6,622 tools, each one opened, scored and signed by a Toolio reviewer

Shutterstock

A stock media library of over 100 million assets paired with AI tools to generate or edit new ones.

Checked 3 Oct 2026 Reviewed by Alex Listed since April 2024

Screenshot of Shutterstock

At a glance

Starts at Free Listed as free on the vendor's site.
Free tier Yes
Platforms Web, API
Best for Creative teams needing licensed stock media and AI editing
Not for Anyone wanting free unlicensed images only

3.9 out of 5

Scored by Alex after real use

Our verdict

Shutterstock pairs a catalog of over 100 million human-made images, videos, music and editorial assets with AI tools for generating and editing new ones from the same library. Unlimited downloads require a paid plan, so casual users chasing a single free image will not find much here. Agencies and businesses get dedicated licensing and data-partnership options on top of the standard subscription tiers.

✓What it does well

Massive asset libraryOver 100 million premium images, videos and audio tracks are searchable in one place.
Built-in AI generationAI image and video generators sit alongside the licensed stock library.
Commercial-ready licensingAssets and AI outputs are cleared for commercial use.

✕Where it falls short

Subscription requiredUnlimited downloads require a paid plan rather than one-off free access.
No true free tierThere is no meaningful free tier beyond limited previews and trials.
Costs scale with volumeHeavy download volume or AI generation needs push costs into business-tier plans.

Key features

Stock image searchSearches millions of royalty-free photos and vectors by keyword.
AI image generatorCreates new images from text prompts using built-in AI models.
AI video generatorProduces new video clips from prompts alongside the stock library.
Editorial and music libraryIncludes editorial photos, video and a separate music and sound-effects catalog.

Questions about Shutterstock

What is Shutterstock?

Shutterstock is a stock media library of over 100 million assets paired with AI tools to generate or edit new ones. Its catalog covers human-made images, videos, music and editorial assets, and AI image and video generators sit alongside the licensed library.

Can Shutterstock images be used commercially?

Yes. The reviewer notes that Shutterstock's assets and AI outputs are cleared for commercial use, and agencies and businesses get dedicated licensing and data-partnership options. Toolio lists it as best for creative teams needing licensed stock media and AI editing, and not for anyone wanting free unlicensed images only.

Does Shutterstock have an AI image generator?

Yes. Shutterstock includes an AI image generator that creates new images from text prompts using built-in AI models, and an AI video generator that produces clips from prompts. Both sit alongside the stock library, which also holds editorial photos, video and a separate music and sound-effects catalog.

How does Toolio score Shutterstock?

Toolio scores Shutterstock 3.9 out of 5, scored by Alex after real use on 3 Oct 2026. The reviewer highlights its library of over 100 million premium images, videos and audio tracks, all searchable in one place.

What are some alternatives to Shutterstock?

Toolio lists AI Drawing Generator, QRCode AI, Photo Enhancer and CleanSnap as alternatives to Shutterstock. Photo Enhancer repairs blurry, faded photos, and CleanSnap creates clean, professional-looking screenshots. Shutterstock itself runs on the web and through an API.

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