Stock Images Market Analysis UK - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

UK Stock Images Market Size 2024-2028

The UK stock image market size is estimated to grow by USD 128.3 million at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increased popularity of visual content in digital and social media marketing. This trend is driving the demand for high-quality, royalty-free images that can be easily licensed and used for various commercial applications. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in stock image production is revolutionizing the industry, enabling the creation of more authentic and diverse images. However, the market is also facing challenges, including the restrictions on the commercial use of copyrighted images by organizations, which necessitates the need for legal compliance and the adoption of robust licensing models. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth, driven by technological advancements and evolving marketing trends.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Dynamics

The market encompasses the sale and licensing of digital visual content, including Stock Images, Footage, and both Editorial and Commercial images. This market is a significant component of the Digital Marketing landscape, particularly in Social Media Marketing. With the increasing Geographic Reach of the internet and the Diversity and Inclusion movement, there is a growing demand for authentic visuals that represent various cultures and communities. Content Creation is a crucial aspect of the Stock Images Market, with providers offering a wide range of Fresh Images to cater to different industries and applications. Image Quality is a key consideration, with Royalty-Free Images offering flexibility and affordability, while Intellectual Property Rights ensure protection for creators and buyers. The market's Global Media Landscape is dynamic, with Traditional Media and Smartphones driving demand for both Still Images and Stock Videos. User-Generated Content has also emerged as a trend, with platforms offering Macrostock and Microstock options to cater to various budgets and needs. Image Pricing and Supply and Demand are essential factors influencing the Stock Images Market. Providers offer various pricing models, including subscription-based and pay-per-image, while the balance between supply and demand impacts pricing and availability. In summary, the Stock Images Market is a vital component of the Digital Marketing industry, offering a diverse range of visual content for various applications and industries, with a focus on quality, affordability, and intellectual property rights. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help vendors refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Market Driver

One of the key factors driving the market is the increased popularity of stock images for digital and social media marketing. Some of the key factors driving the stock images market in the UK the rise of social media platforms such as Instagram and the increasing importance of visual content in online marketing.

There is a growing popularity for stock images among consumers in the UK due to their accessibility as people can marketers can quickly find suitable images for their content without the need to hire a professional photographer or purchase expensive equipment. Hence, these factors save a lot of time and money. Therefore, such factors are expected to drive the stock image market in the UK during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends 

A key factor shaping the market growth is the rise in penetration of the OTT platform. Factors such as the increasing need for high-quality, engaging visual content to support the growth of OTT platforms are significantly driving the market growth. Some of the key OTT platforms which are the end-users of these stock images include Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.

Furthermore, these OTT platforms offer a variety of content such as TV shows, movies, documentaries, and live events which requires plenty of visual elements often generated from stock footage. There is an increasing demand for stock footage as more and more vendorsare turning to stock footage libraries to supplement their content. Hence, such factors are expected to drive the stock image market in the UK during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge In UK

The rise in demand for free image downloads is one of the key challenges hindering the market growth. There is a significant decline in demand for paid image downloads due to the convenience and accessibility of free images. which had a negative impact on the stock image providers.

One of the major threats faced by these providers is the rise of free image websites and social media platforms offering free access to images, resulting in a decline in the prices of paid images, which impacted the main source of income for photographers who rely on the stock images market in the UK for their livelihood. Hence, such factors are expected to hinder the stock image market in the UK during the forecast period.

Key Market Customer Landscape 

The market research report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help vendorsevaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Market Customer Landscape

Who are the Major Market Companies?

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Adobe Inc: The company offers stock images under categories such as technology, travel, and animals.

The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 11 market Companies, including:

• Alamy Ltd.
• Arcangel Images Inc.
• Cimpress Plc
• Getty Images Holdings Inc.
• IMAGE SOURCE LTD.
• Inmagine Lab Pte. Ltd.
• Picfair Ltd.
• Robert Harding Picture Library Ltd.
• Shopify Inc.
• Shutterstock Inc.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of Companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize Companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize Companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Market Segmentation

By Application

The editorial segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Editorial stock images can be referred to as those images that are used to complement news articles and are primarily geared toward journalism, storytelling, or education. For example, a stock image of a politician is commonly used in news articles about political events.

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The editorial segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 231.60 million in 2018. Some of the key platforms which are main sources of editorial images include Shutterstock, iStock, Getty Images, and Adobe Stock. These platforms are some of the important sources for news agencies, journalists, and publishers that need high-quality images to accompany their content. There is a significant increase in demand for editorial images over the years due to the increase of digital media and online publishing. One of the main functionalities of editorial images is to capture the attention of their audience and provide a visual representation of their stories. Hence, such wide applications are expected to drive the growth of this segment which in turn will drive the growth of the stock image market in the UK during the forecast period.

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data, with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments.

• Application Outlook 
  • Editorial
  • Commercial
• Product Outlook 
  • Still images
  • Footage

Market Analyst Overview

Stock images play a pivotal role in digital marketing, particularly in social media marketing. These high-quality visuals help businesses expand their geographic reach and engage diverse audiences. Content creation is a crucial aspect of digital marketing, and stock images offer a vast library of royalty-free images, ensuring fresh and unique visuals for every campaign. Image quality is paramount in digital marketing, and stock images provide a wide range of options, from editorial to commercial applications. For film and TV producers, maintaining a strong online presence and leveraging content marketing is essential, as it enhances image availability for editorial use and commercial application, while also providing access to rights managed assets crucial for animation production in the media and publishing industry. Licensing these images comes with intellectual property rights protection, ensuring businesses maintain their brand image and reputation.

Furthermore, the market is a dynamic industry, influenced by supply and demand, image pricing, and the availability of various formats like macrostock photography and midstock photography. Digital platforms have made licensing flexible, offering rights-managed images and editorial application for businesses. The advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning has revolutionized the stock image industry, enabling businesses to produce animation and create customized visuals. The global media landscape is transforming, with OTT platforms and vertical formats gaining popularity. Traditional media and smartphones have integrated visual content into their business models, making stock images an essential tool for businesses. User-generated content is another trend that has influenced the stock image market, with businesses leveraging this content to create authentic and relatable visuals. In conclusion, stock images are a vital component of digital marketing, providing businesses with the flexibility, quality, and diversity they need to succeed in today's global media landscape.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market trends and analysis and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market industry across Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough market growth analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive market analysis and report on the factors that will challenge the market research and growth of market companies

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