Generated visuals are commercially safe and come with automatic legal protection of up to $10,000 USD per image.
Put the power of AI to work for you
Create unique, AI‑generated images
Trained exclusively on our visual library and data, iStock’s AI Generator turns text into unique, commercially safe images. Whether you want to ideate, iterate, or generate the final image, our AI image generator makes it easy to create with an intuitive prompt builder, six‑month generation history, and robust legal protection for your AI‑generated images.
Generative AI by iStock streamlines your creative workflow by harnessing AI to modify iStock images* before you download them. With our AI modification features, Refine and Extend, you can fine‑tune specific elements of an image, or adjust its dimensions to make more room for copy or create new sizes to fit different social or media platforms.
Using NVIDIA’s powerful Picasso infrastructure, we've developed an AI generator exclusively trained on our creative visuals and proprietary data that compensates our contributors on a recurring basis for training the AI on their content. See our press release for more insight into our approach to AI.
Frequently asked questions
What are iStock AI generations?
AI generations, or AI generation credits, grant you access to our AI Generator console for generating new AI images and modifying images (your generated images or stock images from iStock's creative library) using the Refine and Extend tools, or for upscaling a generated image to Large (4096x4096) for download.
Can I use AI generations to license a pre‑shot stock image from iStock’s image library?
No, to license a stock image from iStock’s library, you will need to purchase credits or a subscription. To find the best plan with the right price for your needs, visit our Plans and Pricing page.
What counts towards my generation cap?
A generation counts each time you hit the “Generate” button. This could be to generate a new image, to modify images (the ones you generate or the ones from our creative library) by using the Refine and Extend tools, or to upscale a generated image to Large (4096x4096) for download. In all instances, 4 new images are produced, and your total number of used generations will increase by 1. The current count and total number you have available can be found next to the "Generate" button.
Do my AI generations expire?
There is no time limit with iStock generation credits, as long as your account is active. To remain active and avoid any unused generations from expiring, you must sign into your account at least once a year. If you have concerns, please get in touch with our Customer Support team.
What is the difference between AI image generations and AI image modifications?
AI image generations refer to the process of creating images from scratch in our console, utilizing text‑to‑image prompting. These AI generated images can also undergo modification using our Refine and Extend tools, which we call AI image modification. Modifications using our AI model can be applied to iStock’s creative image library and are likewise categorized as AI image modifications, as they utilize artificial intelligence to easily modify our stock images.
How do I cancel my Generative AI by iStock subscription?
If you have signed up for the iStock AI Generator, you may not cancel the subscription , unless local law requires us to give you the option to cancel.
To determine if local law requires you to be entitled to such early cancellation, please make a request for cancellation in writing through our contact us email form.
The visuals generated don’t meet my expectations. How can I get a refund?
Our Generative AI service is non‑refundable.
Generative AI technology is rapidly evolving, and results can sometimes be unexpected or imperfect. At times, it can take multiple prompts or image refinement to get to the precise image you need. We are improving the AI model and adding features on a regular basis, but some subjects can be tricky. Please see our User Guide for prompting tips and ways to improve results.
You may also find that images from the iStock library better meet your needs. We have recently launched a new AI‑powered search that allows you to be more expressive in your search queries, to help you find the right visual more efficiently. You can also leverage the AI Advanced Control features to further refine the visual to create the specific image you need.
Do I need to provide an attribution line for the content I generate or modify with Generative AI by iStock?
For content generated with the iStock AI Generator used for editorial purposes, the Artist Member's Name included should be "iStock AI Generator." There is no need to give attribution for content generated with the iStock AI Generator used for commercial purposes, nor are there any credit requirements required with respect to the modifications of any of stock content modified with the Generative AI by iStock.
Please refer to the iStock Content License Agreement for the attribution requirements that apply to our stock content, whether modified or not.
Can I preview or download an unwatermarked file for composite purposes only?
After clicking "Generate," you will be provided with four images. Each image will be clickable, allowing you to open a larger, watermarked preview image. Your agreement includes unlimited downloads of unwatermarked Medium (1024x1024) images. Additionally, you can use one generation to download an unwatermarked Large (4096x4096) image.
Note: Upscaling an image to Large (4096x4096) for download requires 1 generation and will count towards your overall generation cap.
I ran into an error downloading my generated or modified image. Will I be charged again if I download the image a second time?
No, you will not be charged to download a generated or modified image a second time. Your agreement includes unlimited downloads of any image you generate or modify.
I hit “Generate” image by mistake. Can I get a refund on the generation?
No, iStock does not offer customer refunds for generations used or upscaling requests as stipulated in your agreement.
I downloaded a generated image by mistake. Can I return the file?
There’s no need to return the file—as part of your agreement, you can download generated or modified images an unlimited number of times.