![iStock logo](https://zoftware-logo.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/is_logo_white_tm-scaled-1672114261781.jpg)
iStock
by Getty Images
by Getty Images
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
We help make selecting a software for your business effortless, economical and efficient.
by Getty Images
by Getty Images
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
The source primarily focuses on the features and benefits of using iStock, such as AI-powered image modification, exclusive content, affordable pricing, and worry-free licensing.
Yes, iStock software can be customized to fit specific business needs. Here are several data points that support this:
1. API Integration: iStock offers a customizable API that allows site owners to dynamically showcase iStock content to their users. This API can be tailored to fit the specific aesthetics and functional requirements of a business, including customizing the layout of search results, image sizes, and text used.
2. Affiliate JavaScript Widget: For quick integration, iStock provides an affiliate JavaScript widget. This widget is designed for partners who want to get up and running quickly by integrating iStock photos, illustrations, and vectors into their site. The widget simplifies the process by handling affiliate tracking automatically.
3. Dropbox Integration: iStock integrates with Dropbox to streamline image workflows. This integration allows licensed image downloads to appear automatically in Dropbox, making them accessible on multiple devices. Additional functionalities such as lightbox syncing, retroactive downloads, and access to invoices can also be synced directly to a user's Dropbox account.
4. Customized Solutions: iStock offers tailored solutions for businesses, which can include custom skincare solutions, genomic precision shaping, and bespoke beauty treatments. These solutions empower personalized care with technology, indicating that iStock can cater to highly specific and niche business needs.
5. System Configuration and Customization: iStock provides extensive options for system configuration and customization. This includes settings adjustment, application version updates, and system improvements, which can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of different businesses.
6. ERP and CRM Integration: iStock's software can be integrated with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems. This integration supports business process management and automation technology, allowing businesses to efficiently manage and analyze their operations.
7. Software Solutions: iStock offers a wide range of software solutions that can be customized for various business needs, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, business analytics, and more. These solutions are designed to support different aspects of business operations, from data storage to financial performance analysis.
8. API Documentation: Detailed API documentation is available to help businesses integrate and customize iStock's software according to their specific needs. This includes information on data processing, cloud storage, and other technical aspects.
iStock software, primarily known for its extensive library of stock photos, videos, and illustrations, does not offer direct customization options for its software to fit specific business needs. However, there are several features and flexible plans that can cater to various business requirements:
1. Generative AI Tool:
- iStock offers a Generative AI tool that allows users to create custom visuals by adjusting settings and using text prompts. This tool is designed to help businesses craft tailored images and illustrations quickly and easily.
2. Flexible Licensing and Indemnification:
- iStock provides straightforward licensing conditions, including standard and extended licenses. Extended licenses are necessary for businesses that need to print more than 500,000 copies, use the media for resale, or share files with multiple team members.
- All licensed files are indemnified up to $10,000, with extended license files indemnified up to $250,000, ensuring legal protection for businesses.
3. Subscription Plans:
- iStock offers various subscription plans that can be tailored to different business needs. These include Basic, Premium, and Premium + Video subscriptions, each providing access to different collections and file types.
- Subscriptions can be shared among team members, and businesses can contact iStock to customize a plan that allows multiple users to access the subscription.
4. Credit Packs:
- For businesses that prefer flexibility, iStock offers credit packs that allow users to download files as needed. The cost per credit decreases with larger packs, making it a cost-effective option for businesses with varying needs.
5. Support and Customization:
- iStock provides robust customer support, including a hotline, contact forms, and FAQs. Their support is known for being fast, professional, and friendly, which can be crucial for businesses needing timely assistance.
- While iStock does not explicitly mention software customization services, their flexible plans and support options can help businesses tailor their usage to specific needs.
iStock offers a variety of training and support options to new users to help them effectively utilize the platform and its resources. Here are the key points:
1. Customer Support:
- iStock provides comprehensive customer support through multiple channels, including email, chat, and phone. Users can contact customer service for assistance with any issues or questions they may have.
- The customer service hotline is available for direct support, ensuring users can get help when needed.
2. FAQs and Help Center:
- iStock has an extensive FAQ section that covers a wide range of topics, including how to use the platform, licensing information, and managing subscriptions. This resource is designed to answer common questions and provide guidance on using iStock effectively.
- The Help Center also includes detailed articles and guides on various aspects of using iStock, from downloading images to understanding licensing agreements.
