Stock Photos Market Report 2025 (Global Edition)

Global Stock Photos Market Report 2025 Market Size Split by Type (People Photography, Manmade Objects, Product Photography), by Content Types (Photographs, Illustrations and Vector Art, Video Footage,...

Stock Photos Market Report Description

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Competitive Landscape of the Stock Photos Market

The stock photos market is fiercely competitive, dominated by giants. These industry leaders offer vast libraries, advanced search functionalities, and diverse licensing options. Emerging players challenge the status quo by providing high-quality images for free. Niche platforms cater to specific photographer communities, adding further diversity to the market. May 2022: Shutterstock purchased "Pond5", the globally well-known online marketplace for royalty-free and editorial images, from which Netflix, Disney, NBC, BBC, Discovery Channel, and The Wall Street Journal have benefitted.

Top Companies Market Share in Stock Photos Industry: (In no particular order of Rank)

• Masterfile
• ImageSource
• OJOimages
• Cultura
• Loopimages
• Alamy
• SuperStock
• blendimages
• RubberBall
• Photononstop
• ageFotostock
• Johner
• Topic
• Datacraft
• Asiaimagesgroup
• Eastphoto
• Visual China
• Confidential Data
• Access The Paid Version
• Data Hidden

*List of Second Tier Companies, List of Third Tier/ Start-up Companies (Inquire with sales executive) Request Any Company Profile for Preview Purpose OR Data Validation!

If any Company(ies) of your interest has/have not been disclosed in the above list then please let us know the same so that we will check the data availability in our database and provide you the confirmation or include it in the final deliverables.

Regional Analysis of Stock Photos Market

Which Region Dominates the Stock Photos Market in 2024?

According to Cognitive Market Research, North America dominated the market in 2024 and accounted for around 40% of the global revenue. North America emerges as the dominant region in the Stock photos market due to the diverse industries such as marketing, advertising, and publishing. The region witnesses a steady influx of both buyers and sellers, facilitated by online platforms and digital marketing trends. Key players continue to innovate, offering tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers across the continent.

Which Region is Expanding at the Fastest CAGR?

Asia-Pacific stands out as the fastest-growing region in the stock photos market due to expanding digitalization and creative industries. Key players are witnessing heightened demand for diverse visual content across advertising, marketing, and online platforms. With burgeoning internet penetration and increasing awareness of visual branding, the region exhibits significant potential for further market expansion and innovation in stock photography services

The current report Scope analyzes Stock Photos Market on 5 major region Split (In case you wish to acquire a specific region edition (more granular data) or any country Edition data then please write us on info@cognitivemarketresearch.com

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Rest of South America)
• Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Nigeria, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA)

The above graph is for illustrative purposes only.

North America Stock Photos Market

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global stock photos market size was estimated at USD 3425.2 Million, out of which North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1370.08 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2024 to 2031. In North America, the stock photos market exhibits a promising landscape characterized by increased digital content demand, especially in marketing and online platforms. Businesses, media agencies, and independent creators seek high-quality visuals to enhance their projects, driving the need for versatile stock imagery. Additionally, the rise of social media and e-commerce platforms amplifies the demand for captivating visuals to engage audiences effectively. These factors combined create a robust ecosystem where photographers and stock agencies thrive, meeting the evolving needs of the market.

• According to Cognitive Market Research, the US had a major share in the stock photos market, with a market size of USD 1080.99 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period. The demand is amplified by the nation's demand for high-quality visuals, which drives innovation and competition among photographers and agencies.
• The Canadian Stock photos market had a market share of USD 164.41 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. Canada's robust, increasing demand for authentic visual content in marketing, web design, and media projects fuels this market's growth.
• The Mexico Stock photos market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 124.68 million in 2024

Europe Stock Photos Market

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global stock photos market size was estimated at USD 3425.2 Million, out of which Europe held the market of more than 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1027.56 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2024 to 2031. In Europe, the stock photos market presents a dynamic landscape characterized by increased demand from businesses for visual content to enhance their online presence, coupled with the rise of digital marketing. Additionally, the diverse cultural landscape of Europe offers a rich tapestry of scenes and settings, appealing to a global audience. Technological advancements have made it easier for photographers to capture and distribute their work, further fueling the growth of this dynamic market.

