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With almost limitless content, the Shutterstock library is super searchable! Learn how to search for a photo (or videos and music!) with these easy tips and tricks. We get it. Finding the perfect picture or content for your next big thing can be daunting sometimes. There are millions upon millions of assets to choose from in the Shutterstock library. Without the knowledge of how to search for the perfect photo, you could spend a ton of time clicking through image results, searching for that perfect image. It doesn’t need to be that way. The Shutterstock library may be vast, but there are many ways to search it. With a bit of know-how, pin-pointing your perfect Shutterstock content can be incredibly easy. Ready to learn how to search for a photo (or image, illustration, song, etc.) on Shutterstock? Read on!
License this image via Wouter Tolenaars.
Start Generic and Get Specific
When it comes to learning how to search for a photo, let’s start simple. Type your search terms in Shutterstock’s search bar and press the Enter key. Easy. However, unless you’re training to be a prompt engineer, chances are, the results may be more generic than what you’re looking for. Well, don’t fret, it happens to us all. And, don’t revert to infinite scrolling! Instead, you can use various filters to determine precisely what you’re after. Apply filters to specify your desired image orientation, color, and more. You can even customize whether or not you’d like your image to include people, and further specify which demographics you’d prefer to see in your search results. These filters are found under the Shutterstock search bar. For example, if you search “summer” in the images category, you can quickly apply filters below the search bar on your results page. Apply filters with a click, and your search results immediately update to the filtered parameters you’ve selected.
License these images via JooLaR and Anil Gurcay Dede.
Search by Medium
Think about what image type you need for your project. Is it a photo? A vector? An illustration? Should it be AI-generated? When searching for content, you can click the medium’s drop-down to the left of the search bar. From there, you will see a wide array of content mediums—across images, video content, sound, and templates. Select the medium you’d prefer to work with from this menu. Doing this will result in only those types of content displaying on your search results pages.
License this image via ShotPrime Studio.
Metadata and Similar Suggestions
If you spot an image result that could work for your project, click on it. Yes, still click on it, even if it’s not quite the picture perfect result you’re looking for. Once you’re taken to the image’s page, scroll to view the section below the image. There, you’ll see a whole host of metadata, including the image ID, available formats, the contributor, related keywords, and similar and recommended suggestions.
License these images via ShotPrime Studio.
All these options are clickable and related to the current image you’re looking at. This information is a great way to explore content that’s similar and may be an even better fit for your project. Personally, I love to click the contributor’s profile link to explore other types of content they have created.
AI-Powered Search
Let’s say you prefer data to inform your creative decision-making process. In this example, you’re working on an Instagram campaign to get people interested in visiting your online swimsuit shop. Shutterstock’s AI Powered Search will find the perfect image for this exact purpose by showing you what’s most likely to perform. When searching for images, I toggle on the AI Powered Search button. A drop-down menu appears, giving users a few selections to help the AI understand your campaign goals and your audience. Then, search for your image. For this example, we’re searching for “swimsuits.” In a few moments, Shutterstock will return swimsuit images that are projected to get the highest volume of clicks in your Instagram ads. These capabilities are driven by AI models that are trained on over a decade’s worth of performance data. Because Shutterstock’s AI analyzes how various image contents and colors have performed over the last decade, it can predict future content performance. As a result, this feature tells users which image elements are most likely to catch their audience’s attention and reach their marketing goals. For our swimsuit shop example, Shutterstock’s AI Powered Search opens up the possibility to drive more people to your online store . . . and inspire them to make a purchase.
License this image via David Prado Perucha.
Curated Collections
This is one of my favorite ways to search and get inspired. Shutterstock offers beautifully curated collections that get updated each month. With more than 360 million images in the library, these collections help you spend more time discovering the very best of our content offerings. These collections are based on trends in the advertising and design worlds, as well as current events and holidays. Each collection is assembled by experts in photography and visual design. Their selections are based on a number of criteria, including impact, composition, artistry, and technical excellence. View collection: Sherbert Coast.
Search by Image
Searching by text and filters can be great, but what if you have a visual reference you’d like to use? What if you already have an idea to use as a starting point? Simply click the “Search by Image” button to the right of the Shutterstock search bar. A pop-up window will appear and you can drag-and-drop your image into it. From there, Shutterstock will serve up similar-looking images on its results page. Here’s an example of how it works. . . . Let’s say I’ve taken a decent shot of a Berlin subway train on my phone. It’s a little blurry and a bit pixelated, so I want something more clear and professional to use in my work projects. I can simply drag my phone’s photo into Shutterstock’s “Search by Image” window, and it’ll return several beautiful, crystal clear Berlin subway images. Want to continue refining your search from there? No problem. All the usual filters and options are available to use. Search for “Berlin subway” on Shutterstock.
Rediscover Your Favorite Stock Content
Technically, this is not a way to search, but it can still deliver wonderful image results. The easiest way to save (and later revisit) content you love is to click the heart icon in the upper-right corner of any image, video, or audio track. This will save that content as a favorite item, which is immediately accessible by clicking the heart in the menu at the top of your Shutterstock account. By clicking the heart in the top menu, located right next to the shopping cart icon, you’ll be taken to your Collections page, where all of your favorite content is saved and easily accessed. Shutterstock’s library also has a handy Catalog feature that’s easily accessible on the left-hand side’s toolbar on the site. Just click the Catalog button you see on that bar. All of the assets you previously purchased are there, waiting for you. You can even organize them into helpful categories. And, finally, if you get distracted or have to step away from your computer, you can always rediscover what you were previously looking at. On your own personal Shutterstock homepage, the “Pick Up Where You Left Off” section saves the images you were most recently looking at while logged in to the platform. Have you discovered your perfect stock content? Shutterstock makes it easy for our customers to find their best content, with the licensing plans that protect them and support creators. Choose the perfect plan to meet your unique creative needs: Still deciding? Test-drive with a Shutterstock Flex free trial. With Shutterstock Flex, you’ll have all-in-one access to our massive library, plus the FLEXibility you need to select the perfect mix of assets every time.
License this cover image via Eloisa Ramos / VISTA by Westend61.
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Tips for Finding the Ideal Photo on Shutterstock
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