Shutterstock Reviews

User Rating

1.2/5 (Based on 554 Ratings)

Rating Distribution

Excellent
2.2%
Very Good
0.7%
Average
1.3%
Poor
2.5%
Terrible
93.3%

User Sentiments

Extensive Image Library, High-Quality Images, Ease of Use, Effective Search Functionality

Misleading Subscription Practices, Difficult Cancellation Process, Lack of Unused Credit Rollover, High Cancellation Fees

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Review Summary

Shutterstock receives mixed feedback from users, garnering praise for its extensive library of high-quality images, user-friendly interface, and efficient customer service. However, some reviewers criticize the expensive subscription fees, occasional technical glitches, and limited control over image usage. Additionally, concerns are raised regarding copyright issues and the platform's handling of user-generated content.

Pros

Extensive image library with highquality, royaltyfree content.
Easytouse interface and intuitive search functionality.
Flexible licensing options and reasonable pricing plans.

Cons

Potential for copyright infringement if images are not properly licensed.
Occasional technical issues and slow loading times reported by users.
Limited number of free images available for download.

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Reviews

Barbara Schallmo

January 18, 2026 Source: Trustpilot.com

I would like to send a check since I…

I would like to send a check since I don’t xenf money over the internet can you send me an address?

Aaron

May 16, 2025 Source: Trustpilot.com

Very good experience

Very good experience. Purchased 50 images for month to month, no contract price of £75 (plus VAT). Many coupon codes floating around can bring the price down. Much better value than similar iStock plan (£109) or Adobe Stock (£60 for 40 images, so same price per download but you have to pay more for premium images). Was able to cancel contract afterwards in my account dashboard no problem, and licenses are for forever. Excellent variety of high quality photos. Excellent search and reverse search (i.e. upload a photo to see if they have it or similar ones) features. Lots of additional features to edit images and AI that I didn't need. User experience very simple, elegant and easy to use.

Daleen Eloff

October 7, 2024 Source: Trustpilot.com

Excellent customer support and great images

I recently purchased a great image from Shutterstock, I had a querie regarding the billing and annual plans and found the support I received from them very prompt, personal and helpful. I am delighted with the service I received and the great image I downloaded, they really do stand out as having distinctive photos.

Life So Strange

August 13, 2024 Source: Trustpilot.com

Hello,

Hello,
well, after read so many negative reviews, I still can't understand why people's complain about subscription, everywhere is checked up yearly subscription, to save money, always exist chance pay monthly, and for sure if don't want service anymore can cancel.
Well ok, I giving 5 stars, I'm new as contributor here, I'm musician,not even pro photographer, but I always wanted to try,and for sure I will do, and only Shutterstock approved my photos, while others declined. That great by accepting newbies, also they have mobile app, easy to use, nice app, reviews very fast , they say up to 5 days, but getting reviewed in 1 day always, can't see any bad things from their side at the moment, so 5 stars.

Tiffani O

December 4, 2023 Source: G2.com

"Marketing Coordinator"

What do you like best about Shutterstock?

A lot of vector. I have to resize and utlize many vector pieces to make a unique piece of artwork for my campaign

What do you dislike about Shutterstock?

Not a lot of Variety sometimes when I am looking up specific healthcare items

What problems is Shutterstock solving and how is that benefiting you?

I don't have any issues.

Jennifer F

November 28, 2023 Source: G2.com

"Great selection of images"

What do you like best about Shutterstock?

The wide variety of images! I also love that Shutterstock recommends similar art. The tags are great too. Lots of great options and all very easy to use. I also love the re-download option when you accidentally delete your purchased photos.

What do you dislike about Shutterstock?

I wish the yearly monthly subscriptions would roll over if you don't use them. AKA if I only download 4 of the 10 in November, I wish the remaining 6 would roll over to December.

Wish there was an option to purchase images with blurred branding names. We don't want the brand (example Purina Catfood); we want the packaging example.

What problems is Shutterstock solving and how is that benefiting you?

We use Shutterstock for "end product" examples of what we do.

Anonymous User

November 28, 2023 Source: G2.com

"Easy to Use"

What do you like best about Shutterstock?

I love that Shutterstock has a multitue of images in different styles. The search function provides ample images to choose from.

What do you dislike about Shutterstock?

Downloading in certain formats can sometimes be challenging.

What problems is Shutterstock solving and how is that benefiting you?

Shutterstock provides an easy way to obtain media for business use.

Anonymous User

November 28, 2023 Source: G2.com

"Always has the image I need"

What do you like best about Shutterstock?

I have really enjoyed using Shutterstock over the years because I can always seem to find just the image that I'm thinking of. With great filters including various races, people/no people, or picture orientation, it is so easy to find the perfect picture for any project. Now that they have introduced AI I'm sure it will be even better at curating exactly what I need.

What do you dislike about Shutterstock?

I do wish it was a bit cheaper - but I tend to wait until there is a good sale and stock up on credits then.

What problems is Shutterstock solving and how is that benefiting you?

Shutterstock is helping me create warm and inviting print projects for various clients.

Anonymous User

November 27, 2023 Source: G2.com

"Always Search Shuttershock"

What do you like best about Shutterstock?

I like the variety that Shutterstock provides especially with vectors.

What do you dislike about Shutterstock?

That once you hit your credit total you are unable to download more. Wish there was an option to buy additional credits on months that you may need more.

What problems is Shutterstock solving and how is that benefiting you?

Give ideas or a foundation to start with in design work.

Anonymous User

November 27, 2023 Source: G2.com

"Shutterstock provides high-quality images for my business"

What do you like best about Shutterstock?

Great service, large variety of images to choose from

What do you dislike about Shutterstock?

I find Shutterstock to be a bit pricey per image

What problems is Shutterstock solving and how is that benefiting you?

It helps tremendously with my social media emphasis

Shutterstock Reviews

User Rating

Rating Distribution

User Sentiments

Do You Use Shutterstock?

Review Summary

Pros

Cons

Barbara Schallmo

Aaron

Daleen Eloff

Life So Strange

Tiffani O

Jennifer F

Anonymous User

Anonymous User

Anonymous User

Anonymous User

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