The UK stock images market is set to grow significantly over the forecast period, with the market size projected to increase by USD 128.3 million at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2028. This expansion is largely driven by the rising demand for visual content in digital and social media marketing. As businesses continue to embrace visual storytelling, the need for high-quality, royalty-free stock images is growing. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing image creation, enabling more diverse and authentic visuals to meet the needs of a broader range of industries.
For more details about the industry, get the PDF sample report for free
The UK stock image market is expected to see strong growth through 2028, driven by the widespread adoption of digital marketing strategies that rely heavily on visual content. As companies look to engage customers online, stock images have become essential for creating compelling and effective marketing campaigns.
Key Market Drivers
Rising Demand for Visual Content
With the increasing reliance on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, businesses are prioritizing the use of visual content in their marketing campaigns. The need for high-quality images that can be quickly licensed is driving demand for stock imagery across a range of sectors.
Integration of AI and ML Technologies
AI and ML technologies are enabling more customized and efficient image production, giving rise to more authentic and diverse stock imagery. These innovations are making it easier for businesses to find the right visuals for their specific needs, reducing the cost and time required for content creation.
Content Creation for Digital Marketing
Stock images have become an essential tool for marketers who need fresh, high-quality visuals to fuel their digital campaigns. The availability of new stock imagery is helping businesses create compelling content for advertisements, websites, social media, and other digital platforms.
Major Market Trends
Subscription-Based Licensing Models
Subscription models are growing in popularity due to their affordability and flexibility. These models provide businesses with access to a broad range of stock images without the need for significant upfront investment, making them ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Diversity and Authenticity in Stock Imagery
There is a growing demand for stock images that represent diverse demographics and authentic experiences. As businesses aim to connect with a broader and more inclusive audience, there is an increasing need for visuals that reflect different cultures, lifestyles, and identities.
User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content is a growing trend in the stock image market. Many businesses are using UGC-style images to create relatable and authentic marketing campaigns. This trend is being met with an increase in stock image providers offering images that resemble real, everyday experiences.
Stock Videos and Footage
Stock videos and footage are becoming an integral part of digital marketing strategies. As businesses create more video-based content for social media ads and digital campaigns, the demand for high-quality stock video footage is expected to continue to rise.
Get more details by ordering the complete report
Several major players dominate the UK stock image market. These companies provide high-quality imagery and offer a range of flexible licensing options for businesses across various industries. Key market players include:
Adobe Inc.
Adobe offers a vast collection of stock images through Adobe Stock, which is integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud. This makes it easy for designers, marketers, and content creators to access and use stock imagery within their workflow.
Shutterstock Inc.
Shutterstock is one of the leading providers of stock images, offering an extensive library of royalty-free images, videos, and music. Their platform uses AI-powered search tools to help businesses quickly find the visuals they need for their marketing campaigns.
Getty Images Holdings Inc.
Images is a major player in the editorial and commercial stock image market. Known for its high-quality visuals, Getty Images provides rights-managed and royalty-free content for news outlets, advertising agencies, and other commercial users.
Alamy Ltd.
Alamy is known for its extensive collection of stock images, particularly in the editorial and news sectors. It provides flexible licensing options and is widely used by journalists, publishers, and media outlets.
Arcangel Images Inc.
Arcangel Images offers an exclusive range of high-quality imagery, focusing on providing unique and authentic content for editorial and commercial use.
Cimpress Plc
Cimpress is a leader in mass customization and offers stock images as part of its portfolio of creative services, serving businesses in marketing, advertising, and e-commerce.
Image Source Ltd.
Image Source is a leading supplier of premium stock images, with a strong focus on providing high-quality visuals for the creative and media industries.
Inmagine Lab Pte. Ltd.
Inmagine Lab is a well-established global stock image provider, offering both macrostock and microstock options for commercial, editorial, and creative purposes.
Picfair Ltd.
Picfair is an innovative stock photography platform that allows photographers to sell their images directly to businesses and consumers. It focuses on offering fair pricing for both buyers and photographers.
Robert Harding Picture Library Ltd.
Robert Harding specializes in high-end travel, nature, and wildlife imagery, catering to a range of sectors including publishing, advertising, and travel.
Despite the market's growth, there are several challenges impacting the industry:
Free Image Providers
The rise of free image platforms like Unsplash and Pexels has introduced significant price competition, making it difficult for premium providers to maintain their market share. Free images can be tempting for businesses on tight budgets, though they often lack the licensing flexibility and quality offered by paid services.
Copyright and Licensing Concerns
With the increasing use of stock images, the risk of copyright infringement and improper usage has become a significant concern. Businesses must ensure they understand the licensing terms to avoid legal issues and potential penalties.
Price Sensitivity
While the demand for stock images is growing, price sensitivity remains an issue, particularly among SMEs. Businesses are looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality and uniqueness of the visuals they use.
The UK stock images market can be broken down into several segments and subsegments:
Editorial
Commercial
Still Images
Footage
Safe and Secure SSL Encrypted
One user only.
Quick & easy download option
Unlimited user access (Within your organization).
Complimentary Customization Included
*For Enterprise license, go to checkout page
Get the report (PDF) sent to your email within minutes.
