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iStock description
iStock is a subscription-based stock media service offering millions of royalty-free images, illustrations, videos, and music. Founded in 2000, iStock is known for pioneering the crowd-sourced stock industry model, where content is sourced from a vast network of contributing artists. Businesses can use iStock to find affordable, high-quality visual and audio content for their projects. Owned by Getty Images, iStock is a reputable platform for creative professionals seeking diverse and impactful stock media.
Who is iStock best for
iStock offers a vast library of royalty-free images, videos, and music perfect for businesses and creative professionals. Users praise the extensive selection and easy-to-use search filters. However, many have reported difficulties with account cancellations and customer service. Consider iStock if you need diverse stock media but be prepared for potential billing challenges.
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Best for small to medium-sized businesses.
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Suitable for various industries seeking stock media.
iStock features
| Supported iStock offers a library of royalty-free music tracks and sound effects. |
| Supported iStock allows filtering search results by various criteria. |
| Supported iStock offers a searchable collection of royalty-free stock images. |
| Supported iStock offers a searchable library of royalty-free stock videos. |
| Supported iStock supports similar image search by uploading a reference image. |
| Supported Yes, iStock allows re-downloads of purchased assets at no extra cost. |
| Supported iStock supports unlimited commercial use within the standard license terms. |
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software
Value and Pricing Transparency
Customer Service
Ease of Use
Reliability and Performance
iStock reviews
We've summarised 166 iStock reviews (iStock TrustPilot reviews and iStock G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- Extensive library of high-quality images, illustrations, videos, and music.
- Easy-to-use search functionality with advanced filtering options.
- Offers various subscription plans and credit packs for flexible pricing.
- Provides royalty-free content for commercial use.
- Large selection of unique and exclusive content.
- Difficult account cancellation process, often leading to unexpected charges.
- Subscription auto-renewal issues and difficulty obtaining refunds.
- Misleading free trial promotions and unclear pricing structure.
- Customer service often described as unhelpful and unresponsive.
- Limited customization options for specific image and video needs.
iStock pricing
The commentary is based on 84 reviews from iStock G2 reviews and iStock TrustPilot reviews.
iStock offers high-quality stock photos, illustrations, and videos, but reviews consistently criticize its pricing structure, hidden fees, and aggressive auto-renewal policy. Many users feel misled by the free trial and subsequent subscription costs, finding it difficult to cancel and obtain refunds. Others find the pricing reasonable and affordable for their needs.
Users sentiment
See the iStock pricing page.
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iStock has a free trial.
Basic
Millions of project-ready photos and illustrations, for less. Unused downloads rollover up to 250.
Premium
All images, including authentic, high-quality Signature imagery that you can only find on iStock. Unused downloads rollover up to 250.
Premium + Video
All images, videos, and music tracks. Access our entire creative library, full of exclusive visuals. Unused downloads rollover up to 250.
iStock alternatives
DepositphotosBetter for e-commerce, software, IT, and telecommunications companies. Has more momentum. Offers vector templates and AI image upscaling.Read more
ShutterstockBetter for finance, ecommerce, retail, education, media and entertainment, IT and software, energy and utilities, marketing, advertising and professional services. Growing faster. Offers image search, similar image search and social media presets.Read more
BigstockMore affordable pricing, especially for high-volume users. Simpler interface, but fewer search filters. iStock alternative for budget-conscious users.Read more
Cisco RoutersFor enterprise networking needs, particularly large organizations and service providers. Offers advanced security features and robust performance but can be complex and expensive. Not suitable for individual consumers or small businesses seeking stock media.Read more
Easel.lyBetter for creating infographics, presentations, and charts. Easier to use, especially for non-designers, with helpful templates and design tools. Caters to a wider range of industries. More affordable pricing options.Read more
DreamstimeMore affordable stock media options and offers free downloads. Growing faster than iStock. Caters to a wider creative audience, including educators.Read more
iStock FAQ
What is iStock and what does iStock do?
iStock provides royalty-free stock images, illustrations, videos, and music via flexible subscriptions and credit packs. Ideal for businesses and creatives, iStock offers a vast library of high-quality content for various projects. However, users have reported difficulties with account cancellations, subscriptions, and customer service.
How does iStock integrate with other tools?
There is no information available about iStock's direct integrations with other tools. However, as a stock media service, it's typically used in conjunction with design software, video editing tools, and website builders.
What the main competitors of iStock?
iStock's main competitors include Shutterstock, Bigstock, Dreamstime, and Freepik. These platforms offer similar services, providing royalty-free stock photos, vectors, illustrations, and videos for commercial use. Pexels also competes by offering a large library of free stock photos and videos.
Is iStock legit?
Yes, iStock is a legitimate platform owned by Getty Images. However, user reviews on iStock's safety raise concerns regarding account cancellations, auto-renewals, and customer service. Consider exploring alternative stock photo sites if these issues are a concern.
How much does iStock cost?
iStock costs $29/month for the Basic plan, $70/month for Premium, and $125/month for Premium + Video. Each plan offers different levels of access to iStock's image and video library. Additional add-ons like multi-user licenses are available but pricing is not specified.
Is iStock customer service good?
iStock's customer service receives overwhelmingly negative feedback. Users frequently report difficulty canceling subscriptions, leading to unexpected charges and frustrating refund processes. Many feel misled by promotions and find customer service unhelpful and unresponsive.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.