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Best Stock Photos Websites

Gauri Pawsey
GP
Researched and written by Gauri Pawsey

Stock photo websites contain libraries of images that can be used by any business looking to enhance a project visually. Users can browse the image libraries and then license and download images. Many stock photo websites also offer downloadable free and royalty-free images for commercial purposes. These websites often have a separate license, allowing images to be downloaded, modified, and distributed without the artist's permission or credit. In addition to images, many stock photo websites offer videos, vectors, mockups, and illustrations within their selection.

Designers and marketers primarily use stock photos, but stock photos can be leveraged to enhance any commercial, artistic, publishing, or editorial experience. Professionals often opt to license high-quality stock photos to avoid the costs and time associated with conducting photo shoots. For businesses that use many stock photos, photo management software is a practical solution to keep the photos stored and organized.

To qualify for inclusion in the Stock Photo Websites category, a product must:

Provide a high-volume repository of images for download
Offer free, royalty-free, or license-required images
Show More
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Best Stock Photos Websites At A Glance

Leader:
Vecteezy
Vecteezy
Highest Performer:
Flaticon
Flaticon
Easiest to Use:
Storyblocks
Storyblocks
Top Trending:
Freepik
Freepik
Best Free Software:
Vecteezy
Vecteezy
Show LessShow More
Easiest to Use:
Storyblocks
Storyblocks
Top Trending:
Freepik
Freepik
Best Free Software:
Vecteezy
Vecteezy

G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.

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76 Listings in Stock Photos Available
  • Sort By:
    G2 Score
Vecteezy
(8,168)4.7 out of 5
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:Free
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Vecteezy is an online marketplace where users can license stock photos, vector graphics, and stock footage directly from artists. Basic features are free but include ads and limitations. Pro subscribe

    Users
    • Owner
    • Graphic Designer
    Industries
    • Graphic Design
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 77% Small-Business
    • 3% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Vecteezy Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    628
    Quality
    628
    Images
    492
    Variety
    447
    Free Services
    292
    Cons
    Limited Free Content
    158
    Not Free
    133
    Expensive
    115
    Download Limit
    113
    Pro Version Costs
    102
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Vecteezy features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.2
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.2
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    9.2
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.5
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Eezy
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2008
    HQ Location
    Bowling Green, Kentucky
    Twitter
    @Eezy
    246 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    213 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Vecteezy is an online marketplace where users can license stock photos, vector graphics, and stock footage directly from artists. Basic features are free but include ads and limitations. Pro subscribe

Users
  • Owner
  • Graphic Designer
Industries
  • Graphic Design
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 77% Small-Business
  • 3% Mid-Market
Vecteezy Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
628
Quality
628
Images
492
Variety
447
Free Services
292
Cons
Limited Free Content
158
Not Free
133
Expensive
115
Download Limit
113
Pro Version Costs
102
View All Pros and Cons
Vecteezy features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.2
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.2
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
9.2
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.5
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Eezy
Company Website
Year Founded
2008
HQ Location
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Twitter
@Eezy
246 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
213 employees on LinkedIn®
Shutterstock
(669)4.4 out of 5
2nd Easiest To Use in Stock Photos software
View top Consulting Services for Shutterstock
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Shutterstock, Inc. is a leading global creative platform for transformative brands and media companies. Directly and through its group subsidiaries, Shutterstock's comprehensive collection includes hi

    Users
    • Owner
    • Marketing Manager
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Graphic Design
    Market Segment
    • 62% Small-Business
    • 33% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Shutterstock Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Images
    47
    Video Availability
    35
    Quality
    33
    Ease of Use
    32
    Photos
    27
    Cons
    Expensive
    31
    Cost
    17
    Repetitive
    10
    Subscription Issues
    9
    Pricing Issues
    8
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Shutterstock features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.4
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.1
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    8.8
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.0
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Shutterstock
    Year Founded
    2003
    HQ Location
    New York
    Twitter
    @Shutterstock
    263,596 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1,753 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NYSE: SSTK
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Shutterstock, Inc. is a leading global creative platform for transformative brands and media companies. Directly and through its group subsidiaries, Shutterstock's comprehensive collection includes hi

