Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock: Which One Is Right for You?

Are you stuck between Adobe Stock and Shutterstock while working on a project?

Whether you’re making a video, creating a presentation, or building a website, choosing between these two most popular stock photography websites can be difficult.

That’s why I’ve crafted this detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.

In this article, we’ll compare both services on various aspects such as pricing, content quality, licensing options, and more.

By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the one that’s best suited to your needs.

Let’s dive in!

Shutterstock vs. Adobe Stock: Pricing and Subscription Plans

Adobe Stock and Shutterstock both offer a variety of pricing options to cater to different user needs, from individual creators to large enterprises.

Let’s break down their offerings to help you decide which service might be the better fit for your creative needs.

Plan	Adobe Stock (Annual commitment, billed monthly)	Adobe Stock (Month-to-month)	Shutterstock (Annual)	Shutterstock (Monthly)
3-10 assets/month	$29.99/mo (10 images or 1 video)	$29.99/mo (3 assets)	$299/year (10 images/month)	$49/month (10 images/month)
25-50 assets/month	$49.99/mo (25 images or 3 videos)	$69.99/mo (25 assets or 3 videos)	$979/year (50 images/month)	$125/month (50 images/month)
40 assets/month	$79.99/mo (40 images or 6 videos)	$99.99/mo (40 assets or 6 videos)	–	–
350 assets/month	–	–	$1649/year	$199/month
750 assets/month	$199.99/mo (750 images or 25 videos)	$249.99/mo (750 assets or 25 videos)	$1999/year	$249/month

Subscription Plans

Both Adobe Stock and Shutterstock offer subscription-based plans, allowing you to download a set number of assets each month.

These plans are ideal for users who need a steady stream of assets for their projects.

 

Adobe Stock Plans

Below are the annual commitment billed monthly plans:

• 10 standard assets or 1 video a month: $29.99/mo
• 25 standard assets or 3 videos a month: $49.99/mo
• 40 standard assets or 6 videos a month: $79.99/mo
• 750 standard assets or 25 videos a month: $199.99/mo

The above annual commitment plans offer free cancellation within the first 30 days of joining.

Month-to-month plans:

• 3 standard assets a month: $29.99/mo
• 25 standard assets or 3 videos a month: $69.99/mo
• 40 standard assets or 6 videos a month: $99.99/mo
• 750 standard assets or 25 videos a month: $249.99/mo

Additionally, Adobe Stock includes a 20% discount on purchases of extended licenses with their subscription plans.

Shutterstock Plans
Shutterstock’s subscription plans are designed for various usage levels:

• 10 downloads/month: $299/year or $49/month
• 50 downloads/month: $979/year or $125/month
• 350 downloads/month: $1649/year or $199/month
• 750 downloads/month: $1999/year or $249/month

Combined Subscriptions (Multiple Media Downloads)

Adobe Stock offers hybrid subscription plans that allow users to download both images and videos within the same plan.

For instance, their plans start with 1 video or 10 standard assets a month.

This option gives users the flexibility to mix and match their downloads based on their needs.

Shutterstock previously offered a Flex program that allowed users to download various types of content using a credit system, however, this program is no longer active at the time of writing.

Shutterstock now typically offers separate plans for images, footage and other assets.

On-Demand Plans

Both platforms offer on-demand options for users who don’t need regular content downloads.

Adobe Stock provides credit packs with options ranging from 5 credits to 150 credits.

Adobe Stock Credit Packs:

• 5 credits- typically buys 5 standard images, costs $49.95
• 16 credits- typically buys 16 standard images or 2 HD videos, costs $149.99
• 40 credits- typically buys 40 standard images or 5 HD videos, costs $359.99
• 80 credits- typically buys 80 standard images or 10 HD videos, costs $669.99
• 150 credits- typically buys 150 standard images or 18 HD videos, costs $1200

Credits last for one year from purchase and don’t auto-renew, allowing you to buy as and when needed.

With the credit packs, you get access to the entire collection of assets, including premium assets, templates and 3D.

Shutterstock Packs

Shutterstock offers image packs and footage clips on demand, with varying prices based on the number of assets you need.

Below are the image packs available in Shutterstock:

• 2 downloads: $29 (Standard license), $159 (Enhanced license)
• 5 downloads: $49 (Standard license), $359 (Enhanced license)
• 25 downloads: $229 (Standard license), $1359 (Enhanced license)

Shutterstock’s packs are valid for one year, similar to Adobe Stock’s credit expiration policy.

