Shutterstock Custom is a popular platform that provides businesses with access to a vast network of talented photographers and videographers for custom visual content creation. However, there are several alternatives and competitors in the market that offer similar services and cater to different needs. In this article, we will explore the ten best alternatives to Shutterstock Custom in 2024, providing insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and what sets them apart in the competitive landscape of custom visual content creation.

1. Snapwire

Snapwire is a platform that connects businesses with a global community of photographers and videographers. It offers a range of services, including on-demand photo shoots, image curation, and video production. Snapwire's emphasis on quality imagery, streamlined workflow, and personalized customer support make it a compelling alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses seeking custom visual content.

Pros: Snapwire provides access to a diverse network of creative professionals, allowing businesses to find the perfect fit for their visual content needs. Its intuitive platform simplifies the entire process, from brief creation to content delivery. The platform's commitment to customer satisfaction ensures a seamless experience and high-quality results.

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Cons: Snapwire's pricing may be higher compared to other platforms, especially for businesses with tighter budgets or smaller-scale projects. The platform's availability of photographers and videographers may vary depending on location and specific project requirements.

2. Upwork

Upwork is a freelance marketplace that connects businesses with a wide range of professionals, including photographers and videographers. It offers a robust search and filtering system, allowing businesses to find talent based on specific criteria. Upwork's vast pool of freelancers, flexible pricing options, and project management features make it a strong alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses looking for customized visual content.

Pros: Upwork provides access to a large pool of freelancers with diverse skill sets and experience levels. Its search and filtering system allows businesses to narrow down their options based on factors such as location, expertise, and budget. The platform's project management tools facilitate collaboration and ensure smooth communication throughout the creative process.

Cons: Upwork's quality control can vary, and businesses may need to invest time in reviewing portfolios, interviewing candidates, and managing the hiring process. The platform's fee structure includes service fees and payment processing fees, which can add up depending on the project's budget.

3. Freelancer

Freelancer is another popular freelance marketplace that connects businesses with photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals. It offers a competitive bidding system, enabling businesses to receive proposals from freelancers worldwide. Freelancer's large talent pool, cost-effective pricing, and project tracking features make it a compelling alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses in need of custom visual content.

Pros: Freelancer provides businesses with a wide range of options by allowing them to post projects and receive proposals from freelancers globally. Its competitive bidding system often leads to cost-effective pricing and the ability to negotiate project terms. The platform's project tracking tools help ensure timely delivery and efficient collaboration with freelancers.

Cons: Freelancer's quality control can be variable, and businesses may need to invest time in vetting freelancers and reviewing their portfolios. The platform's communication tools may not be as robust as dedicated visual content platforms like Shutterstock Custom.

4. 99designs

99designs is a platform that specializes in graphic design services, including custom visual content creation. It offers a unique contest-based system where businesses can submit their design briefs, and multiple designers submit their work. 99designs' focus on graphic design, diverse designer community, and competitive pricing make it a strong alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses looking for specialized visual content.

Pros: 99designs allows businesses to receive multiple design proposals for their visual content needs, providing a wide range of creative options. Its contest-based system encourages designers to showcase their skills and compete for projects. The platform's transparent pricing structure ensures cost-effective solutions for businesses.

Cons: 99designs' contest-based system may result in longer turnaround times compared to platforms with direct hiring of photographers or videographers. The focus on graphic design may limit the availability of other types of visual content, such as photography or videography.

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5. Fiverr

Fiverr is an online marketplace that connects businesses with freelancers offering various services, including photography and videography. It provides a streamlined platform where businesses can browse through freelancers' portfolios, reviews, and pricing. Fiverr's vast selection of freelancers, affordable pricing options, and user-friendly interface make it a compelling alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses seeking custom visual content.

Pros: Fiverr offers a wide range of freelancers specializing in different visual content services, providing businesses with numerous options to choose from. Its affordable pricing structure allows businesses with smaller budgets to access quality visual content. The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and communicate with freelancers.

