iStock basics
- How does iStock work?
- How much do iStock’s images and videos cost?
- What type of license do iStock files come with?
- How do I search for content on iStock?
- What are iStock credits?
- What are iStock subscriptions?
- Requesting a refund
- How do I cancel my iStock subscription?
- Does your visual library contain AI-generated content?
- What are iStock Boards and how do they work?
How does iStock work?
iStock provides licenses to ready-to-use photos, illustrations, vectors, and video clips for various projects. All content is sourced from a community of contributors and vetted to meet high standards.
When you download a file on iStock, you're buying a license that lets you use the file in advertising, websites, blogs, presentations, video productions, podcasts, and more. iStock's files are all royalty-free, which means you can use them in as many projects as you want for as long as you want, within the terms of the license. By purchasing extended licenses, where available, you can use them in even more ways.
How much do iStock’s images and videos cost?
Outside of images you create using the iStock AI generator, iStock files are available in two collections:
- Essentials – Affordable, everyday stock content.
- Signature – Premium, handpicked stock files exclusive to iStock.
You can purchase content using credits or a subscription.
iStock credits pricing
The credit cost for a standard license depends on the file type and collection:
- Essentials photo, vector or illustration – 1 credit (view sample images)
- Signature photo, vector or illustration – 3 credits (view sample images)
- Essentials video clip – 6 credits (view sample clips)
- Signature video clip – 18 credits (view sample clips)
The more credits you buy, the lower the cost per credit. View credit pack pricing.
iStock subscription options
iStock subscriptions offer the lowest prices and include content from different collections:
- Basic subscription: all photos, vectors, and illustrations from our budget Essentials collection.
- Premium subscription: everything from our Basic subscription, plus images from our premium Signature collection.
- Premium + Video subscription: everything from our Premium subscription, plus all iStock videos and every music track and sound effect available on iStock from Triple Scoop Music.
What type of license do iStock files come with?
All iStock downloads come with a standard license, allowing use in advertising, websites, blogs, presentations, video productions, and more. Files are licensed royalty-free, meaning you only pay for the initial download and can use them indefinitely without paying ongoing royalties.
There is no expiration date for files downloaded during a subscription, and files purchased with credits can be used in unlimited projects. Every file includes a Legal Guarantee protecting you for up to $10,000, subject to the terms and conditions of the iStock Content License Agreement.
What does royalty-free mean?
Royalty-free refers to a type of license that allows you to use a piece of content (such as an image, photo, video, or music track) without having to pay ongoing royalties or fees for each use. Typically, you pay a one-time fee (or sometimes no fee at all) to obtain the license, and then you can use the content multiple times or for an extended period under the terms of that license.
What are iStock’s editorial use only photos?
Editorial photos do not have model or property releases, meaning they cannot be used for commercial, promotional, or advertising purposes. These images often include news, sports and entertainment images that portray real-world people, places, events and things and are intended to be used only in connection with events that are newsworthy or of general interest (for example, in a blog, textbook, newspaper or magazine article).
What is an iStock extended license?
If you need to use our content in ways not covered under the standard license, you can add an extended license to any standard license purchased with credits that will give you additional rights including:
- Unlimited reproduction/print run
- Multiple users can use the file
- Create products for resale (including print on demand products and electronic templates)
- Increased indemnification up to $250,000 with an Extended Legal Guarantee
What uses of iStock content are prohibited?
Regardless of the license type, you cannot use iStock content for:
- Unlawful uses such as within pornographic or defamatory works
- Uses that promote violence or incite hatred
- In violation of any applicable regulations or industry codes
For the complete list of prohibitions read the Content License Agreement. Questions? Contact us.
How do I name a licensee for iStock content?
If you're licensing content for a client or company other than your own using credits, you can name them as the licensee (files licensed with a subscription will always belong to you as the licensee.)
When you name a licensee, you're identifying an individual or company as the holder of the license rights. This lets them use the file under the same terms it was downloaded under for use in current and future projects. It also means you are not a licensee for that asset and won't be able to use it for any other client or entity other than the one named, including yourself.
To assign a licensee:
1. Go to your credit download history
2. Click “Name a licensee”
3. Enter their legal entity name
What license do I need to use iStock content in a film or TV production?
