Choosing the right source for stock content is a big decision for any creative project.
Two of the biggest names in the stock photography world are Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. Both stock photo websites offer millions of high-quality assets, but they have a different approach when it comes to pricing, licensing, and how they fit into a creative workflow.
For graphic designers, marketers, and any visual artist, picking the right platform can save a lot of time and money.
This guide breaks down the key features of Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock to help you decide which of these stock agencies best fits your specific needs, whether you’re making quick social media graphics or working on a large-scale commercial project.
Quick Comparison: Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock At A Glance
| Feature | Shutterstock | Adobe Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Image Library Size | Over 468 million images | Over 366 million images |
| Video Library Size | Over 36.6 million video clips | Over 37 million video clips |
| Pricing (Annual Plan) | Starts at $29/month for 10 images | Starts at $29.99/month for 10 assets |
| Key Advantage | Massive library size and flexible pricing | Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps |
| Free Trial | No free trial, but offers some free images monthly | 30-day free trial for 10-25 images |
| Licensing | Standard and Enhanced Licenses | Standard, Enhanced, and Extended Licenses |
| Legal Protection | $10,000 indemnification with Standard License | Unlimited indemnification with all licenses |
Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock: Pricing Models and Value For Money

The amount of money you spend on stock content depends heavily on the platform’s pricing structure. Both Shutterstock and Adobe Stock offer subscription plans and on-demand packs, but they are built for different types of users.
Subscription Plans
Both platforms have competitive monthly and annual subscription plans. Shutterstock’s annual plan starts at $29 per month for 10 image downloads. If you pay upfront for the year, the price per image can drop to as low as $0.22.
Adobe Stock offers a similar plan at $29.99 per month for 10 assets, which can include not just stock images but also templates and 3D assets.
A key difference is that Adobe Stock allows you to roll over unused downloads to the next month, which is a great feature if your need for stock photos varies. Shutterstock’s plans are generally more straightforward, with options for a higher volume of image downloads per month.
On-Demand and Credit Packs
For users who don’t need a steady stream of content, both sites offer ways to buy assets as you go.
Shutterstock sells image packs, where you can buy a set number of images that don’t expire for a year. This is perfect for occasional needs.
Adobe Stock uses a different system called a credit pack. You buy credits that can be used to license any type of asset, from standard images to premium content and 4K video clips. An Adobe Stock credit pack offers flexibility, as one credit equals one standard image.
This can be a good option if you need a mix of media types.
Free Trials and Free Assets
Trying before you buy is always a plus.
Adobe Stock offers a 30-day free trial that lets you download up to 10 standard assets completely free.
Beyond the trial, Adobe also has a dedicated collection of over a million free stock photos, vectors, and videos that come with a standard license.
Shutterstock does not currently have a free trial but provides a selection of free images and other assets each month to anyone with a free account. This allows you to sample the quality without a financial commitment.
Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock: Content Library

The size and variety of the content library are huge factors. Both are leading stock photo sites with massive collections.
Library Size: A Head-to-Head Count (Images, Videos, Music)
Shutterstock boasts one of the largest libraries available, with over 468 million images and more than 36.6 million videos. It’s a go-to for many because if an image exists, it’s likely on Shutterstock. For audio, it offers thousands of music tracks and sound effects.
Adobe Stock is not far behind, with a library of over 366 million images and an impressive 37 million videos.
Where it stands out is in its integration of other assets like 3D models, templates for Adobe Illustrator, and fonts. Through a partnership, it also provides a large library of music tracks.
AI-Generated Imagery: Policies and Availability
Both platforms have embraced AI.
Shutterstock has an AI image generator powered by DALL-E, allowing users to create custom visuals based on text prompts.
Adobe Stock has integrated its own AI image generation tool, Firefly, and its library includes millions of AI-generated images, which are clearly labeled. This allows for incredible artistic potential when you can’t find the perfect shot.
Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock: Image Quality and Selection

While both platforms have high standards, their collections have slightly different feels.
Shutterstock is known for its vast selection of commercially-focused stock photos that are perfect for marketing, websites, and social media graphics. You can often find a whole series from the same professional photographer, which is great for building a cohesive look.
Adobe Stock is often praised for having a more modern and artistic selection of stock images. Because many of its contributors are already part of the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem, the quality is consistently high. Both services offer premium content collections for high-end projects, but these images come at a higher price. You can find both standard images and more exclusive visuals on each platform.
Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock: Multimedia

Video is a big part of digital content. It goes beyond just still images.
Both Shutterstock and Adobe Stock offer great choices for stock video. They have tens of millions of video clips available.
These clips range from HD to 4K quality.
Adobe Stock has plans that often include video downloads. This makes it a smart choice for creators who need both images and videos.
On the other hand, Shutterstock usually needs a different plan for video access. However, its library is very large. For other needs like sound effects and music tracks, both platforms have good options.
These options work well for YouTube videos and even professional projects in Premiere Pro.
Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock: Editing Tools

Quick edits are often needed, and both platforms provide good solutions.
Shutterstock has a built-in editor. This tool allows for basic cropping and adding filters. It also has a more advanced tool called Shutterstock Create. This tool helps make quick graphics for social media and other designs.
Adobe’s strength is in its system of apps. Adobe Stock does not have its own editor, but that’s okay. It connects well with Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop and Adobe Express. This is a big plus for users.
You can search for watermarked images within your design software. You can also edit them there.
You only pay for the images when you are ready to use them.
Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock: Software Integration and Workflow

