The Cost of AI Images: Key Players Compared

In our previous article, we explored how AI is finding its way into stock photography as it is integrated into search, editing tools, and AI image generation itself. This shift has accelerated rapidly, with improvements happening almost weekly. For businesses looking to leverage these AI tools, understanding the cost structures is essential. Contrary to popular belief, the original AI tools are not always free, and stock photography companies have integrated AI by adapting their existing credit and subscription models to create a seamless experience.

Pricing in this sector varies significantly, and while some companies offer pay-as-you-go models, others provide subscription-based packages. This article offers a snapshot of the pricing frameworks of leading AI and stock photography platforms, with the caveat that pricing is subject to change as these technologies evolve. Moreover, the variability in pricing models complicates direct comparisons. Ultimately, each potential user should conduct their own research based on their needs, but this overview provides a helpful introduction and starting point for comparison.

AI Image Generation Platforms

MidJourney

• Pricing: MidJourney operates on a subscription model. Plans start at $10/month for basic use, allowing up to 200 image generations, and go up to $60/month for professional use, which includes unlimited access. Annual subscriptions provide discounts. MidJourney Pricing

DALL-E (OpenAI)

• Pricing: DALL-E uses a credit system. Users can purchase 115 credits for $15, where each image generation typically consumes 1 credit. This pay-as-you-go model provides flexibility for occasional users. DALL-E Pricing

Stock Photography Platforms with AI Offerings

Shutterstock

• Pricing: Shutterstock’s subscription plans start at $29/month for 10 images. AI tools from DALL-E are integrated into Shutterstock’s platform at no additional cost, making AI-generated content part of its standard offering. Shutterstock Pricing

Getty Images

• Pricing: Getty Images operates on a traditional credit-based pricing model, with individual images often priced around $150 for specific packs. The company is developing AI-powered tools through a partnership with NVIDIA, Pricing is 45 Euros for 25 images or 149 euro for 100 images . Getty Images Pricing

Adobe Stock

• Pricing: Adobe Stock’s pricing starts at $29.99/month for 10 assets. Adobe’s AI tools are integrated into this system, allowing users to generate fully licensed AI-created content. Adobe Stock Pricing

123RF

• Pricing: 123RF offers one of the most affordable plans in the market, starting at 10 euro per month for unlimited downloads (fair use applies) with the PLUS plans. It includes 100 million traditional stock images and AI-generated content and editing tools. 123RF Pricing

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As AI technology continues to evolve, so too will the pricing models that companies use. Users have a range of options, from subscription plans to pay-as-you-go models, depending on their volume and needs. Stock photography offerings are easy and transparent while using decidated AI tools will require a bit more research and effort. Results of the actual AI may differ and platforms offer opportunities to try before buying which is very helpful in getting started.

In the research for this article the pricing with the original AI providers was harder to find and understand. Stockphoto companies have brought the functionality into existing, proven and simple pricing models making it more accessible and easy to use (but of course I am biased).

The next article will take a deeper look at how stock photo libraries are being used in AI and machine learning models to train computer vision systems and beyond.

Info

Fast Media represents 123RF in the Benelux, Nordic and Latin America including AI Image generation. We are building a company that strengthens the impact of communication with creative content like photography, video and music.

This article is a collaborative effort between Fast Media (Prompts, goal&purpose? direction, fine-tuning and final edit) and ChatGPT (Research, setup, drafting)