To use iStock content in a film or TV production, you may need to purchase a Film & TV Rider, which provides extended rights beyond standard licenses specifically for broadcast distribution. This rider is only available with a Premium subscription and must be purchased through an account manager. To start this process, please contact us.
How do I search for content on iStock?
To find files on iStock, type your keywords into the search bar at the top of the website. You can also select a specific file type (e.g., photos, illustrations, or videos).
Our advanced search technology understands longer and more descriptive phrases, so you can search for detailed concepts like "superfast ball breaking through the net."
If you prefer searching with single keywords, you can turn off enhanced search at the top of the results page. You can also refine your search using filters on the left panel, such as file type, orientation, and color. If you want more information on optimizing your search, check out our iStock Search Guide.
What are iStock credits?
iStock credits are a virtual currency used to download any file from the iStock image libraries, including photos, illustrations, and videos. When you purchase a file with credits, you can use it in unlimited projects for as long as you want, following the license terms.
How do iStock credit packs work?
Credits are sold in preset packs, and larger packs offer lower prices per credit. Once purchased, credits are added to your account, allowing you to download files as needed.
Do iStock credits expire?
Credits never expire as long as you sign in to your iStock account at least once a year.
What are iStock subscriptions?
iStock subscriptions offer the lowest prices on images and videos by providing a set number of downloads per month for a flat fee. You can subscribe for one month or a full year.
What types of iStock subscriptions are available?
iStock offers three subscription options:
- Basic subscription – Includes photos, vectors, and illustrations from the Essentials collection.
Tip: Use the collection toggle below the search bar to filter for Essentials-only images.
- Premium subscription – Includes everything from Basic, plus access to exclusive Signature collection images.
- Premium + Video subscription – Includes everything in Premium, plus all videos, music tracks, and sound effects available on iStock.
Do iStock subscription downloads expire?
No, there is no expiration date on the rights to use files as long as they were downloaded during your subscription period.
Requesting a refund
Can I get a refund for my iStock purchase?
No, refunds or cancellations are generally not available for subscriptions or credit packs, except where required by local law.*
Are annual subscriptions refundable?
No, refunds or cancellations are generally not available for annual subscriptions before the end of your contracted term, unless required by local law*. However, if your subscription is set to auto-renew, you can turn it off in your account settings to prevent renewal.
Are monthly subscriptions refundable?
No, refunds are generally not available for monthly subscriptions, including previously auto-renewed months, unless required by local law*
How do I cancel my iStock subscription?
You cannot cancel an annual subscription before the end of your contracted term, and refunds are generally not provided unless required by local law.*
If your subscription is set to auto-renew, you can turn it off anytime in your account settings to prevent it from renewing for another term. However, turning off auto-renew does not cancel your current subscription or stop the next monthly billing of an annual subscription.
Does your visual library contain AI-generated content?
The content in our visual library comes from our community of contributors and is vetted to ensure it meets our high standards. We do not accept AI-generated content from our contributors. Images generated or modified using our AI service remain separate and are not added to our visual library for others to license and use.
What are iStock Boards and how do they work?
iStock Boards let you save, organize, and share your favorite images and videos by project, brand, or interest.
How do I save an image or video to a Board?
- Sign in to your iStock account.
- While searching, click the ‘+’ icon on the top-right corner of an image or video.
- If you don’t have a Board, you’ll be prompted to create a new one.
- If you already have Boards, the file will be added to the last Board you used or viewed.
How do I view my iStock Boards?
- Click "Boards" in the menu and select “View all Boards.”
- While searching or viewing a file, clicking on a Board will open a preview reel at the top of the page. Click "Go to Board" to see its full contents.
How do I share or collaborate on an iStock Board?
- Click “Share” to get a link for others to view your Board.
- Click “Collaborate” to allow others to edit and modify the Board.
How do I remove a file from a Board?
Click the trash can icon in the top-right corner of the image.
*Subscription and Refund Policy Exceptions:
Customers in the European Union (EU) may request a refund within 14 days of their subscription start date purchase, and customers in Brazil have a 7-day window from date of purchase. In these cases, a customer can only receive a refund if they have not downloaded any content from their subscription during that period. Local laws in other regions may provide similar protections.