Stock Photo and Video Market Overview

According to recent research conducted by Business Research Insights, Global Stock Photo and Video Market size is forecasted to be worth USD 6.43 Billion in 2026, expected to achieve USD 12.2 Billion by 2035 with a CAGR of 7.38% during the forecast from 2026 to 2035.

The global stock photo and video market has expanded rapidly due to rising digital advertising, online publishing, and social media usage across more than 190 countries. Over 74% of marketers now use visual content in campaigns, while nearly 57% of businesses depend on stock images for social media promotions and 49% use stock videos for digital advertising. Mobile-based content consumption represents approximately 61% of total media viewing activity, increasing the demand for vertical images and short-form videos. More than 300 million AI-generated images were uploaded to major stock libraries between 2023 and 2025, transforming content supply patterns. The market also benefits from over 5 billion social media users globally who consume visual media daily.

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Business intelligence and advanced analytics are reshaping the stock photo and video market by helping agencies identify user behavior, download preferences, and content demand in real time. More than 82% of internet traffic is now linked to video consumption, while online users spend nearly 17 hours per week watching digital videos. Search demand for vertical 9:16 videos increased by 60% year-over-year as mobile-first platforms dominate engagement. Around 45% of buyers now seek hyper-niche stock footage related to sustainability, remote work, healthcare, and technology sectors. Data-driven tagging systems and AI-powered search algorithms process millions of visual assets daily, enabling platforms to improve customer targeting and licensing efficiency.

Top 5 Trends in the Stock Photo and Video Market

1. Rapid Adoption of AI-Generated Visual Content

Artificial intelligence has become one of the strongest trends in the stock photo and video market. Nearly 50% of images on some major stock platforms are now AI-generated, compared with only 2.5% in 2023. Over 313 million AI-generated visuals were uploaded within just 3 years, showing how quickly automation is changing the industry. AI tools help creators generate commercial images in less than 60 seconds, reducing production costs and accelerating uploads. Businesses in retail, healthcare, and education increasingly use AI-generated visuals because they can customize scenes, colors, and models instantly. However, many organizations still prefer authentic human-created content due to legal concerns, copyright safety, and model release protections. AI-generated videos are also increasing, especially in advertising and social media campaigns targeting younger demographics.

2. Growing Demand for Vertical Video Formats

Vertical videos have become essential in the stock video industry because mobile devices account for more than 61% of visual content consumption worldwide. Approximately 59% of AI-generated videos are now produced in vertical 9:16 format, compared with 31% in 2024. Platforms focused on short-form content continue driving demand for smartphone-friendly visuals under 30 seconds. Businesses increasingly require vertical stock videos for advertising campaigns, product promotions, and influencer collaborations. Video creators also prefer stock footage with mobile optimization because viewers spend an average of 17 hours weekly watching online video content. Travel, fitness, food, and lifestyle categories generate some of the highest download rates in vertical formats. This trend has pushed agencies to redesign search filters, metadata systems, and editing tools specifically for mobile-first creators.

3. Rising Preference for Authentic and Diverse Visuals

Authentic representation has become a dominant requirement in the stock photo and video market. Searches related to diversity and inclusion increased by nearly 150%, while downloads featuring multicultural people rose by approximately 40%. Brands increasingly prefer natural-looking visuals instead of heavily staged studio photography. Consumers respond positively to images showing real workplaces, genuine emotions, and diverse communities across age groups and ethnic backgrounds. More than 75% of website visitors trust brands with realistic imagery compared to generic stock photos. Industries such as healthcare, education, tourism, and corporate marketing are investing heavily in authentic visual storytelling. This trend has encouraged photographers to produce location-based content featuring real environments, small businesses, and local cultures. Ethical concerns about AI-generated “poverty” imagery have also increased awareness about responsible representation in stock libraries.

