The Best Stock Sites to Sell AI-Generated Images
Welcome to the first installment of our series taking a closer look at the various channels to sell AI-generated images outlined in The Ultimate Guide to Selling AI-Generated Images. In this post, we’ll explore the best stock media platforms where creators can sell AI-generated images, focusing on their AI acceptance policies and market reach.
As AI-generated images become more sophisticated, stock photo sites are adapting their policies to either welcome or restrict these submissions. Understanding where to sell your AI artwork is crucial for maximizing earnings and avoiding rejection. Below, we compare 10 of the most popular stock platforms based on their AI content policies and market presence.
1. Adobe Stock
✅ AI-Friendly | 🔥 High Market Share
Adobe Stock was one of the first major platforms to allow contibutors to sell AI-generated images, provided contributors follow strict guidelines. AI content must be properliy identified, and artists must ensure high quality and originality. Since Adobe integrates stock assets into Creative Cloud products, contributors benefit from a large, built-in customer base.
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2. Shutterstock
❌ AI-Generated Content Not Allowed | 🔥 High Market Share
Shutterstock initially resisted AI-generated content but later integrated an AI image generation tool for buyers. However, this tool is for customers to create their own images, and contributors are not allowed to upload AI-generated content. Shutterstock’s strict policies aim to prevent copyright issues and ensure that all images meet their licensing standards.
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3. iStock (Getty Images)
❌ AI Not Allowed | 🔥 High Market Share
Getty Images, the parent company of iStock, has taken a firm stance against AI-generated content due to copyright concerns. AI images are not accepted, and submitting them may lead to account suspension.
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4. Dreamstime
✅ AI-Friendly (With Restrictions | ⚡ Medium Market Share
Dreamstime allows you to sell AI-generated images but has implemented strict quality control. Contributors must tag AI-generated content properly and ensure images do not contain artifacts or inconsistencies. Photorealistic AI-generated images must not show human faces.
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5. Depositphotos
❌ AI Not Allowed | ⚡ Medium Market Share
Depositphotos currently does not accept AI-generated images. Their terms emphasize authentic photography and traditional illustrations. Like Shutterstock they provide a tool for customers to create their own AI-generated pictures..
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6. Pond5
❌ AI Not Allowed) | ⚡ Medium Market Share
Pond5 is a nother site that has decided not to accapt AI-generated images for the time being.
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7. 123RF
✅ AI-Friendly (Case-by-Case) | ⚡ Medium Market Share
123RF accepts AI-generated images but reviews submissions carefully to ensure quality and commercial viability. Contributors should properly tag AI content and avoid excessive automation artifacts.
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8. Alamy
❌ AI Not Allowed | ⚡ Medium Market Share
Alamy has taken a cautious approach, currently prohibiting AI-generated content due to copyright uncertainties. They focus on traditional photography and illustration.
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9. Freepik (Including Flaticon and Piktab)
✅ AI-Friendly | 🚀 Growing Market Share
Freepik has embraced AI-generated content, allowing contributors to submit AI art under specific guidelines. Since Freepik offers both free and premium content, it attracts a high volume of users.
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10. Canva Creators
✅ AI-Friendly | 🚀 Growing Market Share
Canva allows AI-generated content from contributors, provided it meets their quality and usability standards. Since Canva is widely used for graphic design projects, AI-generated illustrations, backgrounds, and elements perform well.
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Conclusion: Where Should You Sell Your AI-Generated Images?
For creators looking to sell AI-generated images, Adobe Stock stands out as the best platform with a large customer base and AI-friendly policies. The pictures sumbitted to Adobe Stock can also be used by other Adobe tools like Adobe Express, creating opportunities for additional income.
Dreasmtime only accepts limited AI-generated content but should not be ruled out as a monetization option, especially for if your creations are illustrations. 123RF has a lower market share, so contibutors will have to decide uploading to this site is worth it for them. Meanwhile, Freepik and Canva are great for those creating AI-generated illustrations and design elements.
However, it’s crucial to stay updated on platform policies, as they continue to evolve in response to legal and ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content.
Stay tuned for the next post in our series, where we’ll explore alternative sales channels for AI art, including print-on-demand services, NFTs, and direct sales through personal websites.
💡 Which stock site have you had success with? Drop a comment below!