Users
  • Owner
  • Marketing Manager
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Graphic Design
Market Segment
  • 62% Small-Business
  • 33% Mid-Market
Shutterstock Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Images
47
Video Availability
35
Quality
33
Ease of Use
32
Photos
27
Cons
Expensive
31
Cost
17
Repetitive
10
Subscription Issues
9
Pricing Issues
8
View All Pros and Cons
Shutterstock features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.4
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.1
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
8.8
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.0
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Shutterstock
Year Founded
2003
HQ Location
New York
Twitter
@Shutterstock
263,596 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1,753 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NYSE: SSTK

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Burst by Shopify
(42)4.6 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Free stock photos for websites and commercial use. Burst is a free stock photo platform that is powered by Shopify.

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Health, Wellness and Fitness
    Market Segment
    • 76% Small-Business
    • 17% Mid-Market
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Burst by Shopify features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.6
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.8
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    10.0
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    10.0
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Shopify
    Year Founded
    2006
    HQ Location
    Ottawa, ON
    Twitter
    @Shopify
    442,144 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    26,002 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NYSE:SHOP
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Free stock photos for websites and commercial use. Burst is a free stock photo platform that is powered by Shopify.

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Health, Wellness and Fitness
Market Segment
  • 76% Small-Business
  • 17% Mid-Market
Burst by Shopify features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.6
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.8
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
10.0
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
10.0
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Shopify
Year Founded
2006
HQ Location
Ottawa, ON
Twitter
@Shopify
442,144 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
26,002 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NYSE:SHOP
Storyblocks
(418)4.6 out of 5
1st Easiest To Use in Stock Photos software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Storyblocks empowers creators and businesses to produce better videos faster than ever. Our stock media library includes high-quality video, audio, and imagery that is crafted by 800+ highly accom

    Users
    • Video Editor
    • Owner
    Industries
    • Media Production
    • Marketing and Advertising
    Market Segment
    • 80% Small-Business
    • 15% Mid-Market
    User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
    • Storyblocks is a platform that provides a library of stock videos, images, and audio for content creation.
    • Reviewers like the unlimited download model, the variety of stock media, the intuitive platform, and the high-quality content that Storyblocks provides, which aids in faster and efficient content creation.
    • Users reported that the platform can be overwhelming due to the vast library, the quality of some niche content can be limited, and the search engine isn't the best, leading to longer search times.
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Storyblocks Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    High Quality
    52
    Quality
    47
    Video Availability
    47
    Variety
    46
    Ease of Use
    36
    Cons
    Limited Selection
    17
    Content Issues
    10
    Search Functionality
    10
    Navigation Difficulty
    8
    Inefficient Search Functionality
    7
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Storyblocks features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.2
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.5
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    9.3
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.5
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Storyblocks
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2011
    HQ Location
    Arlington, Virginia
    Twitter
    @storyblocks
    1 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    160 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Storyblocks empowers creators and businesses to produce better videos faster than ever. Our stock media library includes high-quality video, audio, and imagery that is crafted by 800+ highly accom

Users
  • Video Editor
  • Owner
Industries
  • Media Production
  • Marketing and Advertising
Market Segment
  • 80% Small-Business
  • 15% Mid-Market
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
  • Storyblocks is a platform that provides a library of stock videos, images, and audio for content creation.
  • Reviewers like the unlimited download model, the variety of stock media, the intuitive platform, and the high-quality content that Storyblocks provides, which aids in faster and efficient content creation.
  • Users reported that the platform can be overwhelming due to the vast library, the quality of some niche content can be limited, and the search engine isn't the best, leading to longer search times.
Storyblocks Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
High Quality
52
Quality
47
Video Availability
47
Variety
46
Ease of Use
36
Cons
Limited Selection
17
Content Issues
10
Search Functionality
10
Navigation Difficulty
8
Inefficient Search Functionality
7
View All Pros and Cons
Storyblocks features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.2
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.5
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
9.3
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.5
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Storyblocks
Company Website
Year Founded
2011
HQ Location
Arlington, Virginia
Twitter
@storyblocks
1 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
160 employees on LinkedIn®
Freepik
(154)4.7 out of 5
4th Easiest To Use in Stock Photos software
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:Free
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Freepik is redefining content creation with cutting-edge generative AI. Its platform offers seamless, AI-powered tools that transform ideas into high-quality audiovisual content in seconds. With over