3. Digital Training Resources:
- iStock offers a vast library of digital training stock photos and images, which can be useful for creating educational materials and presentations. These resources can help users understand how to incorporate iStock content into their projects.
4. Generative AI Tool:
- iStock's Generative AI tool is designed to help users create custom visuals. This tool is user-friendly and comes with prompts and settings that guide users in generating high-quality images tailored to their needs. The tool also includes legal indemnification, ensuring that generated images are safe for commercial use.
5. Free Trial and Promotional Offers:
- iStock occasionally offers free trials and promotional deals that allow new users to explore the platform and download a limited number of high-quality images for free. This helps users get a feel for the platform's capabilities before committing to a subscription.
6. Community Events and Learning Opportunities:
- iStock fosters a creative community through events like iStockalypse, which provide unique learning opportunities and allow users to refine their skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. These events are designed to support emerging talent and offer hands-on training.
7. User Onboarding and Tutorials:
- iStock provides onboarding resources and tutorials to help new users get started. These resources include step-by-step guides on how to use the platform, manage downloads, and utilize various features effectively.
iStock implements several security measures to protect user data, ensuring compliance with various data protection regulations and maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of personal information. Here are the key security measures in place:
1. Encryption:
- iStock uses encryption to protect data, including binary code and digital locks, to safeguard against hacker attacks and data breaches. This ensures that data is securely stored and transmitted, preventing unauthorized access.
2. Data Privacy and Protection Policies:
- iStock has a comprehensive privacy policy that outlines the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data. This policy is designed to comply with various data protection laws, including the Personal Information Protection Act (Alberta), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Canada), and the Anti-Spam Act (Canada).
- The privacy policy also includes provisions for users to access and manage their personal data, ensuring transparency and control over their information.
3. Access Control and Authentication:
- iStock requires users to maintain the security of their passwords and identification. Users are responsible for all activities that occur under their accounts and must notify iStock immediately of any unauthorized use or security breaches.
- The platform also employs measures to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data, reducing the risk of internal data breaches.
4. Regular Updates and Audits:
- iStock regularly updates the information on its website and may revise, supplement, or delete information, services, and resources to ensure accuracy and security.
- The company may conduct audits to verify compliance with its content license agreements and ensure that licensed content is used appropriately. This includes providing sample copies of projects or end uses that contain licensed content and allowing iStock to audit records related to the use of licensed content.
5. Legal and Compliance Measures:
- iStock's content license agreement includes provisions for electronic storage, requiring users to retain copyright symbols, content identification numbers, and other embedded information to protect against unauthorized use.
- The agreement also includes indemnification clauses, where users agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless iStock and its affiliates from any claims arising from the use of licensed content.
6. Data Protection and Cybersecurity Resources:
- iStock offers a wide range of stock photos and illustrations related to data protection, cybersecurity, and privacy policies. These resources can be used by businesses to create educational materials and raise awareness about data security practices.
7. Commitment to Privacy:
- iStock is committed to respecting the privacy of personal information and has developed a Website Privacy Commitment to describe its privacy policies and practices. This commitment ensures that personal data is collected, used, and disclosed in a manner that protects user privacy.
iStock does not provide specific details on the exact frequency of their software updates. However, there are several insights into how updates are managed and the general approach to maintaining the platform:
1. Regular Updates and Revisions:
- iStock regularly updates the information on its website and may revise, supplement, or delete information, services, and resources to ensure accuracy and security. This indicates a proactive approach to keeping the platform current and secure.
2. Content and API Updates:
- iStock's API and affiliate widgets are designed to be easily integrated and updated. The API allows for dynamic showcasing of content, and the affiliate JavaScript widget handles calls to the Getty Images/iStock API, ensuring that affiliate information is automatically updated.
3. DeepMeta Integration:
- For contributors, iStock offers DeepMeta, a tool for managing portfolios, uploading content, and accessing detailed sales statistics. DeepMeta synchronizes with the ESP servers for updates on accepted files or to find out which files need revision, indicating a system of regular updates and feedback for content management.
4. Stock Photos and Videos:
- iStock provides a vast library of stock photos and videos related to software updates, which can be used by businesses to create educational materials and raise awareness about the importance of keeping software up-to-date[20].
