Shutterstock frequently updates its pricing structure, and we fanatically update this page to reflect their prices accurately so that you can make an informed decision. Here are the Shutterstock prices as of March 2023.
How Much Does Shutterstock Cost?
Depending on the buying method you use, Shutterstock images cost $0.22 to $14.50 with the Standard License. For the Enhanced license, the prices range from $67.96 to $99.50 per image. You can also use a coupon code to get a 15% discount on all Shutterstock plans.
Looking for a cheaper alternative to Shutterstock?
We’ve had a great experience using Envato Elements for our own creative projects. If you’re looking for affordable images that you can download with an unlimited download plan, we highly recommend it to you.
Envato Elements has fewer images and videos than Shutterstock, but you can get all of its content with unlimited downloads. This includes 6.8 million images, 3.6 million videos, 32K fonts, templates, infographics, and more.
We found that the cheapest way to get Envato Elements (57% discount) is with a yearly subscription for just $16.50 per month and a 7-day free trial.
All-in-one Subscriptions
In 2022, Shutterstock introduced all-in-one subscriptions, combining the previously separate image and video subscriptions into a more flexible option. This change aligns Shutterstock’s recurring plans more closely with Adobe Stock’s offerings. Using the All-in-one subscription, you can access a wide range of media types, including photos, vectors, illustrations, videos, and audio. This simplifies the subscription process and allows you to easily access the content you need for your projects.
How it works
Each All-in-one subscription grants you a certain amount of credits each month, which you can use however you want to download creative assets from Shutterstock. Here’s how much each asset costs:
- Standard Image license: 1 credit
- Standard Video license (SD, HD, 4K): 10 credits
- Standard Music license: 4 credits
While we appreciate the improvements made to Shutterstock’s subscriptions, we are disappointed that unused credits do not roll over into the following month, unlike many other similar sites. This lack of rollover means that users must use all of their credits within the allotted time period, or risk losing them. It would be more convenient and cost-effective for users if credits could be carried over to the next month.
How much it costs
Shutterstock’s All-in-one subscriptions offer six different size options, each providing a varying number of credits per month ranging from 10 to 750. These subscriptions can be purchased with either a monthly, annually billed monthly (20% discount), or annually billed upfront (33% discount) commitment. The cost of these subscriptions varies from $25 to $249 per month, depending on the size and duration of the plan chosen.
| Credits per month | Monthly | Annual (billed monthly) | Annual (billed upfront) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | $49 | $29 (+ free trial) | $25 ($299/ye) |
| 25 | $89 | $59 | $50 $599/ye) |
| 50 | $125 | $99 | $82 ($989/ye) |
| 150 | $189 | $149 | $125 ($1,499/ye) |
| 350 | $199 | $169 | $137 ($1,649/ye) |
| 750 | $249 | $199 | $167 ($1,999/ye) |
Team subscription
Shutterstock offers a subscription plan for images only called Team for $479/month. This subscription gives you 750 monthly downloads at $0.64/image and can be used by up to 10 team members who also get Shutterstock’s planning tools.
FLEX150
Companies can sign up for a 6x larger FLEX subscription that includes 150 credits and costs $3,999 if paid in advance. Each image and music track with a Standard license costs 1 credit, while Shutterstock footage costs 15 credits. This plan allows up to 10 seats/users.
FLEX Premium
For $5,000 per year, you get 1,000 credits that can be used by an unlimited number of users and 200 compositions without watermarks. Images, footage, and editorial images cost 5 credits, while Shutterstock music costs 20 credits. Each asset has the same rights as the standard license.
The reason for the price jump is directly related to the licensing aspect of the agreement. It’s a transition from a natural person (sole proprietor) to a company with more than one employee.
Image packs ($9.16–$14.50/image)
If you’re unsure when you’ll need additional content, image packs may be a better option than a subscription. With image packs, you only pay for and receive new downloads when you’ve used up your current batch. This means you don’t have to commit to a monthly or annual plan and can instead only pay for the content you actually need.
Shutterstock offers image packs in three sizes: 2, 5, and 25 images. These packs also come with two different license options: standard and advanced. Prices for the standard license range from $29 to $229 ($9.16 to $14.50 per image), while the advanced license ranges from $199 to $1,699 ($67.96 to $99.50 per image).
| Pack size | Standard | Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| 2 images | $29 ($14.50/image) | $199 ($99.50/image) |
| 5 images | $49 ($9.80/image) | $449 ($89.80/image) |
| 25 images | $229 ($9.16/image) | $1,699 ($67.96/image) |
Once you’ve used up your image pack downloads or they expire, the service will automatically renew. However, you can cancel this renewal anytime through the order summary page or your account settings after purchasing the pack.
Video packs ($51.96–$119.80/video)
Video packs are a good option for those who only need stock videos occasionally, as they do not require a long-term contract. They are available in three resolutions (SD, HD, and 4K) and three sizes (5, 10, and 25 videos), with prices ranging from $51.96 to $119.80 per video. You can choose between Standard and Enhanced licenses. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the specific video pack you select.
