Multi-format stock library
Browse photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos from one site instead of moving between separate libraries.
iStock
BeansprucheniStock stock media marketplace for photos, illustrations, vectors and videos. License visuals for personal, business and commercial projects with search, preview and extended licensing.
Overview
iStock is a stock media marketplace for photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos. The site is built for people who need ready-to-use visuals for personal, business, or commercial projects and want to license content from a single library.
The homepage describes the catalog as millions of exclusive stock photos, videos, vectors, and illustrations researched and shot by a diverse global community. iStock also separates content into Signature and Essentials collections and positions licensing, search, and preview tools around that catalog.
Features
Two content collections
Use the Signature and Essentials collections to choose between premium exclusive content and everyday content, depending on the project.
Licensing options
License files for commercial use under a standard license, with extended licenses available for broader usage needs such as resale, multi-seat access, or higher reproduction limits.
Search and filtering tools
Search by keyword or by image or video, then refine results with filters such as file type, duration, format, and category.
Boards for saving content
Organize, save, and share content with Boards so teams can keep track of useful files during a project.
Video preview workflow
Preview video clips with free watermarked comps before licensing, then swap to the paid file when ready to publish.
Use cases
Marketing and communications
Find licensed visuals for campaigns, websites, apps, presentations, and print materials without sourcing media from multiple providers.
Video production
Search for stock footage in HD or 4K, preview it with a watermarked comp, and license the file when it fits the edit.
Design and publishing
Build layouts with stock photos, illustrations, or vectors when a project needs ready-made visuals rather than custom art.
Team asset review
Organize candidate assets in Boards so teammates can review, save, and share options during selection.
Fast visual discovery
Use search filters, curated collections, and trending topics to narrow down a large library when starting from a broad idea.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large catalog across photos, videos, illustrations, and vectors.
- Standard license covers many common personal, business, and commercial uses.
- Extended licenses address broader needs such as product resale and shared team access.
- Search supports keyword lookup, visual search, and filters for more targeted browsing.
- Boards help save and share assets during a project.
Cons
- The site does not accept AI-generated content from contributors, so users looking specifically for AI-created assets will not find them here.
- Some advanced licensing needs require extended licenses, which adds another decision step before reuse in cases such as resale or multi-seat access.
FAQ
What license do downloads include?
iStock uses a standard license for downloaded files, which allows personal, business, and commercial uses that are not otherwise restricted by the license agreement. The same content can be used in advertising, marketing, apps, websites, social media, TV, film, presentations, newspapers, magazines, books, and product packaging, among other uses.
Can teams share the same licensed file?
Yes. The license FAQ says multiple team members may need an extended license if they need access to the same downloaded file. iStock also mentions a multi-seat license for shared access, or contacting the company if you have a subscription.
Can I edit stock videos after download?
Yes. The video FAQ says licensed files can be edited to fit a project, including trimming, adding text or music, adding a logo, or applying other creative effects.
Do licensed downloads expire?
iStock says there is no expiration date on the rights to use files downloaded during a subscription period. Credits-based downloads can be used in as many projects as you like for as long as you want, and credits never expire as long as you sign in at least once a year.
Does iStock accept AI-generated content?
No. iStock states that no AI-generated content is accepted from contributors, and its home page positions the library as a safe visual library of content users can trust.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Stock media marketplace
- Content types
- Photos, videos, illustrations, vectors
- Licensing
- Standard license with extended license options
- Source domain
- istockphoto.com
- Notable workflows
- Search, preview, license, save to Boards
- Brand
- iStock