Stock photography has become an essential component of creative projects, advertising campaigns, and website design. With the vast array of images available, it’s crucial to have access to diverse and high-quality sources that cater to various needs. One popular stock photo platform is Dreamstime, which offers millions of images, illustrations, and videos to its users. However, depending on your specific requirements, it’s always a good idea to explore other options and see what they have to offer.
In this post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best Dreamstime alternatives available, comparing their features, pricing, and unique selling points. By doing so, we aim to help you make an informed decision about which platform best suits your needs. Whether you’re a graphic designer, marketer, or a blogger, having a range of stock photo resources at your fingertips is invaluable. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the top Dreamstime alternatives.
1. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is one of the leading stock photo platforms in the industry, founded in 2003 by Jon Oringer. With a massive library of over 440 million images, illustrations, vectors, and videos, Shutterstock has become a popular choice among creative professionals and businesses alike.
Pros:
- Extensive collection of high-quality images, illustrations, and videos
- Constantly updated with new content
- Intuitive search functionality with advanced filtering options
- Offers a variety of pricing plans to suit different needs
- User-friendly interface
- Mobile app available for both Android and iOS devices
Cons:
- Can be more expensive compared to some other alternatives
- Some users find the subscription model restrictive
Pricing and subscription plans
Shutterstock offers various pricing plans to cater to different requirements. For those who need images occasionally, there are on-demand packs that allow you to download a set number of images within a year. These packs start at $29 for two images.
For users who need a constant flow of fresh content, Shutterstock offers monthly and annual subscription plans. The most popular plan costs $99 per month (billed annually) and allows you to download up to 50 images per month. Custom plans for larger businesses and enterprises are also available upon request.
Unique features
Shutterstock stands out for its vast collection of high-quality content and user-friendly experience. Additionally, they offer a range of creative tools, such as the Shutterstock Editor, which allows users to edit images and create designs directly on the platform. This feature can be a significant advantage for users who need to quickly customize images for their projects.
2. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock is a stock photography service launched in 2015, offering millions of high-quality images, illustrations, videos, templates, and 3D assets. Being a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, it is seamlessly integrated with Adobe’s widely used applications, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Pros:
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud applications
- Wide range of creative assets, including templates and 3D models
- High-quality, curated content
- Intuitive search and filtering options
- Regularly updated library
Cons:
- More expensive compared to some other alternatives
- Limited selection of free images
- Non-Adobe users may not benefit from all features
Pricing and subscription plans
Adobe Stock offers various pricing plans to accommodate different needs. For occasional users, there are credit packs starting at $29.99 for 3 credits, which can be used to purchase assets within a year.
For those who require a more regular supply of content, Adobe Stock offers monthly and annual subscription plans. The most popular plan costs $29.99 per month (billed annually) and includes 10 standard assets per month. Unused downloads roll over to the next month, up to a maximum limit depending on the plan.
For businesses and enterprises, Adobe offers tailored plans that include additional features such as shared licenses and collaboration tools.
Integration with Adobe Creative Suite
One of the main selling points of Adobe Stock is its seamless integration with the Adobe Creative Suite. This integration allows users to search, license, and access assets directly within their favorite Adobe applications, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. This feature greatly enhances the workflow of creative professionals, making it more convenient to find and use the perfect image for their projects.
3. Envato Elements
Envato Elements is a subscription-based creative assets platform launched in 2016 by Collis Ta’eed, Cyan Claire, and Jun Rung. As a part of the Envato ecosystem, which also includes marketplaces such as ThemeForest and VideoHive, Envato Elements offers a diverse library of high-quality images, illustrations, videos, audio files, templates, and more.
Pros:
- Wide range of creative assets, including templates and 3D models
- Unlimited downloads with a single subscription
- High-quality, curated content
- User-friendly interface with intuitive search and filtering options
- Access to additional Envato products and services
Cons:
- Subscription-based model may not suit occasional users
- Limited selection of free assets
- Non-Envato users may not benefit from all features
Pricing and subscription plans
Envato Elements offers a simple subscription-based pricing model, giving users unlimited access to its vast library of creative assets. The individual plan costs $16.50 per month (billed annually) or $39 per month (billed monthly). This plan includes unlimited downloads of images, videos, audio files, templates, and more, as well as access to Envato Tuts+ tutorials and courses.
For businesses and teams, Envato Elements offers a Teams plan that includes all the benefits of the individual plan, along with collaboration and management tools. The Teams plan starts at $10.75 per user per month (billed annually).
Wide range of creative assets
One of the main selling points of Envato Elements is its extensive range of creative assets. In addition to images and videos, the platform offers a variety of design templates, graphics, fonts, 3D models, and even WordPress themes and plugins. This variety makes it an ideal one-stop-shop for creative professionals and businesses looking for diverse content to support their projects. The unlimited downloads feature also allows users to explore different options and experiment with various assets without worrying about additional costs.
