Introduction:
Shutterstock.com is a popular stock photo agency that provides millions of royalty-free images, videos, and music tracks to creative professionals, businesses, and individuals. Founded in 2003, the company has become a go-to destination for designers, marketers, bloggers, and publishers who want to find high-quality and affordable visual content for their projects.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Massive library of 330 million+ assets
- High-quality images, videos, and music tracks
- Searchable by keyword, color, orientation, and more
- Easy to navigate and filter search results
- Flexible pricing and subscription plans
- Free trial and free image/song of the week
- Advanced features such as lightbox, editor, and API integration
Cons:
- Not all assets are exclusive or unique
- Some content may be overused or cliché
- Subscription plans can be expensive for occasional users
- No refunds or cancellations for unused downloads
- Customer service can be slow or unhelpful
User Experience:
Shutterstock.com offers a user-friendly and intuitive platform that allows users to quickly and easily find, preview, and download the assets they need. The website's layout and design are clean, modern, and responsive, making it easy to browse, filter, and sort through search results. The advanced search features and suggestions help users narrow down their queries and find the most relevant assets. The preview and editing tools allow users to see and adapt the assets to their needs before downloading them.
Pricing and Value for Money:
Shutterstock.com offers several pricing and subscription plans that cater to different budgets and needs. The most popular options are the monthly and annual subscription plans that provide a fixed number of downloads per month or year, depending on the plan. The price per download can vary from $0.27 to $7.80, depending on the plan and the asset type. The on-demand option allows users to buy credits that they can use to buy individual assets, with prices starting from $9.16 per credit. The value for money depends on the user's volume and frequency of use, as well as the quality and uniqueness of the assets they download.
Alternatives:
There are several other stock photo agencies that offer similar or different features and benefits to Shutterstock.com, such as Adobe Stock, iStock, Getty Images, Depositphotos, and Unsplash. The choice of alternative depends on the user's specific needs and preferences, such as pricing, quality, quantity, exclusivity, and licensing terms.
Customer Service:
Shutterstock.com provides customer service through various channels, such as email, phone, and live chat. The response time and quality can vary depending on the type and urgency of the issue. Some users have reported slow or unhelpful responses from customer service, while others have praised their professionalism and efficiency. The website also provides a help center that includes FAQs, tutorials, and articles on various topics related to the website and its features.
Product Quality and Selection:
Shutterstock.com offers a vast selection of 330 million+ assets that cover a wide range of categories and themes, such as nature, business, lifestyle, food, travel, and more. The quality of the assets can vary depending on the contributor and the review process, but most of them are of high quality and resolution. Some users have reported issues with finding unique or exclusive assets, while others have found plenty of them. The website also provides an editor tool that allows users to customize certain aspects of the assets, such as size, color, and text.
Website Usability:
Shutterstock.com's website is easy to navigate and use, with clear and prominent features and functions. The search bar and filters are visible and accessible from any page, and the sorting and preview options allow users to refine and check their results. The account dashboard provides useful information and settings, such as download history, downloads remaining, and subscription details. The website is also mobile-responsive and supports various browsers and devices.
Returns and Exchanges:
Shutterstock.com does not offer refunds or cancellations for unused downloads or subscription plans. However, if a user encounters a technical or quality issue with an asset, they can contact customer service to request a refund or replacement. The website also provides a content approval process that ensures that all assets comply with the website's guidelines and license terms.
Promotions and Discounts:
Shutterstock.com offers various promotions and discounts throughout the year, such as holiday sales, seasonal themes, and occasional offers. The website also provides a free image or song of the week that users can download for free, without any obligation or cost. The website occasionally collaborates with partners and sponsors to provide exclusive offers and deals to its users.
Reputation:
Shutterstock.com has a positive reputation among users and professionals in the creative industry, who praise its vast selection, quality, and reliability. The company has won several awards and accolades for its products and services, such as the Stevie Awards for Customer Service, the Webby Awards for Best Photography Website, and the Software and Information Industry Association CODiE Awards. The company also adheres to ethical and social responsibilities, such as environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community involvement.
Payment Options:
Shutterstock.com provides various payment options that cater to different preferences and needs, such as credit and debit cards, PayPal, and wire transfer. The website also supports auto-renewal and auto-billing options for subscription plans, which allow users to avoid manual payments and renewals. The website's payment gateway is secure, encrypted, and compliant with industry standards and regulations.
Loyalty Programs:
Shutterstock.com offers a loyalty program called Shutterstock Rewards, which rewards users with discounts, extended licenses, and exclusive offers based on their download and subscription history. The program has three tiers, silver, gold, and platinum, and each tier provides more benefits and rewards than the previous one. The program also includes a referral program that rewards users who refer new customers to the website.
Customer Reviews:
Shutterstock.com has mixed reviews from customers, with some praising its quality, selection, and user experience, while others criticize its pricing, customer service, and exclusivity. The website also provides a review system that allows users to rate and review the assets they download and help other users make informed decisions. The website also collects and analyzes user feedback and suggestions to improve its services and products.
Community Involvement:
Shutterstock.com is committed to environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community involvement. The company has launched several initiatives and programs that support these values, such as Shutterstock Sustainability, which aims to reduce the company's carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly operations, and Shutterstock Editorial Grant, which supports photographers and journalists who cover important social and political issues. The company also encourages its employees to volunteer and engage in philanthropy and social activism.
Shipping and Costs:
Shutterstock.com is a digital platform that does not involve physical shipping or handling, so there are no shipping or handling costs or fees. The website's pricing and subscription plans are transparent and include all applicable taxes and charges. However, users should be aware of any additional costs or fees that may apply, such as extended licenses or custom orders.
