for commercial purposes?
  Yes, Shutterstock images can be used for commercial purposes depending on the license type. The Standard License covers most uses, but if you intend to use the image on merchandise or for resale, you’ll need the Enhanced License.
• What is the difference between Standard and Enhanced Licenses?
  The Standard License allows for general use in websites, blogs, and marketing materials. The Enhanced License allows for broader use, including on products for resale or in large-scale distribution.
• Can I modify Shutterstock images?
  Yes, with both licenses, you can modify images for personal or commercial projects. However, you cannot create a derivative work that is sold as a separate product.
• Can I use Shutterstock images on social media?
  Yes, Shutterstock images can be used for social media posts, as long as you follow the guidelines in your license and adhere to the platform’s policies.

Conclusion

Shutterstock’s usage policy is designed to ensure both the creators and users are protected. By understanding the terms of the licenses, how to attribute images properly, and the restrictions on usage, you can confidently use Shutterstock content for your projects without any legal concerns. Whether you're using images for personal, commercial, or promotional purposes, always make sure you adhere to the guidelines and choose the appropriate license for your needs.