• The United Kingdom's stock photos market had a market share of USD 172.63 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Sales of Stock photos are witnessing an upswing due to diverse snapshots depicting the essence of transportation culture.
• The French stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 94.54 million in 2024.
• According to Cognitive Market Research, the German market for stock photos was valued at USD 203.46 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. In Germany, stock photo sales surged due to cultural authenticity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
• The Italian stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 88.37 million in 2024.
• The Russian stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 159.27 million in 2024.
• The Spanish stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 84.26 million in 2024.
• The Luxembourg stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 31.85 million in 2024.
• The Portugal stock photos market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 21.58 million in 2024.
• The Greece stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 12.33 million in 2024.
• The Rest of Europe's stock photos market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 159.27 million in 2024

Asia Pacific Stock Photos Market

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global stock photos market size was estimated at USD 3425.2 Million, out of which Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 787.80 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2024 to 2031. In the Asia Pacific region, the stock photos market exhibits robust growth prospects driven by rapid digitalization across industries, which fuels demand for visual content. At the same time, the burgeoning e-commerce sector seeks compelling imagery for marketing. Increased internet penetration and social media usage amplify this need, driving growth in the market. Additionally, the region's burgeoning creative industry and expanding advertising sector further contribute to the market's expansion. These combined factors create a fertile ground for the continued rise of the stock photo market in the Asia-Pacific region.

• According to Cognitive Market Research, the China stock photos market size was valued at USD 354.51 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. Stock photo sales surged in China due to the nation's dynamic economy and cultural richness; photographers captured vibrant scenes of bustling streets, traditional festivals, and modern innovation.
• The Japan stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 42.89 million in 2024.
• The Indian stock photos market had a market share of USD 94.54 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period. Demand is augmented by India's burgeoning online presence and creative industry; there's a growing need for diverse, culturally relevant visuals.
• The South Korean stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 78.78 million in 2024.
• The Australian stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 40.97 million in 2024.
• The Southeast Asia stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 54.36 million in 2024.
• The Rest of the Asia Pacific stock photos market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 55.93 million in 2024

South America Stock Photos Market

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global stock photos market size was estimated at USD 3425.2 Million, out of which the Latin America market has more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 171.26 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2024 to 2031. In Latin America, the stock photos market showcases growth prospects driven by factors such as increasing digitalization across industries and demand for high-quality visual content for marketing and advertising campaigns. Moreover, the growing prominence of social media platforms necessitates a constant influx of fresh imagery. Additionally, the region's diverse cultural landscape offers unique and authentic visuals that appeal to a global audience. As businesses seek to connect with Latin American consumers, the demand for localized and culturally relevant stock photos continues to soar, fostering a dynamic and expanding market.

• According to Cognitive Market Research, the Brazil stock photos market was valued at USD 73.30 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. Stock photo sales flourish in Brazil due to the nation's increasing demand for digital content and the burgeoning creative industry.
• The Argentina stock photos market had a market share of USD 28.77 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. Argentina's unique charm, which attracts global interest and appreciation, augments the demand.
• The Colombian stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 15.24 million in 2024.
• The Peru stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 14.04 million in 2024.
• The Chile stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 12.33 million in 2024.
• The Rest of the Latin American stock photos market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 27.57 million in 2024

Middle East Stock Photos Market

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global stock photos market size was estimated at USD 3425.2 Million, out of which the Middle East and Africa held the major market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 68.50 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031. MEA, the stock photos market, showcases promising growth prospects driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, increasing internet penetration, and a burgeoning advertising industry. Additionally, a growing number of businesses are recognizing the importance of visual content in digital marketing strategies. The demand for culturally relevant images and the rise of e-commerce platforms further fuel this growth trajectory. As a result, the market is experiencing a surge in both supply and demand for diverse and high-quality stock photos.

• The GCC Countries' stock photos market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period, reaching USD 29.32 million in 2024. Sales of stock photos flourish due to increasing internet penetration and a burgeoning advertising industry.
• The Egypt stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 7.19 million in 2024.
• The South African stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period, reaching USD 10.82 million in 2024. Sales of stock photos flourish in South Africa due to the demand for culturally relevant images and the rise of e-commerce platforms.
• The Turkish stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 5.89 million in 2024.
• The Nigerian stock photos market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 7.19 million in 2024.
• The Rest of the MEA stock photos market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 8.08 million in 2024.

