Bringing a creative idea to life is a journey that requires the right tools, the perfect assets, and a spark of inspiration.
The search for high-quality stock photos and other creative elements can be a time-consuming process, taking focus away from the core design work.
That is why this guide exists: to help you find the best Shutterstock alternative.
Shutterstock is a giant in the world of stock photography, but it’s not the only option available. Whether for a freelancer, a team at one of the many small businesses, or a passionate content creator, there is an online platform that will be the best fit for specific creative needs.
This article is designed as a go-to resource, helping you find top-quality products and innovative solutions for your creative projects. The goal is to empower you to bring your boldest visions to life, with the support of a community that cherishes creativity and excellence.
What Is Shutterstock and Why Is It So Popular?
Shutterstock is a massive online marketplace for stock content.
Think of it as a huge digital library filled with millions of stock images, video clips, music tracks, and more. For years, it has been a primary source for creative professionals and businesses in different industries needing visuals for their websites, social media, and marketing materials.
Its popularity comes from its sheer size and variety. You can find almost any kind of image you can imagine, which makes it a reliable choice for many. They offer different subscription plans and image packs, giving users some flexibility.
However, while it’s a powerful tool, it might not always be the best choice for everyone, which leads many to look for a Shutterstock alternative.
Why Look For A Shutterstock Alternative?
While Shutterstock is a leader, there are several reasons why you might look for Shutterstock alternatives.
One of the main factors is the cost. The subscription plans can be expensive for freelancers or small businesses on a tight budget, though finding a Shutterstock coupon can help reduce the price. Sometimes, you might just need a few images and don’t want to commit to a monthly plan.
Another reason is the need for more unique visuals. Because so many people use Shutterstock, some of its stock images can feel overused.
For a brand that wants to stand out, using a different stock photo site can provide fresher, more distinctive content.
Understanding the difference between branding vs brand identity is key to selecting visuals that truly represent your business.
You might also be looking for more flexible licensing options or a platform with a different kind of stock content library.
Many creators are also interested in sites that offer unlimited downloads, which is something a traditional subscription model on Shutterstock doesn’t provide. For these reasons and more, exploring other stock agencies is a smart move for any savvy content creator.
15 Amazing Shutterstock Alternatives You’ll Love
Finding the right online platform for your creative projects can be a game-changer.
Here are 15 of the best sites that serve as excellent Shutterstock alternatives, each with its own unique strengths.
Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock is a powerhouse and a top contender as a Shutterstock alternative, especially for users already in the Adobe ecosystem.
It integrates seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro, allowing you to search for and license stock images and video footage directly within your design software.
It boasts a huge library of high-quality stock photos, vector graphics, and video clips. The Creative Cloud integration is a massive workflow advantage for serious creative professionals.
While it has a paid plan, the convenience it offers is often worth it for those using Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
iStock
Owned by Getty Images, iStock is a well-respected name in the stock photography world. It offers a vast collection of stock images, including an exclusive Signature collection that you won’t find anywhere else.
This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for premium content with a more artistic feel.
iStock provides flexible pricing with both subscription plans and credit packs, allowing you to buy image downloads as you need them.
It’s a solid Shutterstock alternative for those who need high image quality and exclusive content for their commercial projects.
Pexels
Pexels is one of the most popular free stock photo sites. It offers a large library of high-quality free images and video clips that can be used for almost anything, including commercial use, without needing to give credit.
If you’re on a budget or just need some great-looking free photos for your blog or social media, Pexels is a fantastic resource.
While it may not have the depth of a paid plan site, its collection of free stock photos is impressive and constantly growing.
Unsplash
Unsplash is like Pexels. It is a top place for free stock photos.
What makes Unsplash special is its unique, artistic images. You can find great, high-quality pictures shared by a global group of photographers.
If you’re a photographer yourself, you might be curious about how to sell photos to stock websites and contribute to platforms like these.
All the photos on this site are free to use for business purposes. This makes it popular among content creators and small firms.
Unsplash has also added a paid option called Unsplash+. However, its main feature of free images is still one of the best out there.
Freepik
Freepik is a versatile Shutterstock alternative that offers more than just stock photos.
It’s a huge resource for vector graphics, icons, and templates. It operates on a freemium model, meaning it has a large selection of free options alongside a paid plan for premium content. The paid plan gives you access to a wider range of assets and more flexible usage rights.
For designers who need a variety of graphic elements, not just photos, Freepik is an excellent choice.
Canva
While many know Canva as a design tool, it also has a massive library of stock images, videos, and graphics.
Many of these are available on its free plan, while a Canva Pro subscription unlocks millions more premium content assets.
For those who want to design and source images all in one place, Canva is an amazing online platform. It includes tools like a background remover and other design tools that make image creation incredibly simple, even for non-designers.