Extended Licenses (Enhanced Licenses)

Both stock image services offer standard as well as enhanced/extended licenses, providing a variety of additional benefits.

Adobe Stock Enhanced and Extended License

Extended license:

• Unlimited print runs, removing the 500,000 copy limit of the standard license
• Use in merchandise for resale, such as t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases
• Incorporation into templates or products for redistribution
• Use in high-value contexts like TV broadcasts, films, or large-scale out-of-home advertising

Enhanced license:

All the benefits of the standard license, plus:

• Unlimited reproductions/impressions
• No budget limitations for incorporating the asset into audiovisual productions
• Use in on-demand physical products (print-on-demand)
• A higher level of legal protection

Shutterstock Enhanced License

• Unlimited digital use and prints
• Use on physical items for resale (merchandise)
• Use in templates for resale
• Unlimited seats (users) within your organization
• Increased indemnity (up to $250,000 per image)
• No limitation on the size of your audience or distribution
• Electronic use in unlimited quantities (e-books, mobile apps, etc.)

Both platforms’ extended/enhanced licenses provide significantly more flexibility for commercial use, especially for large-scale projects or when creating products for resale.

While these licenses come at a higher cost, they offer broader usage rights for businesses and creators who need unrestricted use of stock imagery.

Additionally, Adobe Stock includes a 20% discount on purchases of extended licenses with their subscription plans, potentially offering savings for users who frequently need these expanded rights.

• More: How to Benefit from Adobe Stock (as a User or Contributor)

Which Is the Better Deal?

 

 

Determining the better deal between Shutterstock and Adobe Stock largely depends on your needs.

Consider the below factors before deciding on one of the services:

• Volume: If you need a high volume of images regularly, Shutterstock’s higher download limits might be more cost-effective.
• Variety: Adobe Stock’s hybrid plans allow both image and video downloads, which might be more valuable if you need diverse content types.
• Software Integration: If you’re already using Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Adobe Stock’s seamless integration could save you time and streamline your workflow.
• On-demand needs: Adobe Stock’s credit system offers flexibility for sporadic users, while Shutterstock’s on-demand packs might be preferable for those needing specific asset types.
• Extended licensing: Adobe Stock’s discount on extended licenses with subscriptions could be advantageous if you frequently need these additional rights.

It’s worth taking advantage of free trials offered by both platforms to test their libraries and interfaces before committing to a plan or credit pack.

Remember to regularly check both platforms for promotional offers, as they often run deals that can significantly affect the overall value proposition.

Shutterstock vs. Adobe Stock: Free Options

Feature	Adobe Stock	Shutterstock
Free trial available	✅	❌
Number of free downloads	10	3 per month
Trial length	30 days	N/A
Cancellation window	14 days after paid subscription begins	N/A
Access to all asset types	✅	❌
Requires account creation	✅	✅

When it comes to trying out stock photo services before committing to a paid plan, Adobe Stock and Shutterstock offer different options.

Adobe Stock offers a generous 30-day free trial that allows you to download 10 standard assets.

This trial gives you full access to their library, including photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos.

You won’t be charged during the trial period, and you can cancel risk-free before it ends.

Even after the trial ends, Adobe provides a 14-day window to cancel your paid subscription and receive a full refund.

Additionally, there are various assets available to be licensed for free on Adobe Stock, which you can download with the free Adobe account.

On the other hand, Shutterstock has closed its free trial program.

However, they’ve introduced a different approach to free offerings.

Shutterstock now provides three free image downloads per month from a curated selection of their vast library.

While this doesn’t offer the same flexibility as Adobe’s trial, it does provide a way to access some of Shutterstock’s content without any financial commitment.

To take advantage of Shutterstock’s free images:

1. Visit their free stock photos page
2. Click the blue Download link under the images you want
3. Create a free Shutterstock account
4. Complete the download process

However, you don’t have control over which specific images are available for free each month.

Both options require you to create an account, but the Adobe Stock free trial provides more flexibility in terms of asset types and quantity.

Is Adobe Stock Free with Creative Cloud?

No, Adobe Stock is not free with your Creative Cloud subscription.

However, you can take advantage of the free trial of Adobe Stock, which allows you to download a fixed number of premium assets for free.

You can also check Adobe Stock’s free library, which offers various assets like photos, videos, and vectors to be licensed for free.

Read more about how Adobe Stock integrates with Creative Cloud here.