Standard license video packs
| Video resolution | SD | HD | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 videos | $299 ($59.80/video) | $359 ($71.80/video) | $599 ($119.80/video) |
| 10 videos | $549 ($54.90/video) | $669 ($66.90/video) | $999 ($99.90/video) |
| 25 videos | $1,299 ($51.96/video) | $1,579 ($63.16/video) | $2,299 ($91.96/video) |
Enhanced license video packs
| Video resolution | SD | HD | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 videos | $669 ($133.80/video) | $729 ($145.80/video) | $969 ($193.80/video) |
| 10 videos | $919 ($91.90/video) | $1,039 ($103.90/video) | $1,369 ($136.90/video) |
| 25 videos | $1,699 ($67.96/video) | $1,949 ($77.96/video) | $2,699 ($107.96/video) |
Unlimited Subscriptions for Music
The Unlimited Subscription allows you to download an unlimited number of music and sound effects tracks for a fixed monthly fee. It is available in three durations (monthly, annual, and annual prepaid) and two track types (Essential and Premium). The Essential Unlimited Subscription includes access to a wide range of tracks, while the Premium Unlimited Subscription includes all of the tracks in the Essential subscription, as well as additional tracks from PremiumBeat. Both subscriptions offer a convenient and cost-effective way to access a large number of tracks for your projects.
| Monthly | Annual | Annual prepaid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $29/month | $19/month | $199/year |
| Premium | $69/month | $49/month | $499/year |
Music On-demand
Unlike images and videos, music and sound effects cannot be purchased in packs. Instead, they must be downloaded on a per-file basis, meaning you can select and download individual music and sound effects tracks as needed rather than committing to a set number of files upfront.
The music is ten times as expensive as sound effects, both for the Standard and Enhanced license.
| Music | Sound effects | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard license | $49 | $5 |
| Enhanced license | $199 | $20 |
Editorial Image & Videos
Shutterstock has a collection of 50 million editorial images featuring news, sports, entertainment events, and archival content. These images and videos can be purchased individually for $199/image and $149/video, respectively. Alternatively, you can purchase a pack of 25 editorial images for $99/image. This allows you to download a set number of images at a discounted price.
Standard vs. Enhanced license cost
The Standard License for images costs between $0.22 and $14.50, while the Enhanced License costs between $67.69 and $99.50. The Standard License for videos costs between $8.35 and $119.80, while the Enhanced License costs between $67.96 and $193.80. Sound effects cost $5 with the Standard License and $20 with the Enhanced License, while music costs $49 with the Standard License and $199 with the Enhanced License. The Enhanced License is generally more expensive because it allows for a broader range of uses, including unlimited reproductions and the ability to use the asset in merchandise.
In the following table, we compare the pricing of the Standard and Enhanced licenses across all assets:
| Asset | Standard License | Enhanced License |
|---|---|---|
| Image | $0.22–$14.50/image | $67.69–$99.50/image |
| SD video | $8.35–$59.80/video | $67.96–$133.80/video |
| HD video | $8.35–$71.80/video | $77.96–$145.80/video |
| 4K video | $8.35–$119.80/video | $107.96–$193.80/video |
| Sound effects | $5 (or from $16.58/month) | $20 |
| Music | $49 (or from $41.58/month) | $199 |
Education pricing
Shutterstock does not offer education pricing as Adobe Stock does. However, students may get 40+ free images when they share their creative work with Shutterstock. What is more, submitting your work to Lecture In Progress may win a MacBook Air as a student.
Enterprise pricing
Shutterstock offers Enterprise pricing options for a variety of products and services, including images, videos, music, editorial, and API for developers. These plans are tailored to the specific needs of each company, so there is no predetermined cost for them. The pricing and terms of these plans will vary depending on the specific requirements of the company, so it is not possible to provide a general overview of the costs associated with Enterprise pricing. If you are interested in an Enterprise pricing plan, it is best to contact Shutterstock directly to discuss your needs and receive a customized quote.
Price per Asset
How much do Shutterstock images cost?
Shutterstock offers images with a Standard license at prices ranging from $0.22 to $14.50, depending on the subscription plan and the number of credits or downloads included. The All-in-one subscription plans offer Standard licenses for 750, 350, 150, 50, 25, and 10 credits at various prices, while the Multiple-users subscription plan offers Standard licenses for 750 downloads at a fixed price. Image packs with Standard licenses are also available for 2, 5, and 25 downloads at prices ranging from $9.16 to $14.50. Enhanced licenses for images are available in image packs for 2, 5, and 25 downloads at prices ranging from $67.96 to $99.50.
| Price per image | Plan | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.22 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 750 credits |
| $0.27 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 750 credits |
| $0.33 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 750 credits |
| $0.39 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 350 credits |
| $0.48 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 350 credits |
| $0.57 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 350 credits |
| $0.64 | Multiple-users subscriptions | Standard Image license | 750 downloads |
| $0.83 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 150 credits |
| $0.99 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 150 credits |
| $1.26 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 150 credits |
| $1.64 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 50 credits |
| $1.98 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 50 credits |
| $2.00 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 25 credits |
| $2.36 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 25 credits |
| $2.50 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 50 credits |
| $2.50 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 10 credits |
| $2.90 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 10 credits |
| $3.56 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 25 credits |
| $4.90 | All-in-one subscription | Standard Image license | 10 credits |
| $9.16 | Image pack | Standard Image license | 2 downloads |
| $9.80 | Image pack | Standard Image license | 5 downloads |
| $14.50 | Image pack | Standard Image license | 25 downloads |
| $67.96 | Image pack | Enhanced license | 2 downloads |
| $89.90 | Image pack | Enhanced license | 5 downloads |
| $99.50 | Image pack | Enhanced license | 25 downloads |
How much do Shutterstock videos cost?
