Shutterstock is a well-known and popular stock photography and footage website offering a vast collection of images, videos, and music tracks for various creative projects. It was founded in 2003 by Jon Oringer, a software developer and photographer, and has since become one of the most significant players in the stock media industry.

Features:

Shutterstock offers a wide variety of features that make it easy and convenient for users to browse and purchase media assets for their projects. Here are some of the key features of Shutterstock:

1. Huge library of assets: Shutterstock boasts an extensive collection of over 350 million images, videos, and music tracks. This makes it one of the largest stock media websites on the internet.
2. Advanced search functionality: The site offers advanced search filters that allow users to find media assets based on specific criteria, such as image size, orientation, color, and more.
3. Customizable licenses: Shutterstock offers a range of license options that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of users, including individuals, small businesses, and large corporations.
4. Subscription plans: Shutterstock offers various subscription plans that allow users to download a specific number of assets each month for a fixed price. This can be a cost-effective option for users who need many assets regularly.
5. Contributor program: Shutterstock also has a contributor program that allows photographers, videographers, and musicians to upload their work to the site and earn royalties on each sale.

Pros:

There are several advantages to using Shutterstock for stock media needs. Here are some of the most significant pros of using Shutterstock:

1. Extensive library of assets: Shutterstock has one of the most comprehensive collections of stock media assets available online, making it easy for users to find the right image or video for their project.
2. Affordable pricing: Shutterstock offers competitive pricing for its assets, with subscription plans that can be cost-effective for users who need a lot of assets regularly.
3. High-quality assets: The site offers high-quality images and videos suitable for various creative projects, from marketing materials to web design.
4. Advanced search functionality: The site’s advanced search filters make it easy for users to find exactly what they’re looking for, saving time and making the browsing experience more efficient.
5. Contributor program: Shutterstock’s contributor program offers photographers, videographers, and musicians an excellent opportunity to earn royalties on their work and showcase their talents to a global audience.

Cons:

While there are many benefits to using Shutterstock, there are also some drawbacks. Here are some of the cons of using Shutterstock:

1. Limited editorial content: While Shutterstock offers a broad range of stock media assets, its editorial content is limited compared to other stock media sites.
2. No refunds: Shutterstock does not offer refunds for its assets, which can be frustrating for users who purchase an investment that doesn’t meet their needs.
3. Limited customization: While Shutterstock’s licenses are customizable to some extent, they may not meet the needs of some users who require more extensive customization options.
4. Limited extended license options: Shutterstock’s comprehensive license options are limited compared to other stock media sites, which may concern users requiring more extensive usage rights.
5. Royalty-free licensing: Some users may prefer a rights-managed license, allowing more control over how the asset is used and distributed.

Rating:

Shutterstock is a top-tier stock media website that offers a vast collection of high-quality images, videos, and music tracks for a reasonable price. Its advanced search filters, customizable licenses, and contributor program make it an attractive option for users. However, the limited editorial content and lack of a refund policy may concern some users.

Considering all Shutterstock’s features, pros, and cons, we rate it 4 out of 5 stars. While there are some drawbacks to using Shutterstock, its extensive library of high-quality assets, advanced search filters, and competitive pricing make it a reliable and convenient choice for users looking for stock media assets.

Overall, Shutterstock is an excellent choice for individuals, small businesses, and large corporations, offering a wide range of assets for various creative projects. Its contributor program also provides photographers, videographers, and musicians an excellent opportunity to showcase their work and earn royalties on each sale. With its extensive collection of assets and user-friendly platform, Shutterstock is undoubtedly one of the leading stock media websites on the internet today.

See Our Use Case For Shutterstock