iStock : Full Review, Testing, and Presentation (2024)

What is iStock?

What is iStock? iStock, also known as iStock by Getty Images, is an online platform for creatives, marketers, and bloggers looking for quality visual content.

As you explore iStock, you'll discover a wide range of images, videos, and other media, all of which are royalty-free and ready to be integrated into your digital projects.

• Extensive Library: A diverse selection of photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, and audio tracks that meet the requirements of any creative project. You won't need to look elsewhere, the iStock image bank is there to satisfy all your creative requirements.
• Unique Content: Over half of the content comes from artists exclusive to iStock, ensuring distinctive works to beautify your web pages, blog posts, and social media posts. Each photo added to your website or home page will make your product or service more appealing to your visitors.

iStock is distinguished from other platforms like Adobe Stock by its commitment to quality, while offering competitive prices. This combination makes iStock attractive for those on a tight budget but who don't want to compromise on the quality of visual content.

The iStock search engine bar will allow you to filter photos and videos by various categories and filters, saving you valuable time. In addition, the selection of images in HD adds value to your content, making each article and advertisement more professional.

iStock isn't just a photo platform, it's a comprehensive service that meets the needs of digital marketing professionals and content creators. With a simple link, you can have access to a rich and diverse collection that will bring your site to life.

The free trial offered by iStock will allow you to test the platform and assess how it can meet your needs. The history of iStock dates back to its founder Bruce Livingstone, and since then it has continued to grow, offering one of the best options for online visual content in the world.

iStock features

iStock, run by Getty Images, is a online image bank recognized for its wide range of visual and audio content.

Here, let's discover its features that make it attractive for creative professionals.

1. Effective search

Getty Images iStock makes it easy to find the perfect content with advanced search options.

• Advanced search options: Precise filtration to locate images, videos, or audio tracks according to various criteria.
• Keyword research: Use of specific terms for quick content localization.

The ease of searching on iStock allows a quick and accurate location of the desired content.

2. Content diversity

The range of content on iStock covers almost every creative need.

• Content types: Editorial images, vectors, adapted to various projects.
• Quality Assurance: Careful selection for superior quality.

The variety of content makes iStock a versatile platform for creatives.

3. Easy integration

Integration with other platforms is simplified, making iStock more convenient.

• Integration with other platforms: Like Dropbox or Adobe Creative Cloud for a simplified workflow.
• API available: For custom integration as required.

iStock's robust integration capabilities make it easy to collaborate and manage content.

4. Mobile accessibility

Managing your account on the go is easy with iStock's mobile accessibility.

• Mobile application: Access to content and account management from anywhere.
• Optimized mobile web experience: For easy use via the mobile browser.

Mobile accessibility is a major asset for professionals on the go.

5. Asset Management

Managing and organizing your content is intuitive on iStock.

• Content organization: Downloaded or favoured.
• Backup features: For easy access to content later.

Asset management on iStock allows for efficient organization of content.

6. Licensing options

Use content legally with a variety of licensing options.

• Varied licensing options: Ensuring legal compliance.
• Standard and extended license: For digital use and printing up to 500,000 copies.

iStock licensing options provide peace of mind when using content.

7. Image editing

Customize images before uploading with iStock editing tools.

• iStock Editor: Cropping images for various formats like social media.

Editing tools allow basic image customization.

8. Search for audio and video files

A wide choice of videos and audio files classified by theme is available.

• Classification by theme: Facilitating the search for audio and video files.
• Video prices: Available from €45, which may be expensive for some users.

Searching for and accessing audio and video files is simple, although pricing may be a hindrance for some.

iStock's robust features, combined with an intuitive user interface, make this platform suitable for acquiring quality digital content. Each of the features contributes to a rich user experience, meeting the diverse needs of professionals in the creative sector.

iStock Pricing

iStock by Getty Images offers flexible pricing to suit a variety of needs, whether you're a casual blogger or a business that requires a steady flow of images.

Flexible plans

• Variety of plans : Depending on the volume of downloads, allowing a selection adjusted to your consumption.
• Adaptability : Plans designed for all types of users, casual or regular.

Payment options

• Monthly or Annuity : With substantial savings on long-term commitments.
• Savings on long term commitments : Attractive rates for annual commitments, conducive to significant savings.

Credit packs

• Degressive pricing : Starting from €9/credit, degressive rates for larger packs.
• Flexibility : Unit payment, offering flexibility in accessing content.

Subscription plans

• Monthly or annual subscriptions : Substantial savings, especially for large image consumers.
• Competitive rates : Comparatively cheaper with specific annual subscriptions compared to platforms like 123RF and Shutterstock.

Comparison of subscriptions

• 750 images per month subscription : Particularly competitive compared to other platforms.
• Price per image : Extremely competitive cost per image, ideal for large image consumers.

iStock pricing, combined with the quality and diversity of the content, offers significant added value, making the investment justified.

The pricing structure allows for economical selection while ensuring access to high quality content.

Customer Support

Customer support is a crucial aspect of any online platform.

iStock by Getty Images offers a variety of support channels to ensure a smooth user experience.

• Responsive Support: Available via chat, email or phone to quickly resolve your issues.
• Online Resources: A comprehensive knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and FAQs to help you navigate the platform.

iStock's customer support, although there is room for improvement, is a solid pillar for hassle-free use of the platform.

Alternatives to iStock

iStock stands out in the field of online image banks, but the competition is never far away. Here are a few alternatives that rival iStock on the market:

1. Shutterstock

Shutterstock is a must-have platform for photography enthusiasts and professionals looking for a vast collection of images and videos.

Features

• Massive collection with over 350 million images and 20 million videos.
• Possibility to download images, videos and music.
• Intuitive user interface for easy navigation
• Advanced search tools to quickly find the media you want.

Pricing

• Plans starting at 29€/month for 10 images.
• Monthly and annual subscriptions available with savings on long-term commitments.

Opt for Shutterstock

With slightly higher pricing, Shutterstock justifies its cost with a phenomenal media collection and an intuitive user interface.

2. Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock, formerly Fotolia, is positioned as a solid alternative with a perfect integration into the Adobe ecosystem.

Features

• Seamless integration with Adobe software for a smooth workflow.
• Extensive collection of images, videos, and graphic assets.
• Advanced search tools for easy navigation.

Pricing

• Subscriptions starting at €29.99/month for 10 images.

Explore Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock is distinguished by its integration with the Adobe ecosystem, making media management simple and effective.

3. 123RF

123RF, a subsidiary of the Inmagine Group, offers a diverse collection of images and specializes in vector images and typography.

Features

• Extensive collection of vector images, illustrations, and typography.
• A constantly expanding library with quality images.
• Effective search tools for quick navigation.

Pricing

• Images starting at €2.99 or credit packs available.

Discover 123RF's offers

123RF is a smart choice for those looking for unique vector images and typography at competitive rates.

Final review

iStock by Getty Images shines with a wealth of content with millions of photos and videos covering a wide range of themes.

The accessibility of the platform facilitates the search and download of images, making the user experience quite smooth.

The iStock Editor tool is a plus, allowing images to be adjusted for various social platforms.

Permissive licenses offer great flexibility of use, and competitive pricing is advantageous for large image consumers.

iStock by Getty Images is positioned as a reliable resource for beautifying your visual content without hassles.