Finding the perfect stock photos for your creative projects can be challenging. That’s why we’ve thoroughly tested Bigstock, a popular stock photo marketplace owned by Shutterstock, to help you make an informed decision about this platform.
In our comprehensive Bigstock review, we’ll explore the platform’s vast library of over 100 million images, videos, and vectors. We’ll dive into its pricing plans, licensing options, and user experience to determine if it’s worth your investment. After spending countless hours analyzing the service and comparing it with competitors, we’re ready to share our honest insights about what makes Bigstock stand out in the crowded stock photo market.
What Is Bigstock Photo?
Bigstock Photo operates as a subscription-based stock photo marketplace that offers royalty-free images videos vectors for commercial creative use. The platform serves as a direct competitor to other stock photo agencies like Adobe Stock Images offering flexible pricing options for content creators designers.
Company Background
Bigstock launched in 2004 as Bigstockphoto.com providing an accessible platform for photographers to sell their work. In 2009 Shutterstock acquired the company expanding its reach capabilities. The acquisition strengthened Bigstock’s position in the stock photo industry enabling integration with Shutterstock’s extensive network while maintaining its distinct identity pricing structure.
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- Extensive Library: Access to over 100 million high-quality images vectors videos
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- Search Functionality: Advanced filters for resolution orientation color subject matter
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- Flexible Licensing: Standard royalty-free licenses with clear usage terms
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- Multiple Download Options: Individual credits subscription plans pay-as-you-go options
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- User Interface: Intuitive navigation with lightbox organization features
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- Mobile Access: Responsive platform design for browsing downloading on any device
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- Image Preview: High-resolution comp images for testing in projects before purchase
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- Contributor Program: Platform for photographers artists to sell their creative work
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- Customer Support: 24/7 assistance through email live chat support channels
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- Regular Updates: Daily additions of new content across various categories themes
| Feature Category | Quantity/Specification |
|---|---|
| Image Library | 100M+ Files |
| File Types | Photos, Vectors, Videos |
| Language Support | 21 Languages |
| Download Formats | JPEG, PNG, EPS |
| Maximum Resolution | 4K/Ultra HD |
Bigstock Pricing Plans
Bigstock offers two primary payment options for accessing their extensive stock photo library. The platform’s flexible pricing structure accommodates both regular content users and one-time buyers.
Monthly Subscriptions
Bigstock’s subscription plans deliver cost-effective solutions for consistent image downloads. The monthly plans include:
| Plan Type | Images per Day | Monthly Price | Price per Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10 images | $79 | $0.26 |
| Standard | 35 images | $169 | $0.16 |
| Premium | 350 images | $199 | $0.02 |
Each subscription includes rollover downloads for unused images valid for 30 days. All plans provide access to high-resolution images with standard licensing for commercial use.
Single Image Credits
For occasional buyers, Bigstock provides a credit-based purchasing system:
| Credit Pack | Number of Credits | Price | Cost per Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 10 credits | $49 | $4.90 |
| Medium | 25 credits | $99 | $3.96 |
| Large | 50 credits | $169 | $3.38 |
| Extra Large | 100 credits | $269 | $2.69 |
Image prices range from 3 to 6 credits depending on file size. Credits remain valid for 12 months from the purchase date. This system competes effectively with other stock photo agencies like Adobe Stock Images in terms of flexibility for single-purchase customers.
Image Quality and Selection
Bigstock maintains a diverse collection of high-quality images that meet professional standards across multiple industries. The platform’s strict quality control ensures every image meets specific technical requirements before acceptance.
Content Categories
Bigstock’s library spans 35+ main categories including business photography lifestyle images nature shots architectural photos abstract designs conceptual illustrations. Each category features:
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- Commercial Photography: Office environments corporate meetings professional portraits
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- Creative Arts: Digital illustrations vector graphics watercolor designs
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- Editorial Content: News events celebrity images sports coverage
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- Industry-Specific: Medical imagery technical illustrations educational resources
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- Lifestyle Photography: Family moments travel experiences food photography
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- Nature & Wildlife: Landscapes botanical photography animal portraits
Resolution Options
Bigstock provides multiple resolution options to accommodate different project requirements:
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- Standard Resolution (72 DPI): Web content social media posts digital presentations
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- High Resolution (300 DPI): Print materials marketing collateral commercial use
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- Vector Files: Scalable graphics logos illustrations without quality loss
| Resolution Type | Size Range | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Web Resolution | 800×600 – 1920×1080 | Digital Media |
| Print Quality | 2400×3600 – 4800×7200 | Commercial Print |
| Vector | Scalable | Branding Materials |
The platform’s image quality compares favorably with Adobe Stock Images consistently delivering sharp detailed photographs crisp vectors clear illustrations. Each file includes detailed specifications enabling users to select appropriate resolutions for specific projects.