    Users
    • Graphic Designer
    Industries
    • Graphic Design
    • Marketing and Advertising
    Market Segment
    • 73% Small-Business
    • 19% Mid-Market
    User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
    • Freepik is a platform that provides a variety of assets and features, including an AI generator, to assist designers in visualizing and implementing their ideas.
    • Users like the wide range of high-quality elements like vectors, icons, backgrounds, and templates that Freepik offers, as well as the AI image generator that simplifies their workflow and helps deliver professional work quickly.
    • Reviewers mentioned that the changes in Freepik's pricing plans in 2025, which shifted to a credit-based system, made things less convenient and imposed strict limitations on how downloads can be used.
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Freepik Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    21
    Quality
    19
    Images
    17
    Variety
    16
    Photos
    12
    Cons
    Expensive
    10
    Missing Features
    6
    High Premium Cost
    4
    Limited Content
    4
    Ineffective
    3
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Freepik features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.6
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.5
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    9.6
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.2
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Freepik Company
    Year Founded
    2010
    HQ Location
    Mlaga, Malaga
    Twitter
    @freepik
    72,909 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1,640 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Freepik is redefining content creation with cutting-edge generative AI. Its platform offers seamless, AI-powered tools that transform ideas into high-quality audiovisual content in seconds. With over

Users
  • Graphic Designer
Industries
  • Graphic Design
  • Marketing and Advertising
Market Segment
  • 73% Small-Business
  • 19% Mid-Market
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
  • Freepik is a platform that provides a variety of assets and features, including an AI generator, to assist designers in visualizing and implementing their ideas.
  • Users like the wide range of high-quality elements like vectors, icons, backgrounds, and templates that Freepik offers, as well as the AI image generator that simplifies their workflow and helps deliver professional work quickly.
  • Reviewers mentioned that the changes in Freepik's pricing plans in 2025, which shifted to a credit-based system, made things less convenient and imposed strict limitations on how downloads can be used.
Freepik Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
21
Quality
19
Images
17
Variety
16
Photos
12
Cons
Expensive
10
Missing Features
6
High Premium Cost
4
Limited Content
4
Ineffective
3
View All Pros and Cons
Freepik features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.6
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.5
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
9.6
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.2
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Freepik Company
Year Founded
2010
HQ Location
Mlaga, Malaga
Twitter
@freepik
72,909 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1,640 employees on LinkedIn®
Depositphotos
(44)4.4 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Depositphotos is a comprehensive royalty-free content marketplace offering an extensive library of over 326 million files, including stock photos, vector images, video clips, and editorial content. Fo

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Information Technology and Services
    Market Segment
    • 89% Small-Business
    • 9% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Depositphotos Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Photos
    3
    Ease of Use
    2
    Images
    2
    Artwork Quality
    1
    Content Quality
    1
    Cons
    Ineffective
    1
    Limited Vectors
    1
    Repetitive
    1
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Depositphotos features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.0
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.4
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    9.5
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.3
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Depositphotos
    Year Founded
    2009
    HQ Location
    New York
    Twitter
    @Depositphotos
    14,911 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    323 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Depositphotos is a comprehensive royalty-free content marketplace offering an extensive library of over 326 million files, including stock photos, vector images, video clips, and editorial content. Fo

