Getty Images vs. Unsplash

Attribute	Getty Images	Unsplash
Licensing	Commercial	Free
Image Quality	High resolution	High resolution
Library Size	Millions of images	Millions of images
Search Functionality	Advanced search filters	Basic search filters
Contributor Model	Professional photographers	Community of photographers

Overview

Getty Images and Unsplash are both popular platforms for finding high-quality images for various purposes. Getty Images is a well-established stock photo agency that offers a vast collection of professional images, videos, and music for licensing. On the other hand, Unsplash is a community-driven platform that provides free high-resolution photos for personal and commercial use.

Quality of Images

Getty Images is known for its high-quality, professional images that are curated by a team of experts. The images on Getty are often used by major publications, advertising agencies, and businesses for their projects. On the other hand, Unsplash offers a wide range of images contributed by photographers from around the world. While the quality of images on Unsplash can vary, there are many stunning and unique photos available for free.

Cost

Getty Images is a paid platform where users need to purchase licenses for the images they want to use. The cost of licensing images on Getty can vary depending on factors such as usage, size, and duration. On the other hand, Unsplash is completely free to use, and users can download and use images without any cost. This makes Unsplash a popular choice for individuals and businesses looking for high-quality images without breaking the bank.

Selection and Variety

Getty Images has a massive collection of over 200 million assets, including images, videos, and music. The platform offers a wide variety of content across different categories, making it a one-stop-shop for all visual media needs. Unsplash, on the other hand, has a smaller but growing collection of high-resolution photos contributed by photographers. While Unsplash may not have the same quantity as Getty, it offers a diverse range of images that cater to different preferences.

Licensing and Usage

Getty Images provides licenses for users to legally use and distribute the images they purchase. The platform offers different types of licenses depending on the intended use of the images, such as editorial, commercial, or royalty-free. On the other hand, Unsplash operates under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the images without attribution. This makes Unsplash a convenient choice for those looking for hassle-free image usage.

Search and Discovery

Getty Images has a robust search and discovery feature that allows users to easily find the images they need. The platform offers advanced search filters, keyword suggestions, and curated collections to help users navigate through the vast library of content. Unsplash, on the other hand, has a simple search interface that lets users search for images based on keywords or browse through curated collections. While Unsplash may not have as many search options as Getty, it is still easy to find relevant images on the platform.

Community and Engagement

Getty Images is primarily a platform for professional photographers and content creators to license their work. The platform does not have a strong community aspect, and users mainly interact with the content through licensing. Unsplash, on the other hand, has a vibrant community of photographers and creatives who share their work for free. Users can follow their favorite photographers, like and share images, and even contribute their own photos to the platform. This community-driven approach has made Unsplash a popular choice for those looking to discover and support emerging talent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Getty Images and Unsplash are both valuable platforms for finding high-quality images, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Getty Images is a reliable source for professional images with a wide selection and licensing options, while Unsplash offers a diverse collection of free images contributed by a global community. Depending on your budget, usage requirements, and preference for quality or quantity, you can choose the platform that best suits your needs.