Understanding Shutterstock's License Types: Choosing the Right Usage for Your Needs

I. Introduction

Shutterstock is the most popular stock photo agency in the world, with a library of over 300 million images. When you purchase a Shutterstock image, you are not just buying the image itself, you are also buying a license to use the image. Shutterstock offers four different types of licenses, each with its own set of permissions.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Shutterstock's license types and help you choose the right one for your needs. We will discuss the features of each license, who each license is best for, and how each license can be used.

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II. The Standard License

The Shutterstock Standard License is the most basic license offered by Shutterstock. It allows you to use the image for commercial purposes, but there are some limitations. For example, you can only use the image for 500,000 copies and you are limited to a legal indemnification of $10,000.

The Standard License is a good choice for most people who need to use stock images for commercial purposes. It is relatively inexpensive and it offers a wide range of permissions. However, if you need more extensive permissions, such as the ability to use the image in merchandise or in video productions, you may want to consider the Enhanced License.

Here are some of the key features of the Standard License:

Worldwide and perpetual use
Commercial use
Unlimited web distribution
Up to 500,000 copies
Legal indemnification up to $10,000

Here are some examples of how the Standard License can be used:

You can use the image on your website or in your marketing materials.
You can use the image in a print publication, such as a book or magazine.
You can use the image in a video production, as long as the production budget is under $10,000.
You can use the image for personal, non-commercial use.

This video explains how to understand Shutterstock's License Types:

III. The Enhanced License

The Shutterstock Enhanced License is a more comprehensive license that offers a wider range of permissions than the Standard License. With the Enhanced License, you can use the image for commercial purposes, unlimited web distribution, merchandise, and video productions. You are also covered by a legal indemnification of $250,000.

The Enhanced License is a good choice for businesses that need to use stock images for a variety of purposes. It is more expensive than the Standard License, but it offers more extensive permissions.

Here are some of the key features of the Enhanced License:

Worldwide and perpetual use
Commercial use
Unlimited web distribution
Unlimited merchandise use
Unlimited video use
Legal indemnification up to $250,000

Here are some examples of how the Enhanced License can be used:

You can use the image on your website or in your marketing materials.
You can use the image in a print publication, such as a book or magazine.
You can use the image in video production, regardless of the production budget.
You can use the image on merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs, and posters.
You can use the image for personal, non-commercial use.

The Enhanced License is a good choice for businesses that need to use stock images for a variety of purposes. It is more expensive than the Standard License, but it offers more extensive permissions. Businesses that need to use stock images in merchandise or video productions should consider the Enhanced License.

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IV. The Editorial License

The Shutterstock Editorial License is a license that allows you to use images for editorial purposes only. This means that you can use the images in news stories, blog posts, and other editorial content. You cannot use the images for commercial purposes, such as advertising or marketing.

The Editorial License is a good choice for journalists, bloggers, and other content creators who need to use images in editorial content. It is relatively inexpensive and it offers a wide range of permissions for editorial use.

Here are some of the key features of the Editorial License:

Worldwide and perpetual use
Editorial use only
Unlimited web distribution
Up to 500,000 copies
Legal indemnification up to $25,000

Here are some examples of how the Editorial License can be used:

You can use the image in a news story about a current event.
You can use the image in a blog post about a new product or service.
You can use the image in a social media post about a current event.
You can use the image for personal, non-commercial use.

Here are some of the differences between the Editorial License and the Standard License:

The Editorial License can only be used for editorial purposes, while the Standard License can be used for both commercial and editorial purposes.
The Editorial License is less expensive than the Standard License.
The Editorial License has a lower legal indemnification limit than the Standard License.

