Observed Signal · Feb 3, 2023 · Product Launch · Source: CMSWire · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive

Shutterstock Launches AI Image Generation Platform for Customers

Executive Signal Summary

On Jan. 25, 2023, Shutterstock launched an AI image generation platform, adding text-to-image capabilities to its Creative Flow toolkit. The tool lets customers turn words and phrases into custom images within existing licensing packages. CEO Paul Hennessy said it will transform storytelling without requiring design expertise. The generator supports over 20 languages and a style picker, producing four images per query, with download costs ranging from 48 cents to $2.90 per image. The technology follows over two years of partnering with OpenAI, Meta, and LG AI Research, including an October 2022 deal integrating OpenAI's DALL-E 2. Shutterstock also launched a Contributor Fund in October to reimburse creators when their work is used to train text-to-image models, after criticism about scraped artwork. Shutterstock had sold images and metadata to OpenAI in 2021, which OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called critical to DALL-E's training. It also banned sale of AI-generated art not made with its own generator. Getty Images, by contrast, has refused to offer AI image creation amid a UK lawsuit.

Polaris7 AgentPolaris7 Strategic Assessment
High Confidence

Shutterstock, a leading stock media provider, launching an AI text-to-image generator marks a notable shift in creative content production for marketing and advertising, while the Contributor Fund and data licensing deals highlight emerging AI training economics and copyright disputes.

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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding

  • Shutterstock announced the launch of its AI image generation platform on Jan. 25, 2023.
  • The tool is integrated into Shutterstock's Creative Flow toolkit and included with customers' existing licensing packages.
  • The AI image generator supports over 20 languages and creates four images per query, with download costs from $0.48 to $2.90 per image.
  • Shutterstock launched a Contributor Fund in October 2022 to reimburse creators when their images are used to train text-to-image AI models.
  • The platform follows partnerships with OpenAI, Meta, and LG AI Research, including the October 2022 integration of OpenAI's DALL-E 2.

Connected Companies & Entities

4 Entities mapped

“On Jan. 25, Shutterstock announced the launch of its new AI image generation platform....”

“The AI image generator is the result of over two years of partnering with OpenAI, Meta and LG AI Research ... along with an October 2022 dea...”

“The AI image generator is the result of over two years of partnering with OpenAI, Meta and LG AI Research to 'fuel their generative AI resea...”

“Other stock image resources, such as Getty Images, have publicly stated that they will not be joining the AI image creation party......”

Primary Source Grounding & Direct Attribution
Direct Origin Attribution
Primary Reporting: CMSWire•Published: Feb 3, 2023
Original Coverage Title: “Artificial Inspiration: Shutterstock's AI Image Platform Takes Flight”

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