Getty Images
If you are looking for the highest image quality and truly exclusive, premium content, Getty Images is the industry standard. It’s the platform major brands and publications turn to for their photography needs.
While it is more expensive than most Shutterstock alternatives, its library is unmatched in quality and includes images from top photographers and major events. A Getty Images coupon can make its premium collection more accessible. For high-stakes commercial projects where a unique, powerful image is essential, Getty Images is the best choice.
Dreamstime
Dreamstime is one of the older stock photo sites and has built a large, diverse community of contributors and users.
It offers a good balance of quality and affordability, with millions of stock images available through subscription plans or credit packs.
Dreamstime also has a section of free images, making it a flexible Shutterstock alternative for different budgets and creative needs.
Vecteezy
Vecteezy is a site that began with vector graphics. Now, it has many kinds of content. This includes stock photos and video clips. It is a great tool for designers and artists. They often need vectors for their work.
Vecteezy offers both free choices and a paid plan.
The paid plan allows unlimited downloads. It also gives full rights for commercial use. This choice makes it good for busy content makers.
They want quality and easy access to design tools.
Vecteezy’s simple layout and large library make it a top pick. It is perfect for anyone needing creative assets beyond regular stock sites.
Depositphotos
Depositphotos is known as a cheaper choice than Shutterstock. It still has a large and good-quality library. Users can find over 200 million files easily. This includes stock images, videos, and music for many projects.
One great feature of Depositphotos is its flexible plans.
These plans fit different needs. They also offer on-demand image packs for buying only what you need.
This makes it a smart choice for small businesses and individuals. They can get a lot of content without spending too much money.
Depositphotos often has a free trial too. This lets users try their services without spending any cash.
With affordable prices, variety, and flexibility, Depositphotos is a great pick for anyone needing stock media.
Storyblocks
Storyblocks is a great choice due to its easy subscription plan.
It lets users download as much as they want. This is very helpful for creators who need lots of content, especially for making videos.
When you subscribe to Storyblocks, you can access their library anytime. They offer HD and 4K video clips, audio files, sound effects, and stock photos. For those who make videos, this site is one of the best options.
It is a fantastic alternative to Shutterstock.
123RF
123RF is a great choice for those looking for low-cost options instead of Shutterstock. Many users prefer this site. It has a large library filled with stock photos. This makes it a useful resource for creative workers.
In addition to stock photos, you can also find many types of vector art. There are video clips and sound files available too.
This wide range meets many multimedia needs. 123RF has been in the market for many years now.
They have earned the trust of many creative people who rely on their services. Their prices are fair, and they offer flexible plans. Users can choose from subscription plans or credit packs that fit their needs best.
One major benefit of 123RF is its promise to grow its library constantly. They add new and exciting content all the time. Plus, they have an AI tool to help users create unique images. This tool enhances the overall experience for all users.
Pond5
Pond5 is a top choice for video clips that don’t need to pay royalties. It is an important site for people who work mostly with video.
Pond5 has a huge library of clips. It has the largest collection of videos in the world. You can find amazing 4K shots and simple, everyday scenes. These clips can improve any project you’re working on.
Besides videos, Pond5 also offers other helpful items. This includes music tracks, sound effects, images, and 3D models.
This wide range of options makes Pond5 a great place for creative work. It meets many needs and tastes in digital projects.
Pixabay
Pixabay is another fantastic resource for free stock photos and free images.
Similar to Pexels, everything on the site is released under a license that makes it safe to use for commercial purposes without attribution.
It has a huge library of over a million assets, including photos, illustrations, vector graphics, and video clips.
For anyone needing quality stock content without a budget, Pixabay is one of the best free stock photo sites available.
Photocase.de
Based in Berlin, Photocase is a unique option that focuses on art and real images. If you are bored with basic stock photos, try Photocase.
The images here feel more like real life and less like a business.
Although the library is smaller and prices are higher, these unique images work well for brands that want to show their style and personality.
These visuals can powerfully support great brand story examples or communicate a commitment to values like sustainable branding.
Comparing Features of Shutterstock Alternatives
When choosing a Shutterstock alternative, it’s helpful to compare them based on a few key factors. Your best choice will depend on what you value most for your content strategy.
Image Quality and Diversity
The image quality and diversity vary greatly among stock agencies. Getty Images and iStock are at the top, offering premium content and exclusive collections. Adobe Stock also provides very high-quality content that is perfect for professional commercial projects.
Free sites like Unsplash and Pexels have excellent image quality, but their libraries, while large, are not as deep or diverse as the paid giants. Photocase is the place to go for artistic and unique visuals.
The best fit depends on whether you need a highly specific, professional shot or a more authentic, lifestyle image.