5. User Feedback and Support:
- iStock encourages users to contact support for any issues or questions, suggesting that user feedback is an integral part of their update and maintenance process. This feedback likely informs the frequency and nature of updates to ensure the platform meets user needs.
iStock has specific policies regarding data ownership and portability, particularly in the context of its AI Content Generator and general use of the platform. Here are the key points:
1. Data Ownership:
- AI Content Generator: When using the iStock AI Content Generator, any ownership rights resulting from the outputs generated by the user are owned by the user. iStock assigns all right, title, and interest to such outputs to the user to the extent necessary to effectuate this ownership.
- User Inputs: Users provide iStock and its partners a non-exclusive, non-revocable, sublicensable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use any inputs (e.g., search terms, image generation prompts) provided on the website. This license allows iStock to use these inputs to provide functionalities and for other business purposes.
2. Portability:
- Accessing Personal Data: Users can review or revise information they previously provided to iStock by accessing and changing their personal data in the "My Account" section of the site. Users can also contact Customer Service for assistance in accessing their personal data.
- Data Privacy and Protection: iStock is committed to protecting user privacy and has developed a Website Privacy Commitment that describes its privacy policies and practices. This includes how personal data is collected, used, and disclosed.
3. Generative AI Model:
- Model Retraining: The prompts and generated images are used in aggregate to improve the Generative AI service. This means that while the model retrains using user inputs, unique brand look/style/subject matter will not be captured, ensuring user-specific data is not individually identifiable.
- Legal Protection: iStock provides legal protection for generated images, ensuring that users can utilize the technology with confidence and without encountering downstream complications related to intellectual property infringement.
4. Content License Agreement:
- Electronic Storage: Users agree to retain the copyright symbol, the name of iStock, the content's identification number, and any other embedded information in the electronic file containing the original content. This is to maintain appropriate security and protect the content from unauthorized use by third parties.
- Audit and Compliance: iStock may audit user records related to the use of licensed content to verify compliance with the terms of the agreement. Users must provide sample copies of projects or end uses that contain licensed content upon reasonable notice.
iStock offers flexible terms for scaling up or down as organizational needs change, particularly through its subscription plans and credit packs. Here are the key points:
1. Subscription Upgrades and Downgrades:
- Upgrading Plans: If you have an existing Basic or Premium annual plan, you can upgrade to a Premium + Video subscription online. The pricing for the upgrade will be determined by the remaining time on your current subscription.
- Billing Options: At checkout, you can choose between monthly, quarterly, or single payment billing schedules. This flexibility allows organizations to manage their budgets more effectively.
- Auto-Renewal and Rollover: Subscriptions can be set to auto-renew, and annual subscriptions or those with auto-renew enabled can rollover up to 250 unused downloads month to month. This feature ensures that organizations do not lose their unused downloads if their needs fluctuate.
2. Credit Packs:
- Flexible Usage: Credit packs offer a pay-as-you-go option, allowing organizations to purchase credits as needed without a long-term commitment. Credits can be used to download any type of content, including images and videos, and they never expire as long as you sign into your account at least once a year.
- Cost Efficiency: The more credits you buy, the less they cost per credit, making it a cost-effective option for organizations with varying needs.
3. Custom Plans for Teams:
- Team Subscriptions: Standard subscriptions are built for a single user, but iStock can customize plans for organizations that need to add multiple users. This allows teams to share a subscription and manage downloads collectively.
- Credit Sharing: Team leaders can purchase credits for their team and control access to these credits. This ensures that the organization can scale its usage up or down based on the team's needs.
4. Refund and Cancellation Policies:
- Annual Subscriptions: If you have signed up for an annual subscription, you may not cancel the subscription before the end of your contracted term, nor will you receive a refund for the remaining months unless local law requires it. However, you can turn off auto-renew to prevent the subscription from rolling over at the end of the term.
- Monthly Subscriptions: Monthly subscriptions set to auto-renew are not eligible for refunds if canceled after renewal. This policy encourages careful planning when scaling down.
5. Support for Scaling:
- Customer Support: iStock provides robust customer support through email, chat, and phone, helping organizations manage their subscriptions and address any issues related to scaling up or down.
iStock has detailed terms and conditions for contract renewal and cancellation, which are outlined in their various agreements and FAQs. Here are the key points:
Contract Renewal
1. Auto-Renewal:
- Subscription Renewal: If your subscription is set to automatically renew, iStock will charge the applicable subscription fees at the then-current rate and taxes to your credit card on file at the expiration of the term. You can change your auto-renewal preferences in your iStock account.
