5.05.2025 Press photography
Stock photography market. Report and forecasts by Mordor Intelligence
KFi
Demand is growing fastest in Asia, but America creates the most visual content. More often now, images come from algorithms, not cameras. The biggest players are investing in training artificial intelligence. Free platforms are boldly stepping out of the niche.
w wydaniu polskim
illustration: DALL-EThe stock photography market, according to the "Stock Photography Market" report by Mordor Intelligence, will reach $4.98 billion in 2025. By 2030, it will grow to $6.97 billion. This means an average annual growth rate of 6.99 percent.
Growth driven by businesses and content creators
Demand for high-quality images exploded as digital platforms - from blogs to e-commerce - began dominating communication. Companies, marketing agencies, and individual creators use stock photos to grab attention, tell stories, and build a consistent brand image. In many cases, it’s a cheaper and faster alternative to custom photo shoots, which require time, logistics, and high financial outlays.
The rise of e-commerce and online marketing has strengthened this segment even more. Product images, banners, and lifestyle shots are now essential to any sales campaign. In the remote work era, companies are ramping up activity in virtual space, and stock photos help craft visually engaging presentations, online events, and ads.
| Stock Photography Market | Value |
|---|---|
| Market size in 2025 | $4.98 billion |
| Projected value in 2030 | $6.97 billion |
| Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) | 6.99% |
| Fastest-growing region | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest market | North America |
Behind these numbers is a fast-evolving market. The growing presence of AI-powered tools - such as generative image models and semantic search engines - makes it easier and faster for users to find images tailored to their needs. Also, image libraries increasingly reflect cultural and social diversity, boosting their appeal to global audiences.
Competition is rising, and expectations are shifting
Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are now key platforms for using stock photos. Marketers, bloggers, and influencers use them to build brand consistency and enhance messaging. The Mordor Intelligence report shows that 86% of marketers use Facebook, 79% use Instagram, and 51% use LinkedIn.
The rise of visual content also affects sectors that previously resisted the trend. Education, healthcare, and real estate now use images more often for remote materials, information campaigns, and property presentations.
On one hand, the market attracts investment and tech innovation. On the other, it faces growing competition from free platforms like Pexels and Unsplash. Clients - especially those focused on uniqueness - are turning to custom-made or user-generated content. Trust in stock images is also declining due to concerns about authenticity and legal risks.
The report’s authors highlight the role of AI solutions. The largest players in the stock image space are investing in AI-based tools, training them on massive archives. This adds another layer of competition and forces providers to rethink their business models.
***
Data comes from the "Stock Photography Market" report by Mordor Intelligence. The analysis covers 2019-2030 and includes market value, growth rate (CAGR), geographic segmentation, and technology trends. It’s based on industry sources, market data, and expert forecasts.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Press photography
How to choose a gimbal. Things to consider before buying [GUIDE]
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Stable shots aren't just about aesthetics – they’re the foundation of credible and viewer-friendly content. A gimbal – a device designed for image stabilization – has become a must-have for anyone serious about filming. But how do you pick the right one? It’s only seemingly simple.
How to Choose a Drone. What to Consider When Buying a Flying Camera
KF
Photography and filmmaking are industries where civilian drones are now most commonly used. The global market for flying cameras was worth $10.2 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow annually by 15.6%. How do you choose the right drone for yourself from this rapidly expanding market? Here are some tips.
Trends in Mobile Photography. Huawei XMAGE Report
Marta Januszkiewicz
A team of experts, with the help of AI, analyzed photos and videos submitted to the latest edition of the HUAWEI NEXT IMAGE Awards mobile photography competition. The result is the HUAWEI XMAGE Trend Report 2023, a publication identifying key trends and themes in images generated by smartphone users.
See articles on a similar topic:
Photography, My Hobby
Janusz Wójtowicz
An old saying goes that "a photo is taken by a person, not a camera." There is much truth in this, but it cannot be denied that the equipment significantly affects the quality of the photos we obtain.
Press Photography - What Does It Mean?
Janusz Wójtowicz
According to Professor Władysław Tatarkiewicz, ART is a conscious activity that reproduces reality, shapes forms, or expresses experiences, and at the same time, its product - the work of art - is capable of delighting, moving, or shocking.
Before You Buy a Used Camera
Janusz Wójtowicz
A guide for beginner photojournalists on how to choose the right equipment at the right price so that you don't regret it later.
Main Truths of Photography
Janusz Wójtowicz
You don’t need a lot of money to take good photos. There is no "best" camera. However, there can be a camera that is "best suited for the type of photos you take."