Licensing Terms and Rights
Bigstock’s licensing structure provides clear usage terms for purchased content through two primary license types. These licenses determine how images can be used across different projects and platforms.
Standard License Details
The Standard License grants basic usage rights for digital content with specific limitations:
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- Commercial use in digital media up to 500,000 views
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- Print reproduction limited to 250,000 copies
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- Social media marketing campaigns
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- Website design elements
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- Blog posts integration
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- Personal projects without redistribution
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- Email marketing materials
Extended License Options
Extended licensing expands usage rights for broader commercial applications:
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- Unlimited digital impressions
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- Print runs exceeding 250,000 copies
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- Product resale rights (t-shirts prints merchandise)
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- Templates distribution
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- Digital product incorporation
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- TV broadcasting rights
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- Unlimited print marketing materials
| License Type | Digital Views | Print Copies | Resale Rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 500,000 | 250,000 | No |
| Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited | Yes |
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- Worldwide usage rights
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- Legal indemnification
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- Multi-project application
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- Perpetual duration
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- Non-exclusive rights
Platform Experience
Bigstock’s platform delivers an intuitive user experience with advanced features tailored for efficient content discovery, seamless downloads, and mobile accessibility.
Search Functionality
Bigstock’s search engine incorporates multiple filtering options to streamline image discovery. Users can filter results by orientation, image size, resolution, color, people attributes, and category tags. The platform’s smart search algorithm suggests relevant keywords while typing, enabling precise content targeting. Advanced search operators allow combinations of terms using AND/OR logic for refined results.
Download Process
The download system operates through three simple steps:
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- Select desired image resolution from available options
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- Choose between subscription downloads or credit purchases
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- Access instant downloads through the user dashboard
Downloaded files include detailed metadata with:
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- Image specifications
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- License information
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- Usage rights documentation
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- File format details
Mobile App Features
Bigstock’s mobile app extends platform functionality to iOS and Android devices with features comparable to Adobe Stock Images. Key mobile capabilities include:
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- On-the-go image browsing
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- Lightbox creation and management
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- Direct downloads to device storage
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- Image preview in multiple resolutions
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- Real-time collection updates
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- Account management tools
The app syncs seamlessly with desktop accounts, allowing users to:
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- Access saved searches
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- View download history
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- Manage subscriptions
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- Track credit balances
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- Create shared collections
Each section maintains focus on user interaction while highlighting Bigstock’s competitive position among stock photo agencies through specific feature comparisons and functionality descriptions.
Pros and Cons
Our comprehensive analysis of Bigstock reveals distinct advantages and limitations compared to other stock photo agencies. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes Bigstock stand out and where it falls short.
Advantages
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- Extensive library featuring 100+ million diverse, high-quality images
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- Competitive pricing with flexible subscription plans and credit options
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- User-friendly interface with advanced search functionality
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- High-resolution image previews before purchase
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- Mobile app availability for iOS and Android devices
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- Unlimited downloads within subscription limits
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- 30-day rollover for unused image downloads
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- Clear licensing terms for both Standard and Extended licenses
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- Quick download process with instant file access
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- Detailed image metadata and specifications
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- Regular content updates with fresh imagery
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- Limited video content compared to Adobe Stock Images
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- Higher individual image prices than some competitors
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- Credit packages expire after 12 months
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- Monthly subscription requires minimum 3-month commitment
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- Standard license restricts digital impressions to 500,000 views
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- No unlimited download options available
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- Fewer advanced editing tools compared to other stock photo agencies
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- Image exclusivity not guaranteed
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- Limited vector file selection
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- No built-in image editing capabilities
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- Restricted free trial options
Conclusion
Bigstock stands out as a reliable choice for those seeking high-quality stock photos at competitive prices. Its extensive library versatile licensing options and user-friendly interface make it a solid contender in the stock photo marketplace. While there’s room for improvement in video content and digital impression limits we believe Bigstock delivers exceptional value for most creative professionals.
The platform’s balanced mix of features competitive pricing and commitment to quality makes it particularly appealing for small to medium-sized businesses web designers and content creators. If you’re looking for a dependable stock photo service that won’t break the bank Bigstock deserves your consideration.