Starting a Print On Demand (POD) business is a wise choice that you must have taken in your life. Now, you might be thinking about using Photoshop, or any AI tools for your designs, even some mockups. But before that, there might be a question for everyone at a particular stage: Can I use Shutterstock images for my Print on Demand business?
The answer is ‘yes’. But, there are some restrictions and that is where we need to know about the Shutterstock license plans and certification issues. One cannot directly use images from the Shutterstock page, for their print on demand products.
This guide goes beyond the basics to help you, how to use Shutterstock and its assets or images for your print on demand business, confidently and legally based on the most up-to-date industry rules.
Key Takeaways
- About Shutterstock’s ideal platform for branding, marketing, product mockups, and how it is an inspiration for your print on demand business.
- Using the Shutterstock assets for branding, marketing, mockups, and also as an inspiration for your designs in your print on demand business.
- Understanding about Standard, Extended, Editorial, and Enterprise licenses is crucial and always must maintain proofs of purchases and keep your licenses organized to avoid potential copyright disputes and legal challenges.
- Recently, specialized stock libraries and AI-generated content are rapidly growing, so staying in trend with the licensing and market trends will keep your business safe and set you apart.
- Future of stock images in print on demand is moving towards AI-driven content and POD-specific licenses. Shutterstock is getting adapted, but for now, some of the alternatives serve better.
What is Shutterstock?
Shutterstock is one of the largest global platforms now boasting over 450 million images and serving its creative businesses in more than 150 countries around the world. This online platform was founded in 2003. It provides a vast library of:
- Photos
- Vectors & illustrations
- Stock footage
- Music tracks
Shutterstock’s collection lies not just in image library size, but also in licensing of their products. Their content is contributed by a diverse network of over 2 million creators, ensuring everything from trending pop culture to niche scientific visuals.
How to Use Shutterstock?
Whether you have already used the online platforms like Shutterstock or if you are new as a content creator looking for Shutterstock as your primary option, here is your step-by-step guide for how to use Shutterstock:
Step 1: Creating Your Shutterstock Account
- Go to ‘Shutterstock Login’ to access the login page.
- If you already have an account, enter your registered email and password, then click “Sign In.”
- If you do not have an account:
- Click on the “Create Your Account” link in the login page.
Enter your email, and create a secure password (You can also use the ‘Continue with Google’ option and create your account).
- Verify your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox to activate your Shutterstock account.
Step 2: Searching Images in Shutterstock
- Use the Shutterstock search bar and type specific keywords related to your print on demand niche or any of your product ideas. For example: “Floral Patterns”.
- Filter results by image type (photos, vectors, illustrations), orientation (horizontal, vertical, square), color scheme, and even with trending images to find a perfect fit for your print items.
- Preview the images in high resolution and check for print suitability. Vectors are ideal for sharp prints on apparel and accessories.
Step 3: Understanding Shutterstock Licensing
- Standard License covers commercial digital use like e-paper and books, but does not allow printing images for print on demand products.
- Extended License permits the use of images from Shutterstock in paid media or products where the image adds commercial value, like greeting cards. Yet, you cannot sell print on demand products like T-shirts, mugs, or items where the Shutterstock image is the main design.
- If you’re using the integrated print on demand platforms like Qikink, licensing fees are automatically handled on a per-sale basis, which simplifies your process.
Step 4: Using the Downloaded Images Legally
- Once you select the image from the Shutterstock platform, purchase the appropriate license based on your use of the image or the vector.
- After proper licensing, download the highest resolution version available for the license purchased, and ensure the quality of the image is high.
- Upload the downloaded image to your design tool or if you want to directly upload the design into your print on demand platform’s product creator. Always keep the valid proof of license purchase to avoid any legal copyright issues.
With Real Examples from Qikink!
What is Shutterstock Licensing?
Shutterstock licensing refers to the legal permission of the image or a vector or any other product you purchase from the Shutterstock platform. When you download an image, video, or other asset from this platform, instead of buying the complete ownership of that particular content, you are required to buy a license that defines how you can use the asset. The most common Shutterstock defined licenses are:
- Standard License, which covers everyday commercial use like websites, ads, and marketing materials.
- Extended (Enhanced) License, which expands its limits for larger-scale distribution and some other certain product applications.