Shutterstock vs. Adobe Stock: Image Quality and Selection

Content Library	Shutterstock	Adobe Stock
Still images (photos, vectors, templates, graphics)	400+ million	250+ million
License type	Royalty-Free	Royalty-Free
Extended license?	✅	✅
Stock Footage	24+ million	24 million
Music/Audio?	Tens of thousands	Tens of thousands
Premium content	✅	✅
3D content	❌	✅
Editorial Images	50 million	Available
Weekly New Assets	700,000+	Available
Image Style	Commercial-ready, professional	Artistic, creative

Shutterstock boasts an impressive library of 434 million images, making it one of the largest stock image catalogs on the web.

This vast collection ensures that you’ll find an abundance of results for any given keyword or theme.

Shutterstock adds over 700,000 new assets weekly, constantly refreshing its offerings.

Their library also includes 50 million editorial images, catering to news and current events needs.

The stock photos come in high-resolution and very large sizes, accommodating various usage needs.

A unique aspect of Shutterstock’s library is the presence of an entire photo series from the same photoshoot.

While this can lead to some repetition, it’s a valuable resource for visual storytelling and provides options for cohesive visual narratives.

• Complete Shutterstock License Guide

Adobe Stock, while having a slightly smaller library with 326 million images, still offers an extensive collection.

Their catalog was built on the foundation of the former Fotolia agency, which contributed tens of millions of images to start.

What sets Adobe Stock apart is its focus on creative content.

Their images have a distinct feel, selected not just for commercial value but also for artistic potential.

This makes Adobe Stock particularly appealing to designers and visual artists.

Adobe Stock’s images are also high-definition and large-sized, suitable for large-format printing and various digital applications.

They offer a Premium segment for exclusive, high-end content, as well as 3D assets.

Your choice between the two may depend on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a vast selection of commercially-ready images for marketing, advertising, or general business use, Shutterstock’s larger library and commercial focus might be your best bet.

However, if you’re a designer or visual artist looking for artsy, creatively inspiring images that you plan to incorporate into larger design projects, Adobe Stock’s artistic focus could be more aligned with your needs.

Another reason to go with Adobe Stock is the integration with all Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

Both platforms offer high-quality, professionally shot images, so you can’t go wrong with either choice in terms of image quality.

The decision will likely come down to the specific style and type of imagery you need for your projects.

Image Licensing Options

Both stock photo websites offer various licenses to accommodate different usage needs.

Feature	Shutterstock Standard License	Adobe Stock Standard License
Web/Digital Use	Unlimited	Unlimited
Print Runs	Up to 500,000	Up to 500,000
Merchandise	Not permitted	Not permitted
Use in templates	Not permitted	Not permitted
Modify asset	Permitted	Permitted
Worldwide use	Yes	Yes
Perpetual use	Yes	Yes
Indemnification	Up to $10,000 per image	Up to $10,000

Both Shutterstock and Adobe Stock offer similar rights with their standard licenses, providing great usability for most typical use cases.

However, there are some key differences and additional options to consider:

Standard License

• Both platforms allow unlimited digital use, including websites and apps.
• Both permit up to 500,000 print runs or views for physical materials.
• Neither allows use in merchandise or templates for resale with a standard license.
• Both grant worldwide perpetual use rights.

Key Differences:

• Shutterstock has comparatively easier conditions for indemnification claims than Adobe Stock.
• Shutterstock’s standard license includes use in TV, online video, and film with production budgets up to $10,000, which isn’t explicitly mentioned in Adobe Stock’s standard license.

Enhanced/Extended Licenses:

• Shutterstock’s Enhanced License removes the 500,000 print run limit and allows use in merchandise and templates.
• Adobe Stock offers both Enhanced and Extended Licenses:
  • Enhanced License removes the 500,000 copy/viewer restriction.
  • Extended License additionally allows use in merchandise and products for resale.

Editorial Use Licenses

Shutterstock’s Editorial License:

• Grants a single, editorial use of content, distributed worldwide in perpetuity.
• “Single-use” allows content to be used in one context (e.g., a news story) across multiple mediums.
• Strictly for newsworthy or human interest contexts, excluding commercial uses.
• Subject to restrictions such as no broadcast/cable/OTT use, no publication covers, and print runs limited to 500,000.
• May have additional “special restrictions” specified on the image detail page or metadata.