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Information Technology and Services
Market Segment
  • 89% Small-Business
  • 9% Mid-Market
Depositphotos Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Photos
3
Ease of Use
2
Images
2
Artwork Quality
1
Content Quality
1
Cons
Ineffective
1
Limited Vectors
1
Repetitive
1
View All Pros and Cons
Depositphotos features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.0
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.4
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
9.5
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.3
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Depositphotos
Year Founded
2009
HQ Location
New York
Twitter
@Depositphotos
14,911 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
323 employees on LinkedIn®
PixaBay
(163)4.4 out of 5
7th Easiest To Use in Stock Photos software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Pixabay is a comprehensive online platform offering over 5.8 million high-quality, royalty-free images, videos, music, and sound effects. Founded in 2010, it serves as a valuable resource for creativ

    Users
    • Graphic Designer
    Industries
    • Consumer Services
    • Marketing and Advertising
    Market Segment
    • 60% Small-Business
    • 36% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • PixaBay Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Easy Search
    1
    Free Content
    1
    Photos
    1
    Quality
    1
    Search Ease
    1
    Cons
    This product has not yet received any negative sentiments.
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • PixaBay features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.5
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.4
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    9.4
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.3
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Pixabay
    Year Founded
    2010
    HQ Location
    Neu-Ulm, Bavaria
    Twitter
    @pixabay
    63,978 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    37 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Pixabay is a comprehensive online platform offering over 5.8 million high-quality, royalty-free images, videos, music, and sound effects. Founded in 2010, it serves as a valuable resource for creativ

Users
  • Graphic Designer
Industries
  • Consumer Services
  • Marketing and Advertising
Market Segment
  • 60% Small-Business
  • 36% Mid-Market
PixaBay Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Easy Search
1
Free Content
1
Photos
1
Quality
1
Search Ease
1
Cons
This product has not yet received any negative sentiments.
View All Pros and Cons
PixaBay features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.5
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.4
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
9.4
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.3
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Pixabay
Year Founded
2010
HQ Location
Neu-Ulm, Bavaria
Twitter
@pixabay
63,978 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
37 employees on LinkedIn®
Unsplash
(104)4.7 out of 5
5th Easiest To Use in Stock Photos software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Unsplash is a platform offering a vast collection of high-resolution images contributed by a global community of photographers. With over 6 million photos available, Unsplash provides free access to a

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Information Technology and Services
    Market Segment
    • 78% Small-Business
    • 18% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Unsplash Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Images
    2
    Ease of Use
    1
    Easy Search
    1
    Free Content
    1
    Free Images
    1
    Cons
    Inefficient Search Functionality
    1
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Unsplash features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.5
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.6
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    10.0
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.5
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Unsplash
    Year Founded
    2013
    HQ Location
    Montreal, Quebec
    Twitter
    @unsplash
    88,358 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    254 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Unsplash is a platform offering a vast collection of high-resolution images contributed by a global community of photographers. With over 6 million photos available, Unsplash provides free access to a

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Information Technology and Services
Market Segment
  • 78% Small-Business
  • 18% Mid-Market
Unsplash Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Images
2
Ease of Use
1
Easy Search
1
Free Content
1
Free Images
1
Cons
Inefficient Search Functionality
1
View All Pros and Cons
Unsplash features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.5
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.6
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
10.0
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.5
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Unsplash
Year Founded
2013
HQ Location
Montreal, Quebec
Twitter
@unsplash
88,358 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
254 employees on LinkedIn®
Dreamstime
(645)4.3 out of 5
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:$14.99
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    World's largest community of designers and artists, Dreamstime has been a trusted world leader in professional royalty-free stock photos, illustrations, video footage and audio clips. Launched in 2004

    Users
    • Owner
    Industries
    • Arts and Crafts
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 96% Small-Business
    • 4% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Dreamstime Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Images
    93
    Ease of Use
    86
    Variety
    69
    Quality
    65
    Photos
    59
    Cons
    Cost
    37
    Expensive
    24
    Credit System Issues
    16
    Inefficient Search Functionality
    13
    Subscription Issues
    13
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Dreamstime features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    7.6
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    8.5
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    6.7
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    5.8
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Dreamstime
    Year Founded
    2004
    HQ Location
    Brentwood, US
    Twitter
    @Dreamstime
    32,482 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    325 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