While Standard and Enhanced licenses cover the creative and commercial needs for print on demand businesses and the other digital uses, Shutterstock also offers some specialized licenses such as,
Editorial License:
- This license is strictly for non-commercial uses, especially for journalistic, educational, or documentary purposes.
- The editorial images can be used in the news articles, blogs, magazines, and documentaries but neither can be used for advertising print on demand merchandise, nor as any promotional products.
- And this license is not suitable for printing images on your merch products, which increases the caution and to check the type of license purchased before use.
Footage License:
- The Footage license covers the royalty-free video clips.
- Print on demand entrepreneurs and the content creators, who make video ads or promos for their merch products and others can be benefitted from Shutterstock licensed visuals and motion content, under the Enhanced and the Footage licenses.
Music License:
- The Music license plays the role of enabling the use of Shutterstock’s royalty-free music tracks and sound effects across digital and broadcast platforms.
- Similarly to the images, these licenses range from Standard for limited use (in websites, small videos, etc.,) to Enhanced for larger scale commercial uses (like TV, Radio).
- Product sellers can purchase these licenses to create their promotional videos and print on demand casts, which are legally safe.
Enterprise License:
- Enterprise license offers the most comprehensive rights and protections, including unlimited indemnification coverage, third-party transfer rights, and the sensitive usage approvals.
- This is a premium license that supports marketing campaigns and merchandising, and also designed for high-volume print, digital, and other broadcast needs.
- If your print on demand services are going to act as a long-term business plan, then purchasing this license will be helpful for your designing journey with Shutterstock.
Understanding these licenses must be very crucial before entering into a print on demand business, especially when choosing Shutterstock as the first choice for an image platform of your designs on your products.
How Can I Use Shutterstock Images for Print On Demand Business?
Print on Demand is a business model where products like T-shirts, mugs, or posters are only printed and shipped after a customer places an order, which means you do not need to keep any inventory or ship your products. The Print on demand platforms handle all production, packaging, and fulfillment logistics on behalf of the sellers, allowing all the aspiring content creators and the entrepreneurs to focus primarily on their design creations, marketing, and customer engagement.
This print on demand platform can be integrated with Shutterstock, but the Shutterstock is more restrictive for their contents and it requires complete understanding of Shutterstock’s licensing rules for the commercial use of the images and the assets. For most of the print on dDemand creators, the Enhanced License is essential.
Unlike the Standard Shutterstock Royalty-Free License, which typically restricts printing images on products intended for re-sale, this Enhanced License grants the rights to produce an unlimited number of physical copies. This means you can legally print the Shutterstock images downloaded from the platform with the purchased license and design it on your merchandise without any copyright infringement. Some points to remember while purchasing the Shutterstock’s license,
- If you choose to use Shutterstock images via integrated print on demand platforms, those platforms often simplify this licensing process by automatically handling license fees per product sale, allowing you to avoid upfront costs and streamline compliance. So understanding usage rights using Shutterstock images for your Print On Demand business is very much essential.
- To legally use Shutterstock images, start by browsing Shutterstock’s extensive collection and ensure that the images you select are not editorial (which are meant only for non-commercial use, such as news reporting).
- Make sure to purchase the Enhanced License, if you want to use those images “as-it-is” on your products or even if you want to edit those images on your own to create unique designs. But you should always download the highest resolution files (mostly Vectors, which are best for the print on demand products) from the Shutterstock platform, to ensure your products look more professional.
- Also, avoiding direct usage of the Shutterstock images as your business logos or trademarks is preferred. Since, most of the Shutterstock licenses strictly restrict the use of the stock images as your brand identity.
- Finally, maintaining the proof of license purchase is very much essential, because each of the license’s terms protects your print on demand business from any legal risks in the future.
So, using the Shutterstock’s assets legally and purchasing their proper licenses and maintaining the license purchase proofs will make your print on demand business safe and sound.
Integration of Shutterstock with Print On Demand Platforms
One of the common questions every entrepreneur and the content creators ask is whether Shutterstock can be directly integrated into a print on demand workflow, especially when working with a fulfilment partner like Qikink. For now, Shutterstock does not provide direct integration with any POD service, but they are in development to integrate with the print on demand platforms.