#nickycampbell Hardly ever agree with John Mann but on anonymity of the #BBCPresenter he must be 100% correct.
Seems your editorial team are putting through to odd idiot who think it has something to do with the BBC license fee. 🤦‍♂️@TheSun are the mischief makers here.@bbc5live
— N S (@TurraloonNS) July 12, 2023

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V. The Premier License

The Shutterstock Premier License is the most comprehensive license offered by Shutterstock. It offers all of the permissions of the Enhanced License, plus additional benefits, such as:

Unlimited indemnification
Sensitive use rights
Transferable third-party rights
Access to the Shutterstock Enterprise Platform

Here are some of the key features of the Premier License:

Worldwide and perpetual use
Commercial use
Unlimited web distribution
Unlimited merchandise use
Unlimited video use
Unlimited indemnification
Sensitive use rights
Transferable third-party rights
Access to the Shutterstock Enterprise Platform

Here are some examples of how the Premier License can be used:

You can use the image on your website or in your marketing materials.
You can use the image in a print publication, such as a book or magazine.
You can use the image in video production, regardless of the production budget.
You can use the image on merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs, and posters.
You can use the image for personal, non-commercial use.

The Premier License is a good choice for businesses that need the most comprehensive set of permissions for using stock images. It is more expensive than the Enhanced License, but it offers more extensive benefits. Businesses that need to use stock images in sensitive applications or that need to transfer the rights to use the image to third parties should consider the Premier License.

VI. FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between the Standard License and the Enhanced License?

The Standard License and the Enhanced License are both commercial licenses that allow you to use Shutterstock images for a variety of purposes. However, there are some key differences between the two licenses.

The Standard License allows you to use the image for up to 500,000 copies and you are limited to a legal indemnification of $10,000. The Enhanced License allows you to use the image for an unlimited number of copies and you are covered by a legal indemnification of $250,000.

The Enhanced License also allows you to use the image in merchandise and video productions, while the Standard License does not.

Q2: Which license should I choose?

If you need to use an image for commercial purposes, but you don't need to use it in merchandise or video productions, then the Standard License is a good choice. If you need to use an image in merchandise or video productions, or if you need more legal protection, then the Enhanced License is a better choice.

Q3: What is the difference between the Editorial License and the Standard License?

The Editorial License and the Standard License are both commercial licenses that allow you to use Shutterstock images. However, there are some key differences between the two licenses.

The Editorial License can only be used for editorial purposes, while the Standard License can be used for both commercial and editorial purposes. This means that you cannot use the Editorial License for advertising or marketing purposes.

The Editorial License also has a lower legal indemnification limit than the Standard License.

Q4: Which license should I choose?

If you need to use an image for editorial purposes, then the Editorial License is the best choice for you. If you need to use an image for commercial purposes, then the Standard License or the Enhanced License is a better choice.

Q5: Can I use Shutterstock images for free?

Yes, you can use Shutterstock images for free if you are using them for personal, non-commercial purposes. However, if you are using them for commercial purposes, you will need to purchase a license.

Q6: How do I purchase a Shutterstock license?

You can purchase a Shutterstock license by visiting the Shutterstock website and selecting the license that you need. You can then pay for the license with a credit card or PayPal.

Q7: How do I find the right Shutterstock license for my needs?

The first step is to consider the purpose of the image. What will you be using the image for? Once you know the purpose of the image, you can start to consider the different licenses that are available. The next step is to consider the budget. How much are you willing to spend on a license? Shutterstock offers a variety of licenses, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget.

Q8: What are the limitations of the Standard License?

The Standard License has a few limitations, including:

You can only use the image for up to 500,000 copies.
You are limited to a legal indemnification of $10,000.
You cannot use the image in merchandise or video productions.

Q9: What are the limitations of the Editorial License?

The Editorial License also has a few limitations, including:

You can only use the image for editorial purposes.
You are limited to a legal indemnification of $25,000.
You cannot use the image for commercial purposes, such as advertising or marketing.

VII. Conclusion

Shutterstock offers a variety of licenses that allow you to use their images for a variety of purposes. The best license for you will depend on your specific needs. If you need to use an image for commercial purposes, but you don't need to use it in merchandise or video productions, then the Standard License is a good choice. If you need to use an image in merchandise or video productions, or if you need more legal protection, then the Enhanced License is a better choice.

When choosing a license, it is important to consider the purpose of the image, your budget, and the permissions that you need. Shutterstock's website has a helpful FAQ section that can answer any questions that you may have.