World's largest community of designers and artists, Dreamstime has been a trusted world leader in professional royalty-free stock photos, illustrations, video footage and audio clips. Launched in 2004

Users
  • Owner
Industries
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 96% Small-Business
  • 4% Mid-Market
Dreamstime Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Images
93
Ease of Use
86
Variety
69
Quality
65
Photos
59
Cons
Cost
37
Expensive
24
Credit System Issues
16
Inefficient Search Functionality
13
Subscription Issues
13
View All Pros and Cons
Dreamstime features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
7.6
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
8.5
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
6.7
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
5.8
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Dreamstime
Year Founded
2004
HQ Location
Brentwood, US
Twitter
@Dreamstime
32,482 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
325 employees on LinkedIn®
Flaticon
(94)4.7 out of 5
6th Easiest To Use in Stock Photos software
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:Free
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Flaticon is world #1 destination for icons (still or animated), stickers, and logos lovers ! Assets made by and for designers. Includes many formats: PNG, SVG, EPS, PSD and CSS formats. Streamline y

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Design
    • Marketing and Advertising
    Market Segment
    • 70% Small-Business
    • 27% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Flaticon Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Selection Variety
    3
    Ease of Use
    2
    Easy Search
    2
    Wide Variety
    2
    Content Quality
    1
    Cons
    High Premium Cost
    1
    Limited Selection
    1
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Flaticon features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.0
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.6
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    9.2
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.8
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Freepik Company
    Year Founded
    2010
    HQ Location
    Mlaga, Malaga
    Twitter
    @freepik
    72,909 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1,640 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Flaticon is world #1 destination for icons (still or animated), stickers, and logos lovers ! Assets made by and for designers. Includes many formats: PNG, SVG, EPS, PSD and CSS formats. Streamline y

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Design
  • Marketing and Advertising
Market Segment
  • 70% Small-Business
  • 27% Mid-Market
Flaticon Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Selection Variety
3
Ease of Use
2
Easy Search
2
Wide Variety
2
Content Quality
1
Cons
High Premium Cost
1
Limited Selection
1
View All Pros and Cons
Flaticon features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.0
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.6
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
9.2
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.8
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Freepik Company
Year Founded
2010
HQ Location
Mlaga, Malaga
Twitter
@freepik
72,909 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1,640 employees on LinkedIn®
Pexels
(111)4.6 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Pexels is a free photo and video library that helps creative people bring their stories and ideas to life. From small businesses to nonprofits, marketers to designers, millions of people all over the

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 73% Small-Business
    • 21% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Pexels Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Images
    3
    Photos
    3
    Quality
    3
    Collection Quality
    2
    Collection Size
    2
    Cons
    Repetitive
    2
    Repetitive Content
    2
    Insufficient Content
    1
    Limited Content
    1
    Limited Images
    1
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Pexels features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.8
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.7
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    9.6
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    10.0
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Pexels
    Year Founded
    2014
    HQ Location
    Berlin
    Twitter
    @pexels
    25,799 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    193 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Pexels is a free photo and video library that helps creative people bring their stories and ideas to life. From small businesses to nonprofits, marketers to designers, millions of people all over the

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 73% Small-Business
  • 21% Mid-Market
Pexels Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Images
3
Photos
3
Quality
3
Collection Quality
2
Collection Size
2
Cons
Repetitive
2
Repetitive Content
2
Insufficient Content
1
Limited Content
1
Limited Images
1
View All Pros and Cons
Pexels features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.8
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.7
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
9.6
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
10.0
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Pexels
Year Founded
2014
HQ Location
Berlin
Twitter
@pexels
25,799 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
193 employees on LinkedIn®
Adobe Stock
(183)4.3 out of 5
10th Easiest To Use in Stock Photos software
View top Consulting Services for Adobe Stock
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Adobe Stock is a comprehensive stock media service offering a vast collection of high-quality, royalty-free assets, including photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, audio files, templates, and 3D mod