- Turning Off Auto-Renew: You can turn off auto-renew at any time in your account settings. If auto-renew is disabled, your subscription will remain active until the end date listed under your subscription details, and you will lose any rollover downloads accrued if the subscription term ends[15].
2. Billing Options:
- At checkout, you can choose between monthly, quarterly, or single payment billing schedules. The total amount will be the same regardless of the billing schedule chosen.
3. Upgrading Plans:
- If you have an existing Basic or Premium annual plan, you can upgrade to a Premium + Video subscription online. Pricing for the upgrade will be determined by the remaining time on your current subscription.
Contract Cancellation
1. General Cancellation Terms:
- Annual Subscriptions: If you have signed up for an annual subscription, you may not cancel the subscription before the end of your contracted term, nor will you receive a refund for the remaining subscription months, unless local law requires it. You can turn off auto-renew to prevent the subscription from rolling over at the end of the term.
- Monthly Subscriptions: If you have signed up for a monthly subscription and it is set to auto-renew, you will not be eligible for a refund if you cancel after renewal. There are no refunds for previously auto-renewed monthly subscriptions.
2. Free Trial Cancellation:
- You can cancel your Free Trial before it converts to a paid annual subscription by going to your account and clicking "Cancel free trial." Any content downloaded during the Free Trial month is yours to keep, even if you cancel. If you do not cancel before the Free Trial month ends, you will be charged the monthly fee for each remaining month of your annual subscription.
3. Refunds:
- Subscription or Credit Pack Refunds: Unless required by local law, there are no refunds for subscriptions or credit packs purchased.
- Annual Subscription Refunds: If you cancel an annual subscription before the end of the contracted term, you will not receive a refund unless local law requires it. If your subscription is set to auto-renew, you can turn it off to ensure it does not roll over at the end of the term.
- Monthly Subscription Refunds: No refunds are available for monthly subscriptions if canceled after renewal.
- Free Trial Subscription Refunds: If you have downloaded no content during your Free Trial month and no content during your paid subscription, you may be eligible for a refund. If you have downloaded content, you may incur an administrative fee to cancel your subscription.
4. Content Withdrawal:
- iStock may discontinue licensing any item of content at any time. Upon notice from iStock, or upon your knowledge that any content may be subject to a claim of infringement, you must cease using the content, delete or destroy any copies, and ensure that your clients, distributors, and/or employer do likewise. iStock will provide replacement content free of charge, subject to the other terms of the agreement.
5. Audit and Compliance:
- iStock may audit your records related to the use of licensed content to verify compliance with the terms of the agreement. If an audit reveals an underpayment of 5% or more, you must reimburse iStock for the costs of conducting the audit.
iStock, as a subsidiary of Getty Images, adheres to several compliance standards and practices to ensure the protection and proper management of personal data. Here are the key compliance standards and practices that iStock meets:
1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
- iStock complies with the GDPR, which is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union and the European Economic Area. This compliance ensures that iStock handles personal data in a manner that respects user privacy and data protection rights.
2. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA):
- iStock adheres to PIPEDA, which is a Canadian law relating to data privacy. It governs how private sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information in the course of commercial business.
3. Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA):
- iStock also complies with PIPA, which is specific to Alberta, Canada. This act sets out the rules for how organizations can collect, use, and disclose personal information.
4. Anti-Spam Legislation:
- iStock follows the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), which regulates the sending of commercial electronic messages and the installation of computer programs in Canada. This compliance helps prevent spam and ensures that users only receive communications they have consented to.
5. Privacy and Data Protection Policies:
- iStock has a comprehensive privacy policy that outlines its commitment to protecting user privacy. This policy includes details on how personal data is collected, used, and disclosed, and it provides users with options to manage their personal data preferences.
6. Security Measures:
- iStock employs various security measures to protect data, including encryption, access control, and regular updates. These measures help safeguard personal information from unauthorized access and breaches.
7. Audit and Compliance:
- iStock reserves the right to audit user records related to the use of licensed content to verify compliance with the terms of the agreement. This includes providing sample copies of projects or end uses that contain licensed content and allowing iStock to audit records directly related to the agreement.
8. Legal Guarantees and Indemnification:
- iStock provides a legal guarantee with each licensed file, protecting users against copyright infringement. Users can also purchase an Extended Legal Guarantee for increased coverage, ensuring compliance with intellectual property laws.
By Getty Images