Shutterstock License Guide: Everything You Need to Know

This Shutterstock license guide will help you navigate the sometimes daunting world of stock photos.

You’ll also find useful information on licensing other types of Shutterstock content.

To avoid accidental copyright infringement, it’s important to be clear about what you can and can’t do with the license you purchase.

So, keep reading to understand more about downloading and using stock photos.

Remember that this is only an introductory article and is not meant to substitute legal advice. For complete and updated information, always refer to the official Shutterstock website.

What is a Shutterstock License?

 

The Shutterstock website sells media with a royalty-free license.

Shutterstock offers two licenses with different usage rights: the Standard Royalty Free license and the Enhanced one. Generally speaking, this is an individual license unless you have a Team or an Enterprise account.

Most licensed images can be used multiple times, but you don’t own the copyright, and they are not exclusive to you.

Keep on reading to learn more details.

• Guide to Image Licensing

Can I Use Shutterstock Images Commercially?

Image licensing can be complicated, but the question that most people worry about is, “Can I use Shutterstock images for commercial use?”

The answer is yes, except for the images labeled for editorial use. It doesn’t matter which type of license you purchase—both allow commercial use, such as online advertising.

You shouldn’t confuse this with the possibility of using stock images on merchandising or wall art. This is only allowed with the Enhanced license.

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How Much Is a Shutterstock License?

The first factor that determines the cost of a license is the type of media. I’ll focus on image licenses, but you can also buy video, music, generative AI, Dev API, and editorial plans.

The next thing to decide is whether you want to buy credit packs or a subscription pack.

On the plus side, packs allow you to use your credits as needed – this is ideal if you only need images occasionally. On the downside, the cost per image is higher.

Subscriptions allow you to save money if you have a high demand for images. However, the final expense is higher, and you need to commit to a longer period.

A good compromise could be a month-by-month subscription. This way, the cost per image is lower than it is on credits, and unlike an annual subscription, you can cancel the subscription at any time.

These are the current prices:

Standard License Packs 

• 2 downloads – $22
• 5 downloads – $49
• 25 downloads – $229

Enhanced License Packs

• 2 downloads – $49
• 5 downloads – $109
• 25 downloads – $429

Annual Subscription (paid upfront)

• 10 downloads per month – $299/year
• 50 downloads per month – $979/year
• 350 downloads per month – $1649/year
• 750 downloads per month – $1999/year

Annual Subscription (paid monthly)

• 10 downloads per month – $29/month
• 50 downloads per month – $99/month
• 350 downloads per month – $169/month
• 750 downloads per month – $199/month

Month-by-Month Subscription  

• 10 downloads per month – $49/month
• 50 downloads per month – $125/month
• 350 downloads per month – $199/month
• 750 downloads per month – $249/month

These are all single-user prices. You can apply for different plans if you’re a team or business.

When you purchase on-demand packs, you can choose the type of license. Instead, all subscriptions come only with standard licenses. If you want an enhanced license, you need to pay extra. Let’s see the terms of each type of license.

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Shutterstock License Types

Here’s an overview of what you can and can’t do with each license type. The full terms are on Shutterstock’s license page.

Standard Image License

A standard license is the default setting for all image subscription plans and the cheapest alternative for credit packs. This is because it’s more restrictive than the others.

A Standard Image license grants permission for digital reproduction, inclusion in video and audiovisual productions (provided the budget doesn’t exceed US$10,000), up to 500,000 printed reproductions, and outdoor advertising with up to 500,000 gross impressions.

Enhanced Image License

The Enhanced license adds flexibility to what the Shutterstock standard license covers.

Enhanced licenses don’t have a reproduction or printing limit. They also remove budget limitations on video productions, so you can incorporate the images into any audio-visual.

You can also use the enhanced image license to incorporate images into merchandise, such as for sale and promotional distribution or as wall art.

You can also use these images inside digital templates.

Editorial Licenses

Unlike the other Shutterstock licenses, an image with an Editorial license cannot be used for any commercial purpose. It can only be used to describe something of public interest, such as the news.

Also, this type of license is granted for a single use – meaning one blog article or news story. However, it allows you to publish it across unlimited media and distribution channels.

However, you can’t use them on publication covers or include them in print runs over 500,000.

Enterprise Licenses

Shutterstock Enterprise is a platform for specific publishing needs. Among other perks, it allows unlimited users and grants full indemnification.

If you have this type of account, you can choose between two types of licenses: Premier and Media.

A Media license is more limited as it doesn’t allow transfer of rights, sensitive use, or use in merchandise or wall art, and the indemnification has a cap of 10K or 50% Spend.

