iStock, from Getty Images vs. JumpStory

iStock has a huge variety of stuff that allows the graphic designers we work with to have a huge archive to choose from. This lets them have great creative freedom and piece together assets that cover the brief, however the huge amount of variety means they have to be specific when looking for assets, as the brief they're given doesn't always match up with the images chosen- however this is more user error and learning than the product itself

Incentivized

The main reason for the low rating is that I was charged without my permission / want, when my supposed free trial ended. At no point was I warned about my free trial expiring soon, nor was I asked whether I want to continue with a paid subscription. In my opinion, that is a very unprofessional and unethical business model, which basically equals fraud.

• search features
• similar image search features
• style
• fresh assortment - updated and on trend
• wide variety

Incentivized

• Find stock photos
• Download different sizes
• Save images

• Provide more niche photography areas
• Offer more natural or realistic photography
• Maybe offer a good discount on bundles of images

Incentivized

• Limited selection of imagery with poor search capability.
• No ability to filter.
• The AI is useless.
• Scammy "trial period" that auto-switches to the expensive annual paid plan without notice.

The usability of the platform is average at best.

The customer support did not try to resolve my issue with the accidental charging and the refund I requested. Although they were quick to answer my email.

iStock in my opinion is probably the leading stock image distribution service at the moment and has definitely become a trusted source for stock images, video, animations and audio. Unsplash has a better library of organic photography but can be a bit lacking as it replies on photographers having images of certain styles, though I like the concept and working closely to give exposure to artists. Adobe Stock is a newer service in comparison so it will take time to build the same level in my opinion but I am a avid Adobe user so will watch that space.

Incentivized

it is the worst of all options

• visual interest
• client satisfaction

Incentivized

• it cost us money that would have been much better spent elsewhere
• it cost us time to try to deal with the company by email and to write reviews
• it annoyed us while testing and aggravated us when we learned we had been duped