Cons: Fiverr's quality control may vary, and businesses should carefully review freelancers' portfolios and reviews before making a selection. The platform's pricing structure can become more expensive for complex or long-term projects.

6. Getty Images

Getty Images is a renowned stock photography and visual content provider. While primarily known for its vast collection of stock photos, Getty Images also offers custom visual content services. It has a network of professional photographers and videographers worldwide who can create tailored visual content for businesses. Getty Images' extensive library, global network, and reputation for high-quality content make it a strong alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses seeking custom imagery.

Pros: Getty Images provides businesses with access to a vast library of high-quality stock photos and videos that can be customized for specific needs. Its network of professional photographers and videographers ensures reliable and consistent visual content creation. The platform's reputation and established brand make it a trusted source for visual content.

Cons: Getty Images' pricing may be higher compared to other platforms, as it primarily operates as a premium stock photography provider. Custom visual content services may require additional negotiation and coordination with photographers or videographers.

7. Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock is another popular stock photography and visual content provider that offers custom visual content services. It allows businesses to request custom shoots tailored to their specific needs. Adobe Stock's integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, extensive image library, and customizable visual content options make it a compelling alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses looking for a seamless visual content creation experience.

Pros: Adobe Stock provides businesses with seamless integration into the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem, enabling streamlined content creation workflows. Its extensive library of high-quality stock photos and videos can be customized for specific projects. The platform's customizable visual content options allow businesses to request tailored shoots to meet their unique requirements.

Cons: Adobe Stock's pricing may be higher compared to some other platforms, especially for businesses with limited budgets or smaller-scale projects. Custom visual content services may require additional coordination and communication with photographers or videographers.

8. Unsplash for Business

Unsplash is a widely popular free stock photography platform that also offers a paid Unsplash for Business service. It provides businesses with access to a curated collection of high-resolution images and offers custom visual content creation options. Unsplash for Business' vast library, cost-effective pricing, and simplicity make it a strong alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses seeking quality visual content on a budget.

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Pros: Unsplash for Business offers businesses a curated collection of high-resolution images that can be used for various visual content needs. Its cost-effective pricing structure provides access to quality imagery at affordable rates. The platform's simplicity and ease of use make it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Cons: Unsplash for Business' custom visual content creation options may be limited compared to platforms that specialize in customized shoots. The curated collection may not cover all specific visual content requirements, and businesses may need to combine Unsplash images with other solutions.

9. Pond5

Pond5 is a marketplace that specializes in stock videos, music, and sound effects, but also offers custom visual content services. It has a network of videographers who can create tailored video content for businesses. Pond5's extensive video library, customizable video content options, and competitive pricing make it a compelling alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses seeking custom video content.

Pros: Pond5 provides businesses with access to an extensive library of high-quality stock videos that can be customized for specific projects. Its network of videographers can create custom video content tailored to unique requirements. The platform's competitive pricing structure ensures cost-effective solutions for businesses.

Cons: Pond5's focus on video content may limit the availability of other types of visual content, such as photography or graphic design. Custom video content services may require additional coordination and communication with videographers.

10. Pixabay

Pixabay is a popular free stock photo and video platform that also offers a paid premium service called Pixabay for Professionals. It provides businesses with access to high-quality stock photos and videos that can be customized for specific needs. Pixabay's extensive library, cost-effective pricing, and simplicity make it a compelling alternative to Shutterstock Custom for businesses seeking quality visual content on a budget.

Pros: Pixabay for Professionals offers businesses access to a vast collection of high-quality stock photos and videos that can be customized for specific projects. Its cost-effective pricing structure makes it an attractive option for businesses with limited budgets. The platform's simplicity and user-friendly interface make it easy to navigate and find the right visuals.

Cons: Pixabay for Professionals' customization options may be limited compared to platforms that specialize in tailored visual content creation. The curated collection may not cover all specific visual content requirements, and businesses may need to combine Pixabay assets with other solutions.