4. iStock
iStock, formerly known as iStockphoto, is a well-established stock photography platform founded in 2000 by Bruce Livingstone. In 2006, it was acquired by Getty Images, which helped to expand its collection further. iStock offers a wide range of high-quality images, illustrations, videos, and audio files to cater to various creative needs.
Pros:
- Large library of high-quality assets
- Exclusive collections available only on iStock
- Advanced search functionality with detailed filtering options
- Different pricing options for different budgets
- Offers both credit packs and subscription plans
Cons:
- Some users may find the website interface less intuitive than competitors
- Exclusive content can be more expensive
Pricing and subscription plans
iStock provides multiple pricing options to suit different needs. For those who need assets occasionally or have a varying demand, iStock offers credit packs that can be used to purchase images, videos, and other assets. Credit packs start at $33 for 3 credits.
For users who need a regular supply of content, iStock offers two types of subscription plans: Essentials and Signature. The Essentials plan provides access to non-exclusive content at a more affordable price, while the Signature plan includes all iStock assets, including the exclusive ones. The most popular Signature plan costs $70 per month (billed annually) and includes 10 downloads per month.
Exclusive collections
One of iStock’s unique selling points is its exclusive collections, such as the Signature collection. These collections feature high-quality images, illustrations, and videos that are only available on iStock, ensuring that you have access to unique and compelling content for your projects. This exclusivity sets iStock apart from many other stock photo platforms and can be a significant advantage for those seeking distinctive visual assets.
5. Unsplash
Unsplash is a unique stock photography platform that was launched in 2013 by Mikael Cho, Luke Chesser, and Stephanie Liverani. Initially started as a Tumblr blog, it quickly gained popularity due to its high-quality, curated images that are available for free. Today, Unsplash boasts a community of over 200,000 photographers who contribute their work for others to use in their projects.
Pros:
- High-quality, curated images
- Completely free to use with optional attribution
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Active community of photographers
- API available for developers
Cons:
- Limited selection compared to paid alternatives
- No vector illustrations or videos
- Images may be used more frequently due to their free nature
Free to use with attribution
One of the standout features of Unsplash is that all images on the platform are free to use for both personal and commercial purposes. Users are not required to attribute the photographer, but it is encouraged as a way to support and acknowledge their work. This makes Unsplash an excellent resource for those on a tight budget or who are just starting their creative journey.
Community-driven approach
Unsplash distinguishes itself through its community-driven approach, where photographers from around the world contribute their work and share it with others. This model has resulted in a diverse and ever-growing library of images that are carefully curated by the Unsplash team. Users can also follow their favorite photographers, create collections of images, and interact with the community by liking and commenting on photos.
6. Depositphotos
Depositphotos is a stock photography platform founded in 2009 by Dmitry Sergeev. Offering a vast library of images, illustrations, vectors, and videos, Depositphotos has become a popular choice for creative professionals, businesses, and individuals seeking high-quality visual content for their projects.
Pros:
- Large collection of images, illustrations, and videos
- Flexible pricing plans for different needs
- Advanced search functionality with various filtering options
- Regular promotions and discounts
- Multilingual customer support
Cons:
- Some users may find the website interface less intuitive than competitors
- Subscription plans may be more expensive for infrequent users
Pricing and subscription plans
Depositphotos provides a variety of pricing options to cater to different user requirements. For occasional users, there are on-demand image packs that start at $49 for 10 images, which can be used within a year.
For those who require a more regular supply of content, Depositphotos offers monthly and annual subscription plans. The most popular plan costs $69 per month (billed annually) and includes 75 downloads per month. Custom plans for larger businesses and enterprises are also available upon request.
Flexible plans for different needs
One of the key strengths of Depositphotos is its flexible pricing options. Users can choose between on-demand packs and subscription plans, making it easier to find a pricing model that suits their needs. Furthermore, Depositphotos regularly offers promotions and discounts, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality content at an affordable price.
7. Canva
Canva is an online graphic design platform founded in 2012 by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams. While not a traditional stock photo platform, Canva offers a vast library of images, illustrations, templates, and other design elements to help users create professional-looking designs with ease. Its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop design tools make it a popular choice for non-designers and professionals alike.
Pros:
- Large library of images, illustrations, and templates
- Intuitive drag-and-drop design tools
- Easy to use for non-designers
- Collaborative features for team projects
- Mobile app available for Android and iOS devices
Cons:
- Some premium content requires a subscription
- Limited customization options compared to professional design software
- Stock photo library not as extensive as specialized platforms
Pricing and subscription plans
Canva offers a free plan that includes access to thousands of templates, limited stock photos, and basic design tools. For users who require more advanced features and a larger library of premium content, Canva offers a Pro subscription plan priced at $12.95 per month (billed annually) or $15.99 per month (billed monthly). This plan includes unlimited access to premium templates, images, and design elements, as well as additional features such as custom fonts and brand kits. Canva also offers an Enterprise plan for larger organizations, which includes advanced collaboration and administrative tools.
