Shaking Up The Landscape: Is AI-Generated Image Taking Over Stock Photography

Stock photos have long been the go-to resource for creatives seeking visual content. However, a new rival is now in the spotlight: graphics generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This new view of the creative world is made possible by state-of-the-art generative AI models. With the development of AI comes new opportunities for digital artists and a threat to the established order of stock photos.

Companies like Shutterstock and Getty Images, which had controlled the stock picture market until the advent of AI in the early 2000s, saw their dominance eroded. Realistic photos and artwork may be created using AI models like Google's Imagen and OpenAI's DALL'E 2.

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and similar early AI technologies opened the path for creating photorealistic artificial pictures, and later developments have allowed the production of abstract and surreal imagery, broadening the scope of possible creative expression.

Changing The Game

DALL E, DALL E 2, Stable Diffusion, MidJourney, and Jasper Art are just a few examples of AI-powered Imgage generators that can take plain language descriptions and produce impressive, original artwork.

By integrating different datasets, artists may use certain AI technologies to train machine learning algorithms to create artwork like a particular artist, according to Blogs By Jarvis. AI-assisted technologies that help artists quickly bring their ideas to life are valuable for creators of all skill levels.

Due to the proliferation of AI-generated images, major stock photo websites like Adobe Stock have been inundated with material. With over 798,075 hits for "AI-Generated," it's clear that these platforms are open to contributions created by AI.

These marketplaces promise to let artists showcase and sell AI-generated work while standards assure legal and technical excellence. The rising value of visual material indicates that the worldwide market for stock pictures and videos is projected to reach $7 billion by the year 2027, per Analytics India Mag.

Adobe Stock's acceptance of AI-generated submissions shows the industry's acknowledgment of this rising trend of the usage of AI-generated images. They have better average profits per download than typical stock pictures. Adobe Stock contributors get $1.22 for each download.

However, AI-generated images cost $1.94, according to PetaPixel. Thus, Adobe's generative AI indicates the potential for picture-generating innovation, enabling new graphic design software capabilities and tools.

Is Stock Photography Becoming Obsolete?

The widespread availability and low cost of stock photography have made it a popular choice for decades. Photos, vector drawings, and illustrations are just some of the images they provide, all of which help streamline the design process.

However, adapting to the needs of individual businesses or specialized markets might take a lot of work. Visuals that reflect a brand's values, target audience, and overall identity are increasingly in demand. Clients sought alternatives since stock photos are limited.

Meanwhile, AI models provide a less laborious way to create one-of-a-kind graphics. Artists and designers have more creative flexibility when creating unique circumstances or pictures that may be difficult or impossible to capture.

Moreover, AI-generated image price, simplicity of usage, and rising acceptability make it an appealing alternative for creatives looking to distinguish themselves and match brand aesthetics.

The limits of stock photos have opened the door to AI-generated solutions. The development of computer-generated artwork is definitely changing the landscape of stock photography as AI allows artists and designers to break through creative barriers by creating original graphics from text descriptions and recreating works in various aesthetic approaches. The trend also showcases that creatives and platforms are constantly adapting to the changing needs of the market.