Adobe Stock’s Editorial License:

• Restricted to newsworthy or public interest topics in news-related media.
• Prohibits commercial use (ads, promotions, merchandise) even with an Extended license, unless additional permissions are obtained.
• Allows only minor technical adjustments, cropping, or resizing, maintaining the original context and integrity.
• Requires inclusion of a specific credit line for all uses.

Key Differences:

• Shutterstock allows editorial content to be reused across multiple platforms if it’s in the same context, while Adobe Stock doesn’t specify this flexibility.
• Adobe Stock explicitly mentions the prohibition of modifications beyond minor adjustments, whereas Shutterstock doesn’t address this in its basic editorial license terms.
• Shutterstock offers more detailed guidelines on usage restrictions, including print run limitations and broadcast restrictions.

Adobe Stock’s tiered approach (Standard, Enhanced, Extended) offers more granular options for specific needs.

On the other hand, Shutterstock’s Enhanced License combines features that Adobe Stock splits between Enhanced and Extended Licenses.

When choosing between the two, consider your specific usage requirements:

• For basic web and print needs within the 500,000 limit, both standard licenses are suitable.
• If you need unlimited print runs but not merchandise rights, Adobe Stock’s Enhanced License might be more cost-effective.
• For full flexibility, including merchandise, Shutterstock’s Enhanced License or Adobe Stock’s Extended License would be necessary.

Note that licensing terms can be changed over time, so be sure to review the full license agreements on both platforms before making a purchase.

Shutterstock and Adobe Stock Licensing: Key Differences

Adobe Stock vs Shutterstock: License Type Comparison

Feature	Adobe Stock Standard	Adobe Stock Enhanced	Adobe Stock Extended	Shutterstock Standard	Shutterstock Enhanced
Digital Use	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Print Run Limit	500,000 copies	Unlimited	Unlimited	500,000 copies	Unlimited
Merchandise/Resale	Not allowed	Not allowed	Allowed	Not allowed	Allowed
Use in Templates	Not allowed	Not allowed	Allowed	Not allowed	Allowed
Modifications	Allowed	Allowed	Allowed	Allowed	Allowed
Indemnification	Up to $10,000			Up to $10,000	Up to $250,000
Editorial Use	Restrictive, newsworthy contexts only, minor adjustments allowed			More flexible, single-use across multiple platforms in same context
Video Licensing	Included in many standard subscription plans			Typically separate or in higher-tier plans

By now, you would’ve seen how there’s a large overlap of features when it comes to licensing terms of Adobe Stock and Shutterstock.

However, there are certain differences between the two services that you should keep in mind before making your decision.

Let’s understand how the two services differ in terms of various license types with the help of the chart below.

Which Has Easier Licensing Terms?

Licensing Ease Comparison (More ★ = Easier)

Aspect	Adobe Stock	Shutterstock
License Structure Simplicity	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
Merchandise/Resale Rights Access	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
Editorial Use Flexibility	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
Video Content Access	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
Clarity of Terms	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆

When it comes to the ease of licensing terms, both Adobe Stock and Shutterstock have their strengths, but Shutterstock generally edges out with slightly more user-friendly terms in most areas.

Shutterstock’s two-tier license structure (Standard and Enhanced) is more straightforward than Adobe Stock’s three-tier system (Standard, Enhanced, and Extended).

Additionally, Shutterstock’s Enhanced license includes merchandise and resale rights, which requires Adobe Stock’s highest-tier Extended license.

In terms of editorial content use, Shutterstock again offers more flexibility as its licensing allows for broader use of editorial content across multiple platforms, as long as it’s within the same context.

Adobe Stock, on the other hand, is more restrictive, focusing primarily on newsworthy contexts and allowing only minor adjustments to editorial content.

When it comes to clarity of terms, Shutterstock provides more explicit information, particularly regarding indemnification, clearly specifying indemnification amounts for different license types.

Adobe Stock’s terms are less specific in this regard.

While Shutterstock appears to offer easier licensing terms overall, the best choice depends on individual needs.

Users who prioritize simplicity, clear terms, and easier access to merchandise rights might prefer Shutterstock.

Those who are into Adobe’s ecosystem might value the convenience that comes with the integration of various Adobe apps and Adobe Stock.

However, I’d recommend you review the full license agreements and consider your most common use cases when making a decision.

Shutterstock vs. Adobe Stock: Multimedia

Both stock agencies offer a wide array of multimedia options beyond traditional stock photography.

Below are some of the top asset categories available on these platforms:

Videos:
Both platforms provide extensive libraries of high-quality video content.

