Shutterstock scraps free trial, shifts focus to paid subscriptions

Shutterstock, a giant in the stock imagery market, has officially discontinued its free trial program as of March 1, 2024. This decision highlights a growing trend within the stock content industry, where free trials are becoming less common in favor of subscription-based models.

The Shutterstock free trial, originally launched in 2019, initially offered users 10 free image downloads. Over its 5-year lifespan, the trial experienced several changes, influenced by customer feedback and industry dynamics. Notably, the cancellation policy became increasingly loose, with the required notice period being shortened multiple times before its ultimate removal. Additionally, the company experimented with its pricing options, which also included video and audio assets in the trial for a brief period.

Shutterstock’s new entry-level subscription plan, offering 5 image downloads per month for $14.99 ($29.99 per month with month-to-month or $149.99 per year when prepaid), aims to bridge the gap left by the discontinued free trial. This option provides a more affordable stepping stone for those hesitant to commit to larger, more expensive subscription packages.

• Use “PHOTUTORIAL15” to get a 15% discount on all Shutterstock plans

The removal of stock photo free trials within the stock imagery industry is not unique to Shutterstock. Competitors such as Envato Elements (March 2023) and Storyblocks (several years prior) have made similar moves, suggesting an industry-wide shift towards prioritizing paid subscriptions for long-term revenue stability and combating potential abuse of free trial systems.

Despite this trend, those seeking free trials for stock content still have compelling options. The Adobe Stock free trial stands out, offering a generous selection of images, audio, templates, and even HD/4K videos, making it the best alternative with exploring.