How easily a stock service fits into your daily work can be a deciding factor. This is where the two platforms show a different approach.
Adobe Stock’s Native Creative Cloud Advantage
For anyone who uses Adobe Creative Cloud applications, the integration of Adobe Stock is a game-changer.
You can browse, test, and license stock photos and other assets directly inside Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
This saves a lot of time by eliminating the need to download and import files separately.
The entire Creative Cloud ecosystem is designed to work together, which is a massive plus for professional graphic designers and video editors.
Shutterstock’s Plugins and App Integrations
Shutterstock also offers plugins for various software, including the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, but the integration is not as deep as Adobe’s native solution. However, these plugins still provide a useful way to search and import stock content without leaving your design environment.
Shutterstock’s customer support can help with setting up these integrations.
Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock: Licensing, Legal Protection, and Usage Rights
Understanding licensing is key to using stock content correctly and avoiding copyright infringement. Both Shutterstock and Adobe Stock use royalty-free licenses, but the details vary.
A standard license from both platforms allows for wide commercial use in things like marketing materials and on social media, with a print run limit of 500,000 copies.
A major difference is in legal protection. Shutterstock’s standard license includes a $10,000 legal warranty, while Adobe Stock’s licensing offers unlimited indemnification, providing greater peace of mind.
For broader usage, like in merchandise or for unlimited print runs, you need an enhanced license or extended license.
Shutterstock’s Enhanced License allows for use in merchandise.
To get the same rights as Adobe, you need their Extended License. The licensing terms for editorial images and editorial content also differ, so it’s important to check the rules for any images used in newsworthy contexts.
Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock: Customer Service & User Experience
A good user experience makes finding the right asset much easier. Both websites have powerful search filters that let you narrow down results by a given keyword, color, orientation, and more.
When it comes to customer support, Shutterstock is often praised for its accessibility, offering phone support and live chat in multiple languages. This can be very helpful when you have questions about licensing or billing.
Adobe’s support is also robust, especially for users invested in the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem.
For Content Creators: Selling On Shutterstock Vs. Adobe Stock
For a professional photographer or visual artist, these platforms are also a source of income. Both are major stock agencies for selling content.
- Contributor Payouts and Royalties: The amount of money a contributor earns depends on the platform’s royalty structure. Payouts are based on the license type purchased and the contributor’s lifetime earnings on the site. Both platforms have different earning tiers, so the commercial value of your portfolio can grow over time.
- The Asset Approval Process: Getting assets approved for sale involves a review process on both sites. Reviewers check for technical quality, metadata accuracy, and commercial viability. The time it takes for an asset to be approved can vary. Creators need to ensure their submissions meet the high standards of these leading stock photo websites.
The Final Verdict: Which Platform Is Right For You?

The choice between Shutterstock and Adobe Stock comes down to your individual workflow, budget, and content needs.
Choose Adobe Stock If:
- You are deeply integrated into the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem.
- You need a seamless workflow between your design software (Adobe Creative Cloud apps) and your stock content library.
- You want the highest level of legal protection with unlimited indemnification.
- You need a mix of media types, including images, videos, 3D assets, and templates from a single subscription.
- You value the ability to roll over unused image downloads.
Choose Shutterstock If:
- You need the largest possible selection of stock photos and stock footage.
- You are looking for highly flexible pricing, including prepaid image packs and the lowest per-image costs on high-volume plans.
- You need strong, easily accessible customer support, including live chat.
- You need a large volume of editorial content for news-related projects.
- You prefer a more straightforward licensing structure with a clear Enhanced License for merchandise.
FAQ’s:
Which Platform Is More Cost-Effective For Small Businesses?
For small businesses that have limited money, Shutterstock usually has an advantage. Its prepaid yearly plans offer low prices per image.
This can help save money for small companies. However, if a business already pays for Adobe Creative Cloud, the ease of use with Adobe Stock can be more valuable. It helps improve how work gets done overall.
Do Both Platforms Offer Free Trials Or Sample Downloads?
Yes, but they do it differently. Adobe Stock offers a full-featured 30-day free trial where you can download up to 10 assets for free. Shutterstock provides a selection of free stock photos and other files each month without a traditional trial.
How Do Shutterstock and Adobe Stock Handle Copyright Disputes?
Both platforms offer legal help against copyright claims.
Adobe Stock gives unlimited legal protection for all its licenses. This is a big plus. Shutterstock offers $10,000 of coverage with its standard license. You can get even more with its Enhanced License.
Which Platform is Better For Integrating With Design Software?
Adobe Stock is the best choice for those who use Adobe Creative Cloud apps. It works well with tools like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. This makes tasks easier and faster. The way it fits into these apps is very good. No other stock service offers this kind of seamless use.
Can I Use Purchased Assets For Commercial Projects in the US?
Yes, the regular license on both sites allows for business use around the world. This includes use in the US for marketing, ads, and promotional items.
If you want to use images in products that you will sell again, you need a special license. You can choose either an enhanced license or an extended license.
Conclusion
Shutterstock and Adobe Stock are both good platforms. They give a lot of help to creators. There is no single “best” choice.
The best choice is what works for you.
Shutterstock has a large library and flexible prices. This makes it a useful tool for many projects. Adobe Stock is special because it fits well with Creative Cloud. It offers an easy workflow and strong legal safety. This is great for people who use Adobe apps.
Considering your project’s requirements, budget, and software selections will enable you to select the stock site that best aligns with your creative objectives.



















































































































