My "Unlimited subscription" column is completely zero. Probably no one wants to buy a subscription.

There's silence in the thread. Is everyone at zero?
 

Unimited plans are an invitation of stockpiling images and making them available to third parties i.e. by "account sharing".

I am happy that I left Shutterstock early 2023 after stopping uploading in May 2020 after the announcement of the new earnings structure.

I will leave any agency I am supplying that switches to "all you can download".

The unlimited download model is mainly a strategy to compete with agencies like Storyblocks and Artlist in the video business.

Currently, the default filter for unlimited video downloads does not apply to photos.

This default filter is primarily detrimental to video contributors at the moment.

I've asked Shutterstock how long they plan to keep this default filter active. I don�t expect a clear answer; if I receive a response, it will likely be vague and unhelpful.

However, I understand that Shutterstock is in survival mode and must do everything they can to get through this challenging period.

The competitive landscape has significantly changed the last 8 years and their failure to adapt early may be their demise.

Where is my subscription money? 
Either SS is stealing our money, or no one is buying a subscription! Buyers have become strange, very strange.

Quote from: DaLiu on April 10, 2025, 11:29

I would love to see your work, can you share it please?

No, I'm sorry. Today is the time to defend our niches from thieves and copycats.

It's not my hobby, it's my job.

I hope you understand.

Fully understand and respect your stance. 

I have opted out immediately to protect my niche content.

However, I'm still curious to hear from other video contributors who have stayed in. Are you happy so far?

I do mostly video (small photo port) and I've opted in.  Too early to say if it's a good thing or not at this point.

Everything is ok. But there is something we missed.

Right now, as a buyer on Shutterstock, when we search for an image we want to buy, the first image that appears is "those who allow unlimited downloads". In other words, it shows the images of "those who allow" to each customer first. If the customer selects "All images", they can see all of them.

This hides the images that are not niche but simple and very popular. If all customers do not know this and are looking for "apple on a white background", the first images that appear are "those who allow unlimited downloads" and the customer will buy one of them.

This is actually a small penalty for those who do not accept.

Try it. Enter the site as a customer. Search for many different images and videos. If you did not allow it, your products will definitely not be visible at first. However, if you select "All images", you can reach them.

Daniel Visuals "SS has just informed me that the unlimited download default filter is set permanently. However, they assured me that my content will still be available to their customers as usual. I must say, that�s somewhat reassuring (or not)."

Shutterstock gives the impression you can opt out at any time I'm confused
https://support.submit.shutterstock.com/s/article/Unlimited-Downloads-Subscription-Contributor-FAQ?language=en_US

Q: Can I opt out?

A: Yes, you can manage all of your licensing options, including Unlimited, in your account settings. To change licensing permissions in your account:

    Sign in to your account

    Navigate to your Account settings

    Scroll down to the section "Licensing Options"

    Toggle "Yes" or "No" for the listed options

    Click �Save�

Note: It can take up to 72 hours for the removal or reactivation of your portfolio to be reflected on our website. Please note that if you choose to remove your content from creative marketplace licensing, you will not be able to reinstate your portfolio on the customer site for 30 days. This provision ensures the stability of our content library and guarantees a consistent customer experience.

So just to be clear

1) You can opt out at any time?

2) Opting out may affect visibility of your work. 


Yes agree SS should really be addressing the issues raised by customers on Trustpilot.  A lot of buyers reporting they are being tricked into monthly subscription payments by signing up for a free trial. 

Buyers *reporting* this on Trustpilot - if you look at the comments that is what they are saying.   

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.