Web developers are always looking for ways to improve their productivity. Working with just a few different services to get things done quickly and efficiently is always the goal. Once people find something they can trust, they usually tend to stick with it in the long run.
Over the years, Shutterstock has evolved into that go-to option for people in need of images. With a catalog of over 300 million images (and growing), there are plans to fit any need.
Today, bringing FILMPAC’s premium cinema-quality video collection to Shutterstock.
FILMPAC’s creative platform features 100,000 video assets across 15 curated
collections ranging from clips of cutting edge technology and breakthroughs in healthcare
to snippets of cityscapes and natural scenery.
How do they compare to the competition? Do they have the tools and resources to count on for professional web developers? Here is a closer look at all that they offer, and if people are smart to continue sticking with the company over alternatives.
Shutterstock: a trusted name in images
Since its launch, Shutterstock has built a reputation as the top resource for images. Stock photo needs pop up for just about any business at one point or another. That need has only increased, especially for people who want to obtain images and licensing the professional way.
The major selling point has always been just how easy it is to find, download, and ultimately use images through their site. They have a simple search feature that is very easy to use just by typing in a keyword or two. This is for people who want to find something exactly for a project, and they can see exactly what is available at the time.
There is also a way to browse all photos by categories, for those who might need a bit more inspiration. Not everyone knows exactly what type of photo they are looking for when they first start using Shutterstock but searching through categories can provide some inspiration.
Additional features have also allowed people to really explore all the different options available for customers who use Shutterstock. Some people may not realize just how much they offer at first, but it’s more than only images.
There are curated sections to search through, Chinese ink paintings, minimalist options, vectors, illustrations, and more. This is just scratching the surface of the categories.
Having the ability to sort through all of these different curated collections and preview precisely what is available is a great option for anyone to have. A person doesn’t have to spend to get a taste of what’s available for paying customers. Too many companies only offer their full selection behind a paywall to even explore properly.
The video and music evolution
Images are still a huge part of the internet world, but as computers improved and connections became more powerful, there was a shift in multimedia needs. More people are relying on video than ever before, and music is a huge part of projects as well.
Shutterstock realized that to keep up, they needed to become more than just a place people relied on for images. It is now a one-stop-shop for people who need video, music, and any other resources to bring projects to life.
Video is of the highest quality, as every paying customer now has over 17 million options to browse.
From SD up to 4K, professional-quality videos are just a click away. The cost might seem a little high for people who are transitioning over from only an image account, but they still offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry for high-quality video.
Music is the other huge selling point for Shutterstock now, as they have a few different options for shoppers to consider.
There are some royalty-free music tracks available for purchase, but also a monthly subscription that allows for unlimited downloads.
These options allow people to make smart decisions on what they need and what they don’t when working on a new project.
Simplifying licensing
Whenever a person or company begins using Shutterstock, or any alternative for that matter, one of the most confusing new things to learn involves licensing.
The terms for licensing can be confusing for people who don’t work with images, video, music, and more regularly.
Shutterstock does a great job of simplifying everything so that people know exactly what they can and can’t use things for.
The last thing anybody wants to have to deal with is a legal issue involving using media without permission. Shutterstock spends a lot of time and effort protecting users as much as possible so they always feel safe.
If there are any questions about anything that comes up, details are available with every purchase or subscription. There is also a way to reach out to someone at Shutterstock to clear up any issues as well.
What makes Shutterstock stand out from the rest?
From an options standpoint, Shutterstock has shown that they have no challengers. This is a company that has focused on giving every single customer as many options as possible. It might seem like an impossible task to categorize so many images, videos, songs, and more, but the organization is also top-notch.
It can be a huge hassle to have to use a few different companies instead of just one.
There might be a website out there that specializes in one or two categories for media, but no one offers the amount of depth as Shutterstock. This ends up being a great value for people who don’t want to have a handful of accounts scattered around.
Are there any negatives?
About the only real negative is the fact that there are cheaper options out there for the bare minimum.
Shuttershock does not pretend they are the cheapest solution on the market. They strive to be the best, and sometimes, that involves spending a bit more.
Most people feel that when they try these cheaper solutions, they are making some sacrifice that ultimately makes it not worth it. Maybe a cheaper company does not offer nearly the same amount of variety, or they make the process a bit more complicated to find what is needed.
There’s something to be said for offering something that has so many options, is user-friendly, and isn’t satisfied with what treading water. There is so much new content added every day that continues to make Shutterstock so impressive.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, every person is going to judge Shutterstock, or an alternative, based on their own individual success. If they find the perfect image or video, that’s considered a win. It’s not a guarantee that Shutterstock will be that ultimate solution, but they give users the best odds out there. Whether it be for one project or a source for content for years to come, Shutterstock proves again and again why they are trusted.
Looking to try Shutterstock before committing long-term? They offer several specials and trials for people getting started. With every annual plan, there is a free one-month trial available for first-time users. This entry-level plan allows for 10 images per month, and as long as cancellation happens within the first month, a person pays nothing.
Shutterstock makes it easy for individuals or organizations to use their services as well. Some very well-known companies rely on them specifically to bring their work to life. To have the same access as those organizations to all types of media is pretty special, and worth the money for a truly professional look.
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