Like I say I'm only reporting what the comments say I've never signed up so I don't know for sure if buyers are being tricked or just not reading the small print.

Not a good look though 1.2 stars. 

Adobe now also 1.2 stars

I'm hoping I'm safe from this as I haven't had an email from SS inviting me to Unlimited, and in my account settings I am opted into 4 things: Image Licensing, Video Licensing, Image Data Licensing, Video Data Licensing, and there are no other options.

Regarding TrustPilot reviews, this is not unique to SS. All stock agencies with free trials get a huge amount of negative reviews from people who never checked the terms and didn't cancel before the trial ran out.

This situation affects all contributors because Shutterstock now prioritizes content available through its Unlimited Download plan. This means that if a contributor isn't part of the plan, their content becomes much less discoverable, even to regular customers. Many occasional buyers may not realize that the default filter now shows only �unlimited videos/images,� so they might never see the work of contributors who are not participating.

In your case, it appears Shutterstock hasn�t given you the option to opt into the plan, which could put you at a disadvantage. Without that choice, your content is automatically excluded from what's displayed by default, preventing you from experimenting or making strategic decisions based on your results.

At least those who have been invited can try both approaches�opting in or opting out�to see which performs better. Therefore, not having that flexibility might be even less safe, regardless of whether someone ultimately supports the plan or not.

However, I wouldn�t worry too much because there�s a possibility that after this �pilot project� is completed, Shutterstock may decide to offer its entire library under the new Unlimited Download plan. This would make logical sense as the next step in their strategy to survive and capture that lucrative market.