    Users
    • Graphic Designer
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Graphic Design
    Market Segment
    • 72% Small-Business
    • 19% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Adobe Stock Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    This product has not yet received any positive sentiments.
    Cons
    Cost
    1
    Expensive
    1
    Limited Selection
    1
    Limited Video Content
    1
    Not Free
    1
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Adobe Stock features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.1
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.0
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    8.5
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.2
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Adobe
    Year Founded
    1982
    HQ Location
    San Jose, CA
    Twitter
    @Adobe
    958,202 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    41,406 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ:ADBE
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Adobe Stock is a comprehensive stock media service offering a vast collection of high-quality, royalty-free assets, including photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, audio files, templates, and 3D mod

Users
  • Graphic Designer
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Graphic Design
Market Segment
  • 72% Small-Business
  • 19% Mid-Market
Adobe Stock Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
This product has not yet received any positive sentiments.
Cons
Cost
1
Expensive
1
Limited Selection
1
Limited Video Content
1
Not Free
1
View All Pros and Cons
Adobe Stock features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.1
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.0
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
8.5
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.2
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Adobe
Year Founded
1982
HQ Location
San Jose, CA
Twitter
@Adobe
958,202 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
41,406 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ:ADBE
Bigstock
(43)4.0 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Find millions of awesome royalty-free stock photos and vectors. Affordable high-res stock photography.

    Users
    • Marketing Specialist
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    Market Segment
    • 67% Small-Business
    • 28% Mid-Market
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Bigstock features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.2
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    8.7
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    8.3
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    8.6
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Shutterstock
    Year Founded
    2003
    HQ Location
    New York
    Twitter
    @Shutterstock
    263,596 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1,753 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NYSE: SSTK
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Find millions of awesome royalty-free stock photos and vectors. Affordable high-res stock photography.

Users
  • Marketing Specialist
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
Market Segment
  • 67% Small-Business
  • 28% Mid-Market
Bigstock features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.2
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
8.7
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
8.3
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
8.6
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Shutterstock
Year Founded
2003
HQ Location
New York
Twitter
@Shutterstock
263,596 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1,753 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NYSE: SSTK
VistaCreate
(171)4.5 out of 5
8th Easiest To Use in Stock Photos software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    VistaCreate (ex-Crello) is a graphic design platform where anyone can quickly create engaging projects for any industry or occasion — design skills are optional. Start with selecting from 150K+ profes

    Users
    • Graphic Designer
    • Community Manager
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 80% Small-Business
    • 16% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • VistaCreate Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Learning
    2
    Ease of Use
    2
    Templates
    2
    Collection Variety
    1
    Customizability
    1
    Cons
    Limited Free Images
    1
    Limited Options
    1
    Not Free
    1
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • VistaCreate features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.7
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.1
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    8.7
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.3
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Depositphotos
    Year Founded
    2009
    HQ Location
    New York
    Twitter
    @Depositphotos
    14,911 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    323 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

VistaCreate (ex-Crello) is a graphic design platform where anyone can quickly create engaging projects for any industry or occasion — design skills are optional. Start with selecting from 150K+ profes

Users
  • Graphic Designer
  • Community Manager
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 80% Small-Business
  • 16% Mid-Market
VistaCreate Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Learning
2
Ease of Use
2
Templates
2
Collection Variety
1
Customizability
1
Cons
Limited Free Images
1
Limited Options
1
Not Free
1
View All Pros and Cons
VistaCreate features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.7
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.1
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
8.7
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.3
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
Depositphotos
Year Founded
2009
HQ Location
New York
Twitter
@Depositphotos
14,911 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
323 employees on LinkedIn®
123RF
(21)4.4 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    123RF is a comprehensive digital media platform offering over 240 million royalty-free assets, including photos, vectors, videos, audio files, and fonts. Established in 2005, it has evolved to integra

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    No information available
    Market Segment
    • 95% Small-Business
    • 5% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • 123RF Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Finding
    1
    Ease of Use
    1
    Easy Search
    1
    Photos
    1
    Cons
    High Premium Cost
    1
    Pricing Issues
    1
    View All Pros and Cons
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • 123RF features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.2
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.4
    9.2
    Ease of Use
    Average: 9.2
    9.7
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 9.1
    9.6
    Ease of Admin
    Average: 9.2
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    123RF
    Year Founded
    2005
    HQ Location
    Collyer Quay,
    Twitter
    @123rf
    22,498 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    249 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