Design tools and templates
Canva sets itself apart from other stock photo platforms by offering an extensive range of design tools and templates. Users can easily create professional-looking designs for social media, presentations, posters, and more using the platform’s drag-and-drop editor. Canva also provides a wealth of design resources and tutorials to help users improve their design skills and make the most of the platform’s features.
8. 123RF
123RF is a stock photography platform founded in 2005 by Andy Sitt and Stephanie Sitt. With a diverse library of over 110 million images, illustrations, vectors, and videos, 123RF has become a reliable source of high-quality visual content for creative professionals, businesses, and individuals worldwide.
Pros:
- Extensive collection of images, illustrations, and videos
- Wide range of multimedia assets, including audio files
- Intuitive search functionality with advanced filtering options
- Various pricing plans to suit different needs
- Regular promotions and discounts
Cons:
- Website interface may be less user-friendly compared to some competitors
- Subscription plans may be more expensive for infrequent users
Pricing and subscription plans
123RF offers a variety of pricing options to cater to different user requirements. For occasional users, there are on-demand credit packs starting at $39 for 40 credits, which can be used to purchase images, videos, and other assets.
For those who require a more regular supply of content, 123RF offers monthly and annual subscription plans. The most popular plan costs $79 per month (billed annually) and includes 150 downloads per month. Custom plans for larger businesses and enterprises are also available upon request.
Wide range of multimedia assets
One of the unique features of 123RF is its extensive range of multimedia assets, including images, illustrations, videos, and audio files. This variety makes it an ideal platform for users who require diverse visual and audio content for their projects. Additionally, 123RF offers a collection of design tools, such as the 123RF Editor, which allows users to edit images and create designs directly on the platform.
9. Alamy
Alamy is a reputable stock photography platform founded in 1999 by James West and Mike Fischer. With a focus on editorial and historical images, Alamy offers a diverse library of over 270 million images, illustrations, and videos. The platform is particularly popular among journalists, historians, and researchers who require unique and authentic visual content for their projects.
Pros:
- Large collection of editorial and historical images
- High-quality, curated content
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- No subscription plans, pay-per-download model
- Contributor-friendly commission rates
Cons:
- Limited selection of free images
- Pricing can be more expensive compared to other platforms
- No subscription plans may be a disadvantage for some users
Pricing and subscription plans
Alamy offers a straightforward pay-per-download pricing model, which is suitable for users who need images occasionally or have varying content needs. Pricing depends on the intended usage, license type, and image size. For example, prices for a standard license for a small-sized image for personal use start at $19.99.
Alamy does not offer subscription plans, which may be an advantage for some users who prefer not to commit to a monthly or annual plan. However, this pricing model may not be the most cost-effective option for those who require a regular supply of visual content.
Focus on editorial and historical images
One of the key selling points of Alamy is its focus on editorial and historical images. This emphasis sets it apart from many other stock photo platforms and makes it a valuable resource for users who require unique and authentic visual content. Alamy’s extensive collection includes images covering a wide range of subjects, such as current events, historical events, and cultural milestones.
10. Pixabay
Pixabay is a popular stock photography platform founded in 2010 by Hans Braxmeier and Simon Steinberger. With a community-driven approach, Pixabay offers a vast collection of over 2 million high-quality images, illustrations, vectors, and videos that are free to use for both personal and commercial purposes.
Pros:
- High-quality, curated images and videos
- Completely free to use with optional attribution
- User-friendly interface
- Active community of contributors
- API available for developers
Cons:
- Limited selection compared to paid alternatives
- No premium content or subscription plans
- Images may be used more frequently due to their free nature
Free to use with attribution
One of the standout features of Pixabay is that all images and videos on the platform are free to use for personal and commercial purposes without requiring attribution. This makes Pixabay an excellent resource for those on a tight budget or who are just starting their creative journey. While not mandatory, users are encouraged to credit the author as a way to support and acknowledge their work.
Community-driven approach
Similar to Unsplash, Pixabay distinguishes itself through its community-driven approach, where photographers and artists from around the world contribute their work and share it with others. This model has resulted in a diverse and growing library of images, illustrations, and videos that are carefully curated by the Pixabay team. Users can also follow their favorite contributors, create collections of images, and interact with the community by liking and commenting on photos.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal Dreamstime alternative depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. In this article, we’ve explored a diverse range of options, including Shutterstock, iStock, Unsplash, Depositphotos, Canva, 123RF, Alamy, Pixabay, and Envato Elements. Each platform offers its unique features, strengths, and weaknesses, catering to different user requirements and creative needs.
Whether you’re seeking high-quality images, videos, illustrations, or a comprehensive library of creative assets, these platforms offer plenty of choices. Take the time to explore each alternative and consider factors such as pricing, content quality, selection, and additional features to determine which platform best aligns with your creative projects, marketing campaigns, or website designs. By carefully evaluating these Dreamstime alternatives, you’re sure to find the perfect stock photo platform to support and elevate your creative endeavors.
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