Shutterstock offers a vast collection of HD and 4K video clips, including specialized footage like aerial shots, time-lapses, and slow-motion videos.

However, there are no video downloads with the stock photography subscriptions, and footage plans and credit packs are independent of any other asset types.

Adobe Stock, while having a smaller library, offers a large number of video options and features video downloads with all their subscription plans.

• More: Best Places to Get Free and Cheap Stock Footage

Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock: Multimedia Asset Availability

Multimedia Type	Shutterstock	Adobe Stock
Footage (Video)	Yes	Yes
Music and Sound Effects	Yes	Yes
Vector Graphics	Yes	Yes
Templates	Yes	Yes
3D Assets	Yes	Yes
Editorial Content	Yes (Extensive collection)	Yes (Through partnerships)
AI-Generated Content	Yes	Yes

Music and Sound Effects: In recent years, both platforms have significantly expanded their audio offerings.

Shutterstock’s audio library includes a wide variety of music tracks and sound effects.

Adobe Stock also provides a curated selection of royalty-free music and audio effects, with the added benefit of easy integration into Adobe Audition.

Vector Graphics: Shutterstock has long been known for its extensive collection of vector illustrations and icons, making it a go-to resource for graphic designers.

Adobe Stock also offers a large selection of vector graphics, with the advantage of seamless integration into Adobe Illustrator, which can streamline workflows for Adobe users.

Templates: Both platforms offer a range of templates for various purposes. Shutterstock provides templates for social media, presentations, and websites, catering to a broad audience.

Adobe Stock excels in this area with its wide range of creative templates that are fully compatible with Adobe software, including After Effects templates and InDesign layouts, which can be a significant time-saver for professionals.

• More: How to Use Adobe Stock Templates in Premiere Pro

3D Assets: This is a growing area for both platforms. Shutterstock has recently introduced 3D models and renders to its collection, expanding its offerings.

However, Adobe has a more established 3D asset library, including models, materials, and lights, with the added benefit of integration into Adobe Dimension.

Editorial Content: Shutterstock has a strong reputation for its editorial images and videos, covering current events and providing archival content.

While Adobe Stock offers editorial content through partnerships with news agencies, Shutterstock’s offering in this area is generally considered more comprehensive.

AI-Generated Content: This is an emerging field where Shutterstock has taken the lead by introducing AI image generation in partnership with OpenAI.

Adobe Stock has also recently ventured into AI-generated content, which uses its own engine to create images using text prompts.

• More: Adobe Firefly vs. Midjourney vs. DALL-E

Shutterstock vs. Adobe Stock: Editing Tools

Shutterstock offers standalone, accessible editing tools suitable for a wide range of users, while Adobe Stock excels in professional-grade editing capabilities through its integration with Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

Let’s take a look at what each platform offers in terms of editing tools:

Shutterstock:
Shutterstock offers a range of user-friendly editing tools accessible to both casual and professional users, which include:

• An in-platform basic editor for quick adjustments
• Shutterstock Create, an advanced online design tool with features like background removal and text overlay
• AI Image Generation tool for creating custom images from text prompts
• Mobile apps for on-the-go editing and asset management

Adobe Stock: Adobe Stock’s editing capabilities are deeply integrated with the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem. Some of the key features include:

• Seamless integration with professional tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro
• Adobe Express, a free online and mobile tool for quick graphic design
• In-app editing and customization of templates within Adobe applications
• AI image generation and AI search to enhance asset discovery and suggest relevant content

Shutterstock vs. Adobe Stock: Customer Service & User Experience

As someone who’s spent hours on both Shutterstock and Adobe Stock, I can tell you that each platform has its own pros and cons when it comes to customer service and user experience.

Let’s start with Shutterstock. The moment you land on their site, you’re greeted with a clean, no-nonsense interface. It’s like walking into a well-organized library – everything’s where you’d expect it to be.

Their search function is a breeze to use, with useful filters that make it easy to find the perfect image in minutes.

Shutterstock’s customer support is available on chat 24/7 and can understand multiple languages.

Their mobile app offers a smooth, intuitive interface for times when you need an asset on the go.

Coming to Adobe Stock, it offers a unique experience, especially if you’re subscribed to Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.

The integration with Creative Cloud is where it really shines. Being able to search for and license images without leaving the app gives a seamless experience.

One area where Adobe Stock has a clear edge is its powerful AI image generation and AI search, which often suggest assets that are just right for your projects.