123RF is a comprehensive digital media platform offering over 240 million royalty-free assets, including photos, vectors, videos, audio files, and fonts. Established in 2005, it has evolved to integra

Users
No information available
Industries
No information available
Market Segment
  • 95% Small-Business
  • 5% Mid-Market
123RF Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Finding
1
Ease of Use
1
Easy Search
1
Photos
1
Cons
High Premium Cost
1
Pricing Issues
1
View All Pros and Cons
123RF features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.2
Quality of Support
Average: 8.4
9.2
Ease of Use
Average: 9.2
9.7
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 9.1
9.6
Ease of Admin
Average: 9.2
Seller Details
Seller
123RF
Year Founded
2005
HQ Location
Collyer Quay,
Twitter
@123rf
22,498 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
249 employees on LinkedIn®
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Stock Photos Topics

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Learn More About Stock Photos Websites

What are Stock Photo Websites?

Stock photo websites help businesses quickly and easily retrieve images without needing a photographer or designer. These images are available for free or a fee, and businesses can download and use them commercially. However, before a business starts using stock photos, it should be aware of the crediting and licensing rules stated on the website to avoid infringement penalties.

In addition to the ease of access, stock photo websites often have a large library of images, making it simple for businesses to locate the pictures they need quickly. Users can type a keyword related to what they are looking for within the search bar and sift through the available images. For granular, specific searches, it’s advised that a business chooses a stock photo website with a vast image repository instead of a smaller one, which is less likely to offer distinct image ideas.

What are the common features of stock photo websites? 

While stock photo websites have few features, they provide strong baseline benefits that help users find and download images.

  • Search: Stock photo websites allow users to locate content within their repository of images via a search bar. By using keywords, tags, or a general idea of an image, stock photo websites help users locate the exact image they are looking for.
  • Download: In most cases, these websites require the user to create an account to download any image, illustration, or other offerings. By doing so, images are free to download at the press of a button, depending on the website's requirements. Some common requirements include payment or artist crediting.
  • Tag: Users can narrow down their search using tags, typically organized by the artists or the website, for visibility.
  • Saved collections: Businesses that choose not to use file storage and sharing software or another image-storing tool can use a stock photo website’s collection tool. Many websites offer ways for users to save images they like or plan on using again to ensure the image doesn’t get lost.
  • Trending searches: Users can see trending searches to understand what is popular. Choosing more popular images can increase content engagement.

What are the benefits of stock photo websites?

From published content to marketing campaigns to a business’s website, stock photos are used everywhere and have plenty of use cases. 

  • Versatile: Stock photo websites provide a wide range of images suitable for various purposes, including published content, marketing campaigns, and website design. It caters to a wide range of themes, styles, and industries, allowing businesses to find images that perfectly align with their brand and messaging.
  • Accessible: Businesses without a dedicated photographer find stock photo websites to be a valuable alternative. Particularly beneficial for startups, these smaller enterprises can enhance their visual content without the overhead of maintaining an in-house creative team.
  • Time-efficient: Searching and downloading images from stock photo websites is easier and quicker than coordinating a photoshoot or designing custom graphics. This helps teams meet tight deadlines for content creation and marketing campaigns.
  • Cost-effective: The expense of purchasing a stock photo is considerably lower than hiring a professional photographer or a designer. 
  • Professional quality: Many stock photos are professionally shot and edited, ensuring the highest quality standards. This professionalism enhances the visual appeal and contributes to a polished business image.
  • Free search: Multiple websites allow users to search and browse their collections for free, reducing the initial cost of finding suitable project images.

Who uses stock photo websites?