4. Expansion of Subscription-Based Licensing Models

Subscription licensing has become one of the most important business models in the stock media industry. More than 71% of licensing transactions are now based on royalty-free subscription systems because businesses prefer predictable monthly costs. Companies downloading over 500 assets per month increasingly choose enterprise packages with unlimited usage rights and cloud storage integration. Subscription models allow marketers, bloggers, publishers, and agencies to access millions of images and videos instantly. AI-assisted recommendations and automated search tools also improve customer retention rates. Small businesses and freelancers benefit from affordable plans that provide access to HD photos, 4K videos, and motion graphics. Extended licensing options are also gaining popularity among international advertising campaigns requiring cross-border media rights. The combination of flexibility, lower operational costs, and large-scale content availability continues driving subscription adoption globally.

5. Increasing Demand for Stock Video and Motion Graphics

Stock video demand is growing faster than traditional image downloads due to the expansion of streaming platforms, e-commerce videos, and social media advertising. Video traffic now represents approximately 82.5% of total internet activity, while billions of users watch online videos every month. Businesses increasingly prefer stock footage because producing original videos can cost 5 to 10 times more than licensing ready-made clips. Industries such as automotive, travel, technology, healthcare, and education frequently use stock videos for product demonstrations and advertisements. Motion graphics and drone footage are particularly popular among digital agencies. Search interest for “stock footage” reached peak levels during holiday marketing periods, showing seasonal demand spikes. The market is also witnessing rising demand for cinematic 4K and 8K footage suitable for smart TVs and OTT streaming services.

Regional Growth and Demand

• North America

North America remains one of the largest markets for stock photos and videos due to strong digital advertising infrastructure and high internet penetration. The United States and Canada account for millions of daily downloads across commercial, editorial, and entertainment sectors. More than 90% of businesses in North America use digital marketing, increasing demand for professional visual assets. Approximately 74% of marketers in the region actively use visual content for customer engagement. Video consumption is also extremely high, with users spending around 17 hours weekly watching online videos. The region has strong adoption of AI-powered creative tools, contributing to the rapid growth of AI-generated stock visuals. North American companies are heavily investing in 4K and 8K stock footage for streaming services, e-commerce platforms, and connected television advertising.

The region also leads in cloud-based creative software adoption, enabling businesses to integrate stock media directly into editing workflows. Smartphone-generated uploads represent nearly 20% of new visual content submissions. Demand for authentic workplace photography, healthcare visuals, and multicultural content continues increasing across advertising campaigns. Educational institutions, gaming companies, and online publishers are also major contributors to regional demand. North America additionally benefits from strong intellectual property laws and advanced licensing systems that protect creators and buyers. The rise of influencer marketing and digital creators with audiences exceeding 1 million followers has further accelerated stock media usage across multiple industries.

• Europe

Europe has become a major contributor to the stock photo and video market due to expanding e-commerce, digital publishing, and tourism-related media demand. Countries such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy are among the largest consumers of editorial and commercial visual assets. More than 70% of European businesses now use online advertising campaigns supported by stock imagery and videos. Demand for multilingual visual content is rising because Europe contains over 40 countries with diverse cultural and linguistic preferences.

European companies increasingly prioritize sustainability-focused visuals, remote working themes, and authentic lifestyle imagery. Short-form video advertising has expanded significantly across social media campaigns, with vertical formats becoming standard for mobile advertising. Approximately 61% of digital content consumption in Europe now occurs on smartphones and tablets. The travel and tourism sector remains one of the largest buyers of stock visuals, especially for destination marketing campaigns and airline promotions. Europe also experiences strong demand for educational visuals due to the growth of e-learning platforms and online universities.