Licensing and Usage Rights
Understanding usage rights is critical. Most Shutterstock alternatives, both free and paid, offer a royalty-free license.
This means you pay once (or not at all for free stock) and can use the image multiple times for commercial use without paying extra royalties.
However, it’s always important to check the specific terms. Paid sites usually offer greater legal protection.
Free sites like Pexels and Pixabay use licenses similar to the public domain, allowing for very broad use. Always check the licensing for any asset you download to ensure it fits your needs for commercial purposes.
Flexible licensing is a key feature to look for.
Pricing and Subscription Options
Pricing models are a major differentiator. Shutterstock primarily uses a subscription model and image packs.
Many alternatives do too, but with variations. Adobe Stock offers plans that let you download different asset types, not just images.
Depositphotos is known for being a cheaper option. Sites like Storyblocks and Envato Elements are game-changers with their unlimited downloads subscription, which is incredible value for heavy users.
Then you have free options like Pexels and Unsplash, which are perfect for those on a tight budget.
Many sites offer a free trial or a coupon code to get you started.
How to Choose the Right Shutterstock Alternative For My Needs?
With so many options, how do you find the best fit? Here’s a simple guide:
- Assess Your Needs: How many images or videos do you need per month? What kind of style are you looking for? Do you need mainly stock photos, or do you also need video clips, music tracks, and vector graphics? Answering these questions will narrow down your choices.
- Consider Your Budget: If you have no budget, start with the best free stock photo sites like Pexels, Unsplash, and Pixabay. If you have a small budget, look at affordable options like Depositphotos. If you need a high volume of assets, a platform with unlimited downloads like Envato Elements or Storyblocks is the most cost-effective paid plan.
- Evaluate Your Workflow: If you are a heavy user of Adobe Creative Cloud applications, the seamless Creative Cloud integration of Adobe Stock can save you a lot of time and is likely the best choice. If you want an all-in-one design and asset platform, Canva is perfect.
- Think About Uniqueness: If you want your brand to stand out with unique visuals, consider a site like Photocase or look for the exclusive collections on iStock. An AI image generator like Jasper Art or others can also help with image creation for truly one-of-a-kind visuals.
FAQ’s:
What Are the Best Free Alternatives to Shutterstock?
The best free alternatives to Shutterstock are Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay.
These free stock photo sites offer huge libraries of high-quality free images and videos that you can use for commercial purposes without attribution. They are excellent resources for bloggers, small businesses, and social media managers.
Are There Any Stock Photo Sites With Unlimited Downloads?
Yes! Envato Elements and Storyblocks are two of the best stock photo sites that offer unlimited downloads with a single subscription.
For a flat monthly or annual fee, you get access to millions of creative assets, including photos, videos, music, and more. This is an incredible value for content creators who need a constant supply of fresh content.
Can I Use Images From These Alternative Sites For Commercial Purposes?
Generally, yes. Most paid Shutterstock alternatives like Adobe Stock and iStock provide a standard license that covers commercial use. The best free stock photo sites, like Pexels and Unsplash, also allow commercial use.
However, it is always important to read the specific usage rights for each image or site, as some restrictions may apply (e.g., not using images for logos or in a way that depicts people negatively).
Do Shutterstock Alternatives Also Offer Stock Videos and Music?
Absolutely. Many of the top Shutterstock alternatives are complete creative marketplaces.
Adobe Stock, Pond5, Storyblocks, and Envato Elements have extensive libraries of video footage, music tracks, and sound effects. This is great for video editing and creating rich multimedia creative projects.
Even some free options like Pexels and Pixabay offer a selection of free stock videos.
What is the Main Difference Between Free and Paid Stock Photo Sites?
The main differences are in the library size, exclusivity, and legal protection.
Paid sites have much larger libraries with more specific and diverse premium content. You are also less likely to see the same image used everywhere. Paid sites also offer legal indemnification, which protects you if there’s a problem with the image’s usage rights.
Free stock photo sites are fantastic, but you have a smaller selection and less legal assurance.
Conclusion
The world of stock photography is vast and full of amazing resources beyond the biggest names. This guide shows that a perfect Shutterstock alternative is available for any budget or set of creative needs.
From the seamless integration of Adobe Stock for creative professionals to the incredible value of unlimited downloads on Envato Elements, to the beautiful free photos on Unsplash, the options are plentiful.
The goal is to empower creators with the tools and knowledge to succeed.
Selecting the appropriate online platform allows individuals to find the ideal resources to realize their creative concepts. The optimal option is one that complements the workflow, matches the budget, and offers the premium stock content necessary for outstanding results.
Now you can move forward with confidence in your content strategy, backed by a resource that values creativity and craftsmanship.
