Unsplash Ownership Under Getty Images
TL;DR:
- Getty Images bought Unsplash in 2021 but kept it as a separate brand
- Free access to images hasn't changed since the acquisition
- User experience remains the same with no major policy shifts
- Some users worry about future changes but nothing has happened yet
- Unsplash still operates independently from Getty's main business
Getty Images acquired Unsplash in 2021, creating quite a stir in the web design community. The big question everyone asked was simple: would this kill off free access to one of the best image libraries on the web?
The short answer is no. Unsplash still works exactly as it did before Getty took over. You can still download high-quality images without paying, the licensing terms haven't changed, and the platform looks and feels identical to how it was.
What Actually Changed
From a user perspective, very little has changed day-to-day. Unsplash kept its branding, its team, and most importantly, its free model. Getty seems content to let Unsplash run as it always has.
This makes business sense. Unsplash attracts millions of users who might never pay for Getty's premium stock photos. By keeping Unsplash free, Getty gets access to this huge user base while maintaining their premium offerings for clients who need them.
The acquisition also means Unsplash now has Getty's resources behind it. That could mean better infrastructure, more features, or improved image quality over time, though we haven't seen major changes yet.
What Web Designers Need to Know
For practical purposes, nothing has changed about how you use Unsplash. The licensing terms are the same, so you can still use images for client projects without worrying about fees or complex attribution requirements.
However, it's worth keeping an eye on any policy updates. While Getty has maintained Unsplash's free model so far, corporate strategies can shift. Always check the current terms before using images, especially for commercial projects.
The quality and variety of images on Unsplash remains high. If anything, Getty's backing might improve the platform's stability and growth over time.
Should You Be Concerned?
Most users have responded positively to how Getty has handled the acquisition. The fear was that Getty would either shut down Unsplash or turn it into another paid platform. Neither has happened.
That said, it's sensible to have backup options. Platforms like Pexels, Pixabay, and others offer similar free image services. Diversifying your image sources is always good practice anyway.
FAQs
Has Unsplash's free access changed since Getty bought it?
No, images are still free to download and use under the same licensing terms as before.
Will Getty eventually make Unsplash a paid service?
There's no indication of this happening. Getty seems committed to keeping Unsplash free while running it alongside their premium services.
Are the image licenses still the same?
Yes, Unsplash licenses haven't changed. Images are still free for commercial and personal use with minimal restrictions.
Has the image quality or selection changed?
The quality remains high and the selection continues to grow. Getty's resources may actually improve these aspects over time.
Jargon Buster
Stock photography: Pre-shot images that designers and businesses can license for their projects rather than commissioning custom photography.
Acquisition: When one company purchases another company, usually to expand their business or eliminate competition.
Commercial use: Using images in business contexts, like websites, marketing materials, or products you sell.
Licensing terms: The rules that govern how you can use an image, including where you can use it and whether you need to pay or credit the photographer.
Wrap-up
The Getty-Unsplash acquisition turned out better than many expected. Unsplash remains free, functional, and useful for web designers. While it's smart to stay aware of any future changes, there's no immediate reason to change how you use the platform. Keep Unsplash in your toolkit, but maintain other image sources too for the best flexibility in your projects.
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