Shutterstock’s licensing terms strictly prohibit using their images as a primary artwork on any print on demand products. This is because print on demand involves the selling of items with different designs printed on them, which Shutterstock classifies as redistribution of the contents, and it is allowed only under some of their licenses.
Attempting to use Shutterstock images without a proper license, could put your store at risk of copyright claims or even permanent account suspension. But as said, Shutterstock can still play a valuable supporting role in your print on demand journey with Qikink. For example:
- Using Shutterstock assets in your marketing campaigns like ads, product mockups, or in any social media posts, to make your brand look polished and professional.
- Shutterstock’s massive library with more than 450 millions of images, can serve as an inspiration of your own AI or Photoshop designs or using them as references, which gives us plenty of ideas, even our own designs can be equal to the design of a graphic designer.
- You can use elements like background textures, icons, or patterns after modified from the designs in Shutterstock, which looks like your own original artwork, provided they don’t violate Shutterstock’s terms.
In short, Shutterstock is not a direct design source for print on demand products with Qikink, but it is an essential tool for our branding, promotions, and creative inspirations.
An easy understanding guide for your
Print on Demand business
Alternatives to Shutterstock and Other Tools
This is where most of the other blogs stop, lags or goes out of the track, but here’s a second solution. There are a lot of platforms, softwares and AI tools, which we can use to create our own images, as a better alternative to Shutterstock. Some of the tools to be noted are:
1. Creative Fabrica
- Creative Fabrica offers a vast library of design assets with easy-to-understand print on demand licensing included.
- It is more affordable with unlimited downloads under a subscription, ideal for sellers producing many designs.
- Creative Fabrica focuses on niche and craft-friendly designs, making it a great alternative to Shutterstock for print on demand sellers.
2. Freepik Premium
- Freepik Premium provides a wide collection of high-quality graphics and vectors, which are specially suitable for print on demand sellers.
- It requires customization and editing with the original designs to comply with their licensing rules, especially for using them as main design elements on your merch products.
- The premium subscription for this tool removes attribution requirements and allows the users to its commercial rights, which makes this as one of the top alternatives to Shutterstock and Freepik for print on demand is a very great tool.
3. Vecteezy Pro
- Vecteezy Pro offers unlimited downloads of high-quality vectors, photos, and videos with full commercial rights, and which are the ideal things for every Print on demand seller.
- The tool’s pro license allows up to 100,000 sales without attribution, additionally an extended license offers unlimited sales with no attributes, and compromises the legal safety of the print on demand products.
- Vecteezy provides a vast, easy-to-search library with diverse design resources, making it a practical Shutterstock alternative for creative print on demand businesses.
4. Canva Pro
- Canva Pro is an user-friendly platform with over 100 million premium resources, including templates, images, and infographics, which are perfect for print on demand sellers.
- Canva features tools like Magic Resize to adapt designs for various products quickly, and branding kits for consistent branding for print on demand items.
- Canva Pro’s licensing allows commercial use of original designs made by combining elements, making it a viable and easy-to-use alternative to Shutterstock for print on demand creators.
5. AI Tools
Here are some AI tools that complements the print on demand businesses by helping to create unique art designs for the sellers and making their process easier:
- DALL·E: An advanced AI image generator that creates custom visuals from text prompts, perfect for generating unique, eye-catching designs for print on demand products.
- Runway ML: Offers AI-powered editing tools for videos and images, enabling print on demand sellers to create dynamic product visuals and promotional content.
- Deep Dream Generator: Transforms images into artistic design styles, and allows sellers to create their preferred trendy designs for their apparel and accessories.
- Designify: It enhances and removes backgrounds from images, a simple, yet a professional tool and gives a quality graphic for your print on demand products.
The key is combining the stock inspiration with some tools that let you build your own original artwork. These AI tools with the previously mentioned editing platforms, forms a powerful toolkit and acts as the perfect alternatives for an image-collective platform like Shutterstock and will be very helpful and efficient in your print on demand business growth. There are some other tools, which can be used to edit your Stock Assets. Some of them are,
- Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop: Professional editing for creating unique, high-quality designs.
- Placeit: Realistic product mockups and branding kits to showcase your products effectively.