Privacy regulations and copyright compliance are particularly important across European markets. Businesses seek licensed visuals with clear legal protections to avoid copyright disputes. Demand for ethical and diverse representation is also increasing, especially in healthcare, education, and government communication campaigns. Drone photography and cinematic landscape videos have become highly popular across tourism and real estate industries. European agencies additionally focus on environmentally responsible production methods, reducing unnecessary travel through stock media licensing instead of traditional shoots.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth in the stock photo and video market because of rising smartphone adoption, expanding internet connectivity, and growing social media engagement. Countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia contribute significantly to regional demand. More than 2.5 billion internet users live in Asia-Pacific, creating enormous opportunities for digital content creators and stock media agencies. India alone has over 900 million internet users, increasing demand for localized visuals featuring regional languages, traditions, and workplaces.

Mobile-first consumption dominates the region, with over 65% of online users accessing visual content primarily through smartphones. Social commerce and influencer marketing are expanding rapidly across Asia-Pacific, increasing demand for short-form videos, product photography, and promotional graphics. Educational technology platforms and online gaming companies are also driving stock media purchases. Localized stock content featuring Asian business environments, healthcare settings, and urban lifestyles has become highly valuable.

Asia-Pacific also benefits from a large creator economy, with millions of freelance photographers and videographers uploading content regularly. Smartphone photography contributes heavily to stock submissions because affordable high-resolution devices are widely available. Demand for AI-generated content is increasing across e-commerce and digital marketing sectors due to cost efficiency and faster production timelines. Businesses increasingly seek multilingual metadata and regional keyword optimization to improve search visibility. Video-based marketing campaigns have expanded significantly across retail, food delivery, and fintech industries, driving sustained growth in stock video licensing throughout the region.

• Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is gradually emerging as an important market for stock photos and videos due to increasing digital transformation and smartphone penetration. Countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt are investing heavily in digital advertising and tourism campaigns. Internet penetration rates in Gulf countries exceed 90%, supporting strong online media consumption patterns. The rise of e-commerce and mobile banking has increased demand for localized commercial visuals and promotional videos.

Government-led tourism initiatives and infrastructure projects are creating significant demand for aerial photography, urban landscape visuals, and promotional footage. Businesses increasingly require culturally relevant visuals featuring local traditions, architecture, and professional environments. More than 60% of online users in the region consume content primarily through mobile devices, encouraging demand for vertical and short-form video content. Social media usage is also expanding rapidly, with millions of users engaging daily across entertainment and shopping platforms.

Educational institutions, healthcare providers, and financial companies are major buyers of licensed stock visuals in the region. African startups and technology companies increasingly use stock content for branding and investor presentations. The region also shows rising demand for Arabic-language visual content and African representation in global advertising campaigns. AI-powered search systems and cloud-based licensing platforms are helping regional buyers access international stock libraries more efficiently. Drone footage and cinematic tourism videos continue gaining popularity because of strong investments in hospitality, aviation, and smart city development projects throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Top Companies in the Stock Photo and Video Market

• Dreamstime
• 123RF
• Stocksy United
• Images Bazaar
• Picxy
• Unsplash.com
• Getty Images

Top Companies Profile and Overview

Dreamstime

Headquarters: Tennessee, United States

Dreamstime is one of the leading stock photography and video providers serving customers in more than 190 countries. The company hosts millions of royalty-free images, illustrations, audio files, and stock videos used by marketers, publishers, and businesses worldwide. Its platform supports thousands of contributors who upload commercial and editorial content daily. The company focuses strongly on affordable subscription licensing models, enabling small businesses and freelancers to access visual assets efficiently. Dreamstime also supports AI-powered search systems and keyword tagging to improve user experience. The platform is widely used in digital advertising, publishing, e-commerce, and social media marketing campaigns requiring high-resolution visual content.

123RF

Headquarters: Nevada, United States

123RF operates as a major digital stock content provider offering photos, vectors, videos, and audio files for commercial applications. The company maintains a library containing more than 230 million assets and serves users across industries such as education, retail, media, and advertising. It provides subscription plans, enterprise licensing, and AI-assisted editing tools for faster content customization. The platform also supports multilingual search capabilities and mobile-friendly downloads, helping businesses access visual content efficiently. 123RF has expanded its focus toward AI-generated visuals and automated metadata systems to improve search accuracy. Its customer base includes bloggers, marketing agencies, publishers, and e-commerce businesses requiring scalable visual solutions.