Stock Photos Market Analysis

Stock photos Market Type Segment Analysis

According to Cognitive Market Research, people photography stands out as the dominating category. It encompasses images featuring individuals or groups in various settings, portraying emotions, activities, and diverse demographics. It caters to businesses, media, and creative projects requiring human representation.

Product photography emerges as the fastest-growing category in the stock photos market. It focuses on capturing items, merchandise, or commodities, highlighting their features, aesthetics, and applications. This segment serves e-commerce platforms, marketing agencies, and businesses seeking visual assets for advertising or promotional materials.

• People Photography
• Manmade Objects
• Product Photography

The above Chart is for representative purposes and does not depict actual sale statistics. Access/Request the quantitative data to understand the trends and dominating segment of Stock Photos Industry. Request a Free Sample PDF!

Stock photos Market Content Types Segment Analysis

According to Cognitive Market Research, the dominating category is photographs. It encompasses a wide array of images captured through photography, ranging from landscapes and portraits to abstract concepts and lifestyle shots.

The fastest-growing category in the stock photos market is illustrations and vector art. They are digitally created images often used for graphics, designs, and artistic representations. This segment includes drawings, paintings, icons, and scalable vector graphics (SVG) that offer flexibility in resizing without losing quality.

• Photographs
• Illustrations and Vector Art
• Video Footage
• Audio Clips

The above Graph is for representation purposes only. This chart does not depict actual Market share.

Stock Photos Licensing Models Segment Analysis

According to Cognitive Market Research, the dominating category is royalty-free. It allows users to pay once for an image and use it multiple times without additional fees, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness for widespread usage.

The fastest-growing category in the stock photos market is rights managed. It provides exclusive rights for a specific purpose, duration, and geographic location, typically commanding higher fees due to the tailored nature of usage rights. This model ensures control over image distribution and prevents overuse, making it ideal for premium and niche content needs.

• Royalty-Free (RF)
• Rights-Managed (RM)

Stock Photos Subject and Category Segment Analysis

According to Cognitive Market Research, the dominating category is business & finance. It features images related to corporate settings, entrepreneurship, financial graphs, and professional interactions, targeting businesses, marketers, and financial institutions.

The fastest growing in the stock photos market is nature and wildlife. It encompasses a vast array of images depicting landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena, appealing to environmental organizations, travel agencies, and individuals seeking visually captivating content.

• Business and Finance
• Nature and Wildlife
• People and Lifestyle
• Healthcare and Medicine
• Technology and Science

Stock Photos Quality and Resolution Segment Analysis

According to Cognitive Market Research, the dominating category is high resolution. It is characterized by superior clarity and detail and caters to professional projects like print media, presentations, and advertising campaigns. These images are ideal for applications requiring precise reproduction and large-format printing.

The fastest growing in the stock photos market is low resolution. They are suitable for web use, social media, and personal projects due to smaller file sizes and faster loading times. This segmentation allows clients to choose the most appropriate option based on their specific requirements, balancing quality with practicality in image usage.

• High-Resolution
• Low-Resolution

Stock Photos Content Providers Segment Analysis

According to Cognitive Market Research, the dominating category is microstock agencies. It offers a vast collection of images sourced from a large pool of photographers and contributors. These images are typically royalty-free and sold at a lower price point, making them accessible to a wide range of users for various purposes like website design, social media, and marketing materials.

The fastest growing in the stock photos market is macrostock agencies. It provides high-quality, exclusive images often produced by professional photographers. These images are usually licensed for specific uses and command higher prices. Macrostock agencies cater to clients with more specialized needs, such as advertising agencies, publishers, and designers requiring unique and premium content.

• Microstock Agencies
• Macrostock Agencies

Author's Detail

Swasti Dharmadhikari

Research associate at Cognitive Market Research

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Swasti Dharmadhikari, an agile and achievement-focused market researcher with an innate ardor for deciphering the intricacies of the Service & Software sector. Backed by a profound insight into technology trends and consumer dynamics, she has committed herself to meticulously navigating the ever-evolving terrain of digital Services and software solutions.

Author's Conclusion