Dreamstime offers a variety of subscription options, including image subscriptions, Extended licenses, video, audio, and all-in-one subscriptions, as well as credit packages. While the pricing structure is diverse, some may argue that the quality of stock assets does not justify the cost, particularly when considering alternative platforms that provide superior content at similar price points.
- Read more: Dreamstime review
Overview of Dreamstime pricing
| Dreamstime plan | Monthly cost | Size | Best for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image subscriptions | $25–$219 | 5–750 monthly downloads | Consistent image needs |
| Extended license subscriptions | $59–$11,500 | 2–500 monthly downloads | Consistent Extended license needs (merchandise) |
| Video subscriptions | $14.99–$1,188.99 | 1–25 monthly downloads (web, 720p, 1080p, 4K res.) | Consistent video needs |
| Audio subscriptions | $19.99–$99.99 | 1–10 monthly downloads | Consistent audio needs |
| All-in-one subscriptions | $199–$410 | 10 or 25 monthly downloads | Consistent image, video, and audio needs |
| Credit packages | $14.99–$1,750 | 3–550 credits | Occasional stock asset needs |
Should you pick subscriptions or credit packages?
Choosing between subscriptions and credit packages ultimately depends on your specific needs and usage patterns. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- Frequency of use: If you require stock assets on a regular basis, a subscription plan is more cost-effective, as it provides a fixed number of downloads per month at a discounted rate. On the other hand, if your needs are sporadic or you only require a few assets occasionally, a credit package is more suitable, as it allows you to pay for only what you need.
- Budget: Dreamstime subscriptions require a monthly commitment (only one with annual), which may not be ideal if you have a limited budget. Credit packages offer more flexibility, as you can purchase them as needed without an ongoing financial obligation.
- Variety of assets: If you need access to a wide range of assets, including images, videos, and audio files, an all-in-one subscription are best. However, credit packages or individual subscriptions are better if your requirements are more specific, as they allow you to choose individual assets without paying for unnecessary extras.
- Expiration: Credit packages have a one-year expiration date, meaning that unused credits will be lost after that. Subscriptions, on the other hand, usually provide a fixed number of downloads per month, ensuring you get consistent access to assets without worrying about expiration.
What can you get with credits?
With credits on Dreamstime, you can purchase various stock assets, including photos, videos, and audio files. The price of a stock photo depends on its level, ranging from 0 to 5, which is determined by factors such as age and the number of downloads. Prices for stock photos range from 1 to 38 credits each ($0.62 to $36). Extended licenses may cost up to 50 credits. Videos can also be bought using credits, with prices varying from $8.80 to $51.78 per video clip.
While Dreamstime provides affordable options for purchasing credits in bulk and choosing low-level images, their high-end images can be more expensive compared to other stock photo websites.
The table below displays the costs for various Extended license types:
| Extended License Type | Images | Videos | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Seats | 50 | 200 | 200 |
| Web Usage | 50 | 200 | 200 |
| Print Usage | 50 | – | – |
| Extended License Subscription | from $23 | – | – |
| 1 Year Exclusivity | from $62.5 | from $250 | from $250 |
| 3 Year Exclusivity | from $150 | from $600 | from $600 |
| Sell the rights | from $250 | from $1,000 | from $1,000 |
| Universal Royalty-Free | from $500 | – | – |
| Universal Extended License | from $1,000 | – | – |
Hidden fees and costs
1. Local taxes
Local taxes, such as sales tax or value-added tax (VAT), can add to the final cost of your purchase. Depending on your location and local tax laws, these taxes might be applicable and automatically added to your order total during the checkout process. Ensure you review the final price before confirming your purchase, as the displayed prices may not include these additional charges.
2. Extended license for broader use
Dreamstime and other stock photo platforms typically offer standard licenses with their subscription plans or credit packages, which cover a range of common use cases. However, if you require broader usage rights, such as for larger print runs, using the content on merchandise, or other specific purposes, you may need to purchase an extended license.
Extended licenses usually come at an additional cost, separate from your subscription or credit package. Be sure to review the licensing terms carefully to determine if your intended usage requires an extended license and factor this additional expense into your budget.
How does Dreamstime pricing compare?
When it comes to stock assets, pricing is an important factor to consider. Let’s take a look at how Dreamstime’s pricing stacks up against some of the more well-known stock photo sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Envato Elements.
Dreamstime offers similar prices to other leading stock photo sites, such as Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. However, the latter two platforms are known for their superior quality and variety of assets. This means that while Dreamstime’s pricing may be on par with these popular sites, the overall value might not be as high due to the difference in quality and selection.
In addition to the more popular stock photo platforms, more affordable options offer the same or even better quality assets. One such example is Envato Elements. This platform provides unlimited downloads, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their investment in stock assets. With a vast library of high-quality images, videos, and other creative resources, Envato Elements has become a go-to choice for many designers and content creators.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Dreamstime cost?
Subscriptions come in different sizes, with the lowest price per image achieved through the largest 12-month plan. Credit packages allow for flexible purchases, while a $5/month plan provides access to 1 million free images. Extended licenses and all-in-one subscriptions cater to specific content needs. As a Dreamstime partner, we offer a 30% discount on every purchase.
How much is Dreamstime per image?
The cost of Dreamstime per image varies, ranging from $0.23 to $5.00 for subscription plans and $0.88 to $51.78 for credit packages. The exact price depends on the chosen plan and licensing options.
How do I pay for Dreamstime?
To pay for Dreamstime, use their secure checkout, which protects your data with SSL encryption. They accept all major credit/debit cards from the United States, including Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB.
Can I buy one image from Dreamstime?
Yes, you can buy a single image from Dreamstime by choosing a credit package. To do so, check the image price in credits for the size you want and ensure you select the appropriate package. The minimum package available is 11 credits. On the purchase page, switch to credits to complete the transaction.
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