Shutterstock offers video subscriptions with credits that can be used to download videos in SD, HD, or 4K resolution, costing $2.23 to $49.00 per video. Video packs with Standard licenses are also available in three sizes (5, 10, or 25 videos) and three resolutions (SD, HD, or 4K). Prices for Standard license packs range from $51.96 to $119.80 per video. Video packs with Enhanced licenses are also available in three sizes (5, 10, or 25 videos) and three resolutions (SD, HD, or 4K). Prices for Enhanced license packs range from $67.96 to $193.80 per video.
| Price per video | Plan | Resolution | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2.23 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 750 credits |
| $2.65 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 750 credits |
| $3.32 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 750 credits |
| $3.91 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 350 credits |
| $4.83 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 350 credits |
| $5.69 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 350 credits |
| $8.33 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 150 credits |
| $9.93 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 150 credits |
| $12.60 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 150 credits |
| $16.40 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 50 credits |
| $19.80 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 50 credits |
| $20.00 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 25 credits |
| $23.60 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 25 credits |
| $25.00 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 50 credits |
| $25.00 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 10 credits |
| $29.00 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 10 credits |
| $35.60 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 25 credits |
| $49.00 | All-in-one subscription | SD/HD/4K | 10 credits |
| $51.96 | Standard license pack | SD | 25 videos |
| $54.90 | Standard license pack | SD | 10 videos |
| $59.80 | Standard license pack | SD | 5 videos |
| $63.16 | Standard license pack | HD | 25 videos |
| $66.90 | Standard license pack | HD | 10 videos |
| $67.96 | Enhanced license pack | SD | 25 videos |
| $71.80 | Standard license pack | HD | 5 videos |
| $77.96 | Enhanced license pack | HD | 25 videos |
| $91.90 | Enhanced license pack | SD | 10 videos |
| $91.96 | Standard license pack | 4K | 25 videos |
| $99.90 | Standard license pack | 4K | 10 videos |
| $103.90 | Enhanced license pack | HD | 10 videos |
| $107.96 | Enhanced license pack | 4K | 25 videos |
| $119.80 | Standard license pack | 4K | 5 videos |
| $133.80 | Enhanced license pack | SD | 5 videos |
| $136.90 | Enhanced license pack | 4K | 10 videos |
| $145.80 | Enhanced license pack | HD | 5 videos |
| $193.80 | Enhanced license pack | 4K | 5 videos |
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is Shutterstock?
Shutterstock subscriptions are priced at $49 to $249 per month and are the best and most affordable way to get stock images at Shutterstock, paying between $0.22 and $4.90 per image.
Is Shutterstock worth paying for?
Shutterstock is a great option for individuals, small-to-medium-sized businesses, and corporations. It has diverse pricing, is easy to use, is affordable, and provides a large database of images, videos, music, and sound effects.
Conclusion
Shutterstock is a relatively inexpensive stock photo site with pricing starting as low as $0.22 per image. It’s also a good place to buy royalty-free stock videos, music, soundtracks, and even editorial images.
Sources
- Stock Photo, Royalty-Free Image Prices and Plans, Shutterstock. Retrieved: July 19, 2022.
- Video Clips, Stock Footage Pricing & Plans, Shutterstock. Retrieved: July 19, 2022.
- Royalty-free Stock Music Licensing Prices, Shutterstock. Retrieved: July 19, 2022.
- Editorial Stock Photos and Images, Shutterstock. Retrieved: July 19, 2022.
- Students: Get Free Images, Share Your Creative Work, and You May Win, Shutterstock, Updated: November 15, 2019. Retrieved: July 19, 2022.
- Students: Show us where you’ve used Shutterstock assets for the chance to win a MacBook Air!, Creative Lives in Progress, October 29, 2019. Retrieved: July 19, 2022.
- Shutterstock Flex, Shutterstock. Retrieved: July 19, 2022.
- Shutterstock Developer Portal – API Pricing Plans, Shutterstock. Retrieved: July 19, 2022.
- Enterprise End-to-end Creative Partner, Shutterstock. Retrieved: July 19, 2022.
About your guide
Matic Broz is a multifaceted creative professional, with experience as a photographer, graphic designer, and business owner. He has a decade of experience in helping other creatives improve their craft and start their own businesses. His writing and research have been featured in notable publications such as The Guardian, PetaPixel, and USA Today. Additionally, his scientific research has been recognized with a cover feature in the prestigious MDPI-owned journal. In his leisure time, he enjoys photography, hiking, and spending time with dogs. Read more
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