The Premier license allows all those things and has an uncapped legal indemnification.

• The Complete Guide to Becoming a Shutterstock Contributor

How to License an Image or Video on Shutterstock

 

Start by browsing Shutterstock’s library. You can use the search bar to input whatever you’re looking for, or you can use the menus to navigate the website.

Once you see an image or video you like, click on its thumbnail. Once you’re on its page, you’ll see a bigger version of the asset with watermarks.

Next to it, you’ll see the starting options for licensing it and the price. For images, this means 2 credits or a 10-image subscription plan. Alternatively, you can click on See All Plans and purchase a different option.

Select the plan or pack that better suits your needs and click Download.

Now, you’ll be prompted to log in to your account or create one if you don’t have one yet.

Then, pick your payment method and download your asset.

How to Download a Shutterstock Image License

You can request proof of license from Shutterstock. Simply complete the form on the website or ask the representative to do so if you have a Team account.

Within five business days, you’ll receive the document. This service is only available in English at the moment.

How to Credit Shutterstock Images (+ When to Do It)

In most cases, you don’t need to credit the images when you use them – although it’s always good practice.

However, it is mandatory when the image is used for editorial content, on merchandise, or in a video production.

Whenever you’re crediting a photo, this is the format you should use:

• On social media, a blog post, or anywhere where it isn’t mandatory – “Artist’s Name/Shutterstock.com”
• In an editorial piece – “Artist’s Name/Shutterstock.com”
• On merchandise – “Image(s) used under license from Shutterstock.com.”
• On a video production – “Image(s) and/or video used under license from Shutterstock.com.”

In all cases, it should be clearly visible. For further information regarding credits, check out this Shutterstock support page.

How Does a Shutterstock Music License Work?

You need a music subscription to license music or sound effects. Although the subscription is unlimited, the daily cap is 40 downloads.

The plan offers the Standard Music License, but you can purchase an Enhanced one for an extra fee.

Both licenses offer worldwide digital use on social media platforms like TikTok or video-sharing services like YouTube, podcasts, and corporate and personal usage.

For mobile apps, games, or DVDs, you need an Enhanced Music License, which allows up to 1000 downloads or copies. The same goes for TV and radio pilots and public broadcasting.

TV and radio advertising, as well as industry and point-of-sale, is granted to a single territory.

Films, theatre plays, and live performances are only allowed for student projects with any of the two licenses.

For more detailed information, please visit Shutterstock’s music licensing page.

• Guide to Using Stock Music in Film Projects

Do I Need a License to Use Shutterstock AI?

 

Yes, you need a Shutterstock subscription plan to use the AI generator. Then, you’ll be able to create content that you can download and use.

Regarding the Shutterstock license, AI-generated images work the same way as stock photography.

FAQs About Shutterstock Licensing

Do you need a license to use Shutterstock?

Yes, you need a license to use Shutterstock’s media. In most cases, you have to pay for the license. However, Shutterstock offers a free photo or vector per week with a Standard license.

How long does a Shutterstock license last?

A Shutterstock license doesn’t expire. So, you can be sure you’re using your media legally even after you’ve canceled your account or many years have passed since the download.

What is Shutterstock all media license?

A media license is a custom service offered by Shutterstock. They can tailor the license to your specific needs. If you want a media license, you should contact them directly.

What is the difference between standard license and enhanced license on Shutterstock?

An enhanced license gives you more freedom than the standard one. With an enhanced license, you get unlimited reproductions, the ability to use images and vectors in merchandising, and more. You can visit Shutterstock’s license comparison page to see all the differences.

What is the difference between Shutterstock premium and standard?

Shutterstock Premium offers exclusive, high-quality content like Offset images, which are priced separately and not included in standard subscriptions or packs. The Standard library provides a broader selection of regular stock assets included in subscription plans.

What is Shutterstock Offset?

Shutterstock Offset is a premium collection of visual assets featuring high-quality images from award-winning artists. The assets are priced separately, and they can’t be acquired with the subscription or pack you use to buy licenses from the standard library.

Can I use Shutterstock images on my website with standard license?

Yes, the Standard license allows you to use Shutterstock images on your website, including for commercial purposes, as long as the image is not labeled “Editorial Use Only.” Images marked “Editorial Use Only” can only be used for non-commercial, editorial purposes, such as news articles or blogs.

How do I legally use Shutterstock images?

You can legally use the images if you downloaded them with an active subscription or use credits if you respect the license terms.

How do I prove I have a Shutterstock license?

You can request proof of license from Shutterstock by submitting a form that is available on their website. If you are part of a team, you can ask your representative to request proof from Shutterstock.