- Kittl: Typography-rich design tool, great for customizable T-shirt graphics.
- Figma: Collaborative design platform perfect for team projects and seamless print on demand design workflows.
Know the actual cost of running a business using print on demand!
How to Legally Use Stock Images in Print On Demand Business
- Use the downloaded stock images mainly for marketing purposes like ads, banners, and branding.
- Use public domain and royalty-free content wisely, knowing their terms and conditions fully.
- Understand copyright and trademark distinctions, and avoid using trademark logos or branded content without legal permissions.
- Try to transform the stock images significantly or do your edits on them, instead printing them ‘as-it-is’.
- Hire a freelancer or a professional graphic designer to custom edit your stock assets into unique print on demand type designs.
- As previously said, make sure to keep your purchase receipts and licenses to prove legal usage if challenged.
- Prefer print on demand friendly platforms like Creative Fabrica to simplify licensing concerns.
Remembering these things while you are using your stock assets, will let you present your designs effectively and also helps to protect your print on demand business.
What is the Future of Stock Images in Print On Demand Products?
The future of stock images in the print on demand (POD) space is heading towards greater flexibility, AI-driven content, and specialized licensing models. Recently, the key trend is said to be the rise of AI-powered design tools. Shutterstock has started introducing AI-generated content within its system, but the licensing is still conservative. If Shutterstock adapts its licensing in the future to include print on demand rights or even partners with any print on demand fulfilment companies, it could become a game changer in the market.
In short, while Shutterstock today remains best for marketing, branding, and inspiration, the future of stock images in print on demand is moving towards specialized content libraries, AI integration, and clearer licensing terms. Creators who adapt to the mixing of trusted stock resources for marketing with print on demand friendly design tools for their merch products, will be positioned at the top in this growing industry.
Final Thoughts
Stock image platforms like Shutterstock are an incredible asset for businesses, but when it comes to the print on demand model, their licensing terms set their boundaries. As we explored in this blog, understanding Shutterstock’s Standard License and Extended License helps you to use the stock images for your marketing, branding, and limited commercial projects. Start by choosing the right stock image platform that fits your creative needs and legal requirements.
Ready to elevate your print on demand business? Your creativity deserves to shine, and especially when combined with the right strategy, it can grow into a long-term, profitable print on demand business when combined with India’s best POD partner like Qikink.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Shutterstock images for T-shirts?
You can use Shutterstock images as inspiration, for mockups, marketing materials, or as design elements if you transform them into something unique. If your goal is ready-to-sell T-shirt designs, you’ll get the best results by combining Shutterstock assets with your own edits or by using POD-friendly platforms and other AI tools that allow full commercial use. This way, you can still create a professional, high-quality T-shirt design.
What is a Shutterstock royalty-free license?
A Shutterstock royalty-free license lets you use an image multiple times after a one-time payment, without paying royalties for every use. It covers both personal and commercial projects like marketing campaigns, digital ads, and websites. However, “royalty-free” doesn’t mean “restriction-free”, the license still limits its usage.
What are the types of Shutterstock license plans?
Shutterstock offers two main license plans:
- Standard License: Covers marketing, websites, ads, social media, and limited print runs (up to 500,000 copies).
- Extended License: Allows unlimited print runs and broader commercial usage.
Do I need to credit Shutterstock image creators on my print on demand items?
You should credit Shutterstock image creators on your print on demand items, even if you have the appropriate license. Crediting the source of the image shows respect for the creator’s work and builds trust with your customers.
What is the best way to use Shutterstock images in a print on demand business?
The best way is to use Shutterstock for store branding, marketing visuals, promotional ads, and product mockups. For the actual print on demand product designs, you should rely on POD-compliant stock libraries or AI-generated artwork. This keeps your business legally compliant while still benefiting from Shutterstock’s high-quality visuals.
Does Shutterstock integrate with print on demand platforms like Qikink?
Currently, Shutterstock does not directly integrate with print on demand platforms, but you can expect the integration of the stock assets on POD platforms soon. Many POD sellers use Shutterstock images for product mockups, marketing creatives, social media posts, and branding materials to give their store a professional edge. When paired with Qikink’s robust Print-On-Demand fulfillment services, Shutterstock assets can help you present your designs more attractively and drive higher conversions