Their UI is slick and modern and feels very similar to other Adobe products. However, I’ve found their licensing options can be a bit complex to understand.

In terms of support, Adobe Stock is a bit lacking compared to Shutterstock. There’s no chat support available that’s specific to the service itself but rather a common support to all Adobe products.

However, the Adobe community forums are a great resource when you’re looking for resolutions to frequently-faced issues.

• More: Complete Guide to Becoming a Shutterstock Contributor

Additional Services and Features

Both Shutterstock and Adobe Stock have evolved into comprehensive creative platforms, each with unique additional services and features.

Let’s dive into what sets them apart:

Shutterstock:

1. Shutterstock Editor: This free online tool is a great choice for quick edits and is helpful at times when you want to resize images or add text overlays without needing to fire up Photoshop.
2. Shutterstock Create: A more advanced design tool that’s great for creating social media posts, presentations, and even simple video content with modern and easily customizable templates.
3. AI Image Generator: While it’s still in its early stages, it’s impressive how you can create unique images from text prompts. It’s not perfect, but it’s improving rapidly.
4. Shutterstock Studios: This is their custom content creation service for times when you need a bespoke photo shoot or video production.

Adobe Stock:

1. Creative Cloud Integration: The seamless integration with apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro is a massive time-saver. You can search for, edit, and license assets without ever leaving your workflow.
2. Adobe Express: Similar to Shutterstock Editor but with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from Adobe. It’s great for quick social media graphics or simple design tasks.
3. Premium Collection: Adobe Stock’s curated high-end content is impressive. It’s pricier, but the quality is top-notch for those special projects where only the best will do.
4. Adobe Fonts Integration: With your Adobe Stock subscription, you get access to the entire Adobe Fonts library.

Additionally, both platforms offer APIs for enterprise clients, which is great for businesses looking to integrate stock media directly into their workflows.

Shutterstock vs. Adobe Stock: Which Is Better for You?

Choosing between Shutterstock and Adobe Stock isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Both platforms have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and workflow.

When choosing between the two, consider these key factors:

Content Library Size and Variety

Shutterstock:

• Massive library with over 400 million images
• Extensive collection of vectors, footage, and music
• Recently added AI-generated content

Adobe Stock:

• Smaller but still huge and high-quality library
• Strong in premium, curated content
• Excellent 3D asset collection

Pricing and Plans

Shutterstock:

• Generally more affordable, especially for high-volume users
• Flexible image packs for occasional users
• Competitive pricing for enterprise solutions

Adobe Stock:

• Higher pricing, particularly for premium content
• Offers both videos and images on all subscriptions
• Tiered pricing based on asset quality and usage rights

Licensing and Usage Rights

Shutterstock:

• Straightforward, easy-to-understand licensing terms
• More flexible terms for editorial content
• Clear indemnification policies

Adobe Stock:

• More complex licensing structure
• Offers extended licenses for broader usage rights
• Licensing integrated with Creative Cloud workflows

Integration with Creative Tools

Shutterstock:

• Basic online editor for quick adjustments
• Shutterstock Create for more advanced online editing
• Plugins available for some design software

Adobe Stock:

• Seamless integration with Creative Cloud applications
• In-app browsing and licensing within Adobe software
• Direct access to assets in tools like Photoshop and Premiere Pro

Search and Discovery Features

Shutterstock:

• Intuitive search with effective filters
• AI-powered similar image search
• Curated collections and trending topics

Adobe Stock:

• AI-enhanced search capabilities
• Visual search feature
• Intelligent tagging and filtering

Customer Support and Resources

Shutterstock:

• 24/7 customer support in multiple languages
• Extensive tutorial library and webinars
• Active community forums

Adobe Stock:

• Support tied to Creative Cloud subscription level
• Comprehensive learning resources through Adobe Learn
• Large user community for peer support

Who Is Shutterstock Best for?

Shutterstock is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, freelancers, and content creators who need a vast, diverse library of assets at competitive prices.

It’s particularly suited for those who value straightforward licensing and flexible pricing options, and prefer asset-specific plans and packs.

Who Is Adobe Stock Best for?

Adobe Stock is ideal for professional creatives and agencies that are deeply integrated into the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem.

It’s a great choice for designers, video editors, and marketers who prioritize seamless workflow integration within Adobe applications and require high-quality, curated content.

The platform especially suits enterprises and larger teams needing robust collaboration features and centralized asset management across Adobe tools.