Shutterstock operates a global creative platform that connects brands and businesses with high-quality digital content through a dual-sided marketplace. The company licenses millions of images, video footage, music tracks, 3D models, and generative AI content to over 3.5 million customers across 150+ countries through self-service subscriptions, transactional licenses, and dedicated sales support, while compensating a diverse global community of content contributors based on download activity. Revenue streams include licensing fees from content offerings, data and metadata licensing for AI training, distribution services through its Giphy platform, and Shutterstock Studios' custom content production—all powered by proprietary search technology, behavioral data algorithms, and a reinforcing network effect that attracts contributors and customers simultaneously across multiple branded marketplaces.