Stocksy United

Headquarters: British Columbia, Canada

Stocksy United is recognized for its artist-owned cooperative business model and premium-quality stock imagery. The company specializes in authentic lifestyle photography and cinematic stock videos targeting modern advertising campaigns. Unlike many traditional stock agencies, Stocksy United emphasizes originality, diversity, and artistic storytelling. Its contributor network includes thousands of photographers and videographers producing carefully curated content rather than mass uploads. The platform is particularly popular among fashion brands, lifestyle companies, and creative agencies seeking natural-looking visuals. High-resolution photography, ethical licensing standards, and exclusive content collections have helped the company maintain strong demand among premium commercial buyers worldwide.

Images Bazaar

Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Images Bazaar is one of India’s leading stock photography providers specializing in Indian lifestyle and cultural imagery. The company offers millions of images representing Indian families, professionals, healthcare environments, festivals, and educational settings. Its content is widely used by advertisers, publishers, and multinational corporations targeting South Asian audiences. Images Bazaar has become especially important because localized Indian visuals are increasingly required in regional marketing campaigns. The company focuses strongly on cultural diversity, multilingual representation, and authentic Indian scenarios. Educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and tourism campaigns frequently use its content to connect with audiences across India and global diaspora communities.

Picxy

Headquarters: Bengaluru, India

Picxy is an emerging Indian stock photography marketplace focused on authentic regional imagery and creator empowerment. The platform supports photographers from different Indian states and provides localized visual content covering travel, business, culture, and lifestyle categories. Picxy emphasizes modern Indian representation and smartphone-friendly photography trends that appeal to younger audiences and digital advertisers. The company also promotes fair compensation models for photographers while expanding its contributor network across urban and rural regions. Picxy has gained popularity among startups, tourism companies, bloggers, and e-commerce businesses seeking realistic Indian visuals instead of generic international stock imagery.

Unsplash.com

Headquarters: Montreal, Canada

Unsplash.com transformed the stock photography industry by popularizing free high-resolution photography accessible to creators worldwide. The platform hosts millions of downloadable images contributed by photographers across numerous categories including travel, architecture, business, and technology. Unsplash became especially popular among startups, bloggers, and web designers because of its simplified licensing approach and visually appealing collections. Millions of downloads occur monthly as businesses integrate its content into websites, presentations, and digital marketing campaigns. The company’s minimalist design and search functionality have influenced modern stock media platforms significantly. Unsplash also helped increase global participation in photography by enabling creators to showcase portfolios to international audiences.

Getty Images

Headquarters: Seattle, United States

Getty Images is one of the most recognized companies in the stock photo and video industry with extensive global operations. The company offers millions of editorial and commercial images, archival footage, sports photography, and entertainment visuals. Getty Images serves major media organizations, broadcasters, advertising agencies, and corporate clients in more than 100 countries. The platform is known for premium-quality visuals, exclusive event coverage, and advanced licensing services. It also provides cinematic stock footage, drone videos, and creative editorial collections for international campaigns. Getty Images continues investing in AI-powered search technology, metadata optimization, and content authentication systems to maintain leadership in the rapidly evolving visual media industry.

Conclusion

The stock photo and video market continues evolving rapidly due to increasing digital media consumption, smartphone usage, and AI-powered content creation technologies. More than 82% of internet traffic now involves video content, while businesses worldwide rely heavily on visual storytelling to engage consumers across social media, e-commerce, and advertising platforms. AI-generated imagery, vertical videos, and authentic multicultural visuals are shaping the future of the industry. Companies operating in this market are expanding their libraries with millions of images and videos optimized for mobile-first audiences. Regional demand across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa continues rising because of digital transformation and online advertising growth. The industry is expected to remain highly competitive as businesses increasingly prioritize fast, affordable, and legally protected visual content solutions.