Stock photo websites are widely used in every industry, but some professionals may benefit from them more than others:

  • Content creators: Writers and other content creators may use stock photos to enhance their work visually. Newspapers, magazines, and blogs benefit from adding a stock photo to the written piece.
  • Marketing and branding departments: Stock photos may be used in marketing campaigns such as email marketing campaigns and slideshows to make them more visually appealing.
  • Graphic designers: These professionals use stock images in their design projects, like posters, website layouts, brochures, and other creative materials. These images also serve as a valuable inspiration resource.
  • Web developers: Stock photos are particularly useful during the development phase of a website or when creating templates for clients.
  • Small businesses and startups: Businesses with limited resources often rely on stock photos to obtain high-resolution images without needing a dedicated creative team.

Stock photo website pricing

There are two types of stock photography sites: premium and free. Businesses should consider the pros and cons when choosing where to find and download images.

  • Premium: Premium stock photo websites host high-definition images with a payment requirement. Sometimes, payment can be administered through a subscription service, which often allows a specific amount of downloads per month. In most cases, the website requires users to purchase specific photos separately. Premium stock photo websites may also offer free images alongside premium images. However, premium libraries tend to have more high-resolution, high-quality images. Two well-known paid stock photo sites are iStock (by Getty Images) and Shutterstock.
  • Free: Royalty-free stock photo websites do not require payment for the photos within its library. Photos are free to download and distribute and do not require the user to credit the artist. While this option is ideal for businesses on a tight budget, these websites may not have as large of a library as a premium option. Pexels, PixaBay, Freepik, Unsplash, Stocksnap, Reshot, Gratisography, and Vecteezy are some websites that provide free stock images.

Challenges with stock photo websites

  • Intellectual property issues: While most stock photo websites are clear about licensing and crediting requirements, businesses should tread carefully when using stock photos for commercial projects. Any business using stock photos should be aware of legal restrictions and infringements that apply to identifiable people, trademarked products, or exposed personal property information within photos. To avoid legal issues, businesses should simply ensure their photos are obtained legally and credited as necessary.
  • Lack of relevant photos: Some businesses may require hyperspecific photos of a niche topic that the stock photo website may not have. It’s best to keep searches as broad as possible when looking for photos. If the issue persists, businesses should resort to a stock photo website with a larger repository of images for more options.
  • Overuse of images: Popular photos used across various platforms cause the risk of business materials looking generic or unoriginal.
  • Limited customization: While stock photos can be edited to a certain extent, customization options are limited compared to original, custom-created visuals. 
  • Cultural relevance: Stock photo collections may not always reflect diverse cultural perspectives. Finding images that resonate with specific audiences or regions can be challenging.

How to choose stock photo websites

Choosing the right stock photo website involves ensuring the platform meets the business’s specific needs and preferences. Here are some guidelines to help make an informed decision:

  • Identify specific creative requirements: Businesses should take time to comprehensively analyze their needs and select a tool that aligns with their creative needs and budget constraints. Clearly define the desired outcomes, whether enhancing brand identity, supporting marketing campaigns, or improving overall visual communication.
  • Explore search and licensing features: Buyers should dig deeper into the search function and filtering options. A user-friendly interface with advanced search capabilities can significantly simplify image selection. Also, a buyer should carefully examine the licensing terms to ensure they align with the intended use, such as commercial use, social media, or other specific applications.
  • Consider pricing and user reviews: Companies must evaluate each platform's pricing structure, considering the budget and usage frequency. Some stock photo websites offer a mix of free and premium content. Additionally, buyers must read user reviews and testimonials to gauge the reliability of each platform, learning from other’s experiences.
  • Assess compatibility and customization: Buyers must consider whether the stock photo website integrates well with other tools and software. Users should check compatibility with graphic design software, website builders, or content creation platforms. Additionally, companies should explore the level of customization allowed for the images.
  • Ensure legal and ethical standards: Buyers must verify that the website adheres to legal and ethical standards, including proper attribution for free images, compliance with copyright laws, and considerations of cultural sensitivity. 

Create a detailed comparison matrix that includes these criteria to facilitate the final selection, keeping in mind the organization’s creative projects' unique needs and preferences.