Generate AI images and modify iStock imagery with ease
Create commercially safe, royalty-free images with Generative AI by iStock, powered by NVIDIA Picasso.
Generative AI
100 generationsINTRODUCTORY PRICING$14.99
Our AI model is trained exclusively on our high-quality creative library.
With your generations, you can:
Generate new images
Create your own commercially safe images with text-to-image generation. Explore AI generation >
Modify iStock images
Customize iStock images to make them uniquely yours. Explore AI modifications >
Put the power of AI to work for you
Create unique, AI‑generated images
Trained exclusively on our visual library and data, iStock’s AI Generator is powered by an upgraded AI model with improved upscaling, increased 4K generation detail, support for longer prompts, and greater text‑to‑image accuracy. Best of all, your AI‑generated images still include our robust legal protection.
Customize iStock images with AI
Generative AI by iStock streamlines your creative workflow by harnessing AI to modify an iStock image* before you download it. With our AI modification tools, you can adjust specific elements, create additional sizes, or remove the background of an image instantly.
What’s new in the latest model update:
- Enhanced detail in generated images
- Increased image generation speed (x2)
- Advanced upscaling and improved 4K generation detail
- Support for longer, more complex prompts, up to 250 words.
- Greater adherence to inputs for results that more closely match the provided text prompt.
- Advanced camera controls: Lens type and Depth of field.
Learn more about generative AI
How to Write Better AI Image Prompts
AI image generators offer endless possibilities for creativity. iStock’s AI Generator allows you to turn text into images that perfectly fit your needs.
How to boost your productivity with AI‑generated images
In a world of accelerating customer expectations, smart marketers are continually on the look out for innovative tools to boost their productivity and push them creatively.
Glossary of Artistic Keywords and Prompt Examples for AI Images
Explore this glossary to master the art of AI image prompt engineering with a curated list of artistic keywords, each with a definition and practical example.
A model that compensates contributors
Using NVIDIA’s powerful Picasso infrastructure, we've developed an AI generator exclusively trained on our creative visuals and proprietary data that compensates our contributors on a recurring basis for training the AI on their content.
See our press release for more insight into our approach to AI.
Frequently asked questions
What are iStock AI generations?
AI generations, or AI generation credits, grant you access to our AI Generator console for generating new AI images and modifying images (your generated images or stock images from iStock's creative library) using the Refine and Extend tools, the Background Removal tool, or for upscaling a generated image to 4K for download.
Can I use AI generations to license a pre‑shot stock image from iStock’s image library?
No, to license a stock image from iStock’s library, you will need to purchase credits or a subscription. To find the best plan with the right price for your needs, visit our Plans and Pricing page.
What counts towards my generation cap?
A generation counts each time you hit the “Generate” button or the “Remove Background” button. This could be to generate a new image, modify AI‑generated images and iStock creative images using the Refine, Extend or Background Removal tools, or upscaling a generated image to 4K for download. The current count and total number you have available can be found next to the "Generate" button.
What are the main enhancements of the updated model?
The updated version of our model, powered by NVIDIA Picasso, provides improvements to prompt adherence and relevancy of the image output, improvements to skin texture, leading to a more natural and realistic look in people, increases prompt length to 250 words*, 4K image quality (by using a generation to upscale from Medium 1024x1024 to 4K), output speed improvements, and provides a new set of camera controls like lens type and depth of field.
*Note that the longer prompt length will only be available for initial prompt and not for the Refine and Extend tools.
*Note that the longer prompt length will only be available for initial prompt and not for the Refine and Extend tools.
I previously had free access to the Background Removal tool. Why is it now no longer available for free?
The Background Removal tool was initially offered for free to a limited number of users for testing purposes. Now it is available to all customers as part of the Generative AI by iStock service. Additionally, you can now remove the background from both images in our creative library and images generated using our AI Generator. To access all these benefits, you must purchase a Generative AI agreement and use your generation credits to remove the background from images.
Do my AI generations expire?
There is no time limit with iStock generation credits, as long as your account is active. To remain active and avoid any unused generations from expiring, you must sign into your account at least once a year. If you have concerns, please get in touch with our Customer Support team.
What is the difference between AI image generations and AI image modifications?
AI image generations refer to the process of creating images from scratch in our console, utilizing text‑to‑image prompting. These AI generated images can also undergo modification using our Refine and Extend tools or background removal which we call AI image modification. Modifications using our AI model can be applied to iStock’s creative image library and are likewise categorized as AI image modifications, as they utilize artificial intelligence to easily modify our stock images.
How do I cancel my Generative AI by iStock subscription?
If you have signed up for the iStock AI Generator, you may not cancel the subscription, unless local law requires us to give you the option to cancel.
To determine if local law requires you to be entitled to such early cancellation, please make a request for cancellation in writing through our contact us email form.
To determine if local law requires you to be entitled to such early cancellation, please make a request for cancellation in writing through our contact us email form.
The visuals generated don’t meet my expectations. How can I get a refund?
Our Generative AI service is non‑refundable.
Generative AI technology is rapidly evolving, and results can sometimes be unexpected or imperfect. At times, it can take multiple prompts or image refinement to get to the precise image you need. We are improving the AI model and adding features on a regular basis, but some subjects can be tricky. Please see our User Guide for prompting tips and ways to improve results.
You may also find that images from the iStock library better meet your needs. We have recently launched a new AI‑powered search that allows you to be more expressive in your search queries, to help you find the right visual more efficiently. You can also leverage the AI Advanced Control features to further refine the visual to create the specific image you need.
Generative AI technology is rapidly evolving, and results can sometimes be unexpected or imperfect. At times, it can take multiple prompts or image refinement to get to the precise image you need. We are improving the AI model and adding features on a regular basis, but some subjects can be tricky. Please see our User Guide for prompting tips and ways to improve results.
You may also find that images from the iStock library better meet your needs. We have recently launched a new AI‑powered search that allows you to be more expressive in your search queries, to help you find the right visual more efficiently. You can also leverage the AI Advanced Control features to further refine the visual to create the specific image you need.
Do I need to provide an attribution line for the content I generate or modify with Generative AI by iStock?
For content generated with the iStock AI Generator used for editorial purposes, the Artist Member's Name included should be "iStock AI Generator." There is no need to give attribution for content generated with the iStock AI Generator used for commercial purposes, nor are there any credit requirements required with respect to the modifications of any of stock content modified with the Generative AI by iStock.
Please refer to the iStock Content License Agreement for the attribution requirements that apply to our stock content, whether modified or not.
Please refer to the iStock Content License Agreement for the attribution requirements that apply to our stock content, whether modified or not.
Can I preview or download an unwatermarked file for composite purposes only?
After hitting “Generate” to refine or extend the image, or to generate new images from a text prompt, the AI Generator will serve you 4 thumbnail images to preview the generated content. Each image will be clickable, allowing you to open a larger, watermarked preview image. Your agreement includes unlimited downloads of unwatermarked Medium (1024x1024) images. Additionally, you can use one generation to download an unwatermarked 4K image.
Note: Upscaling an image to 4K for download requires 1 generation and will count towards your overall generation cap.
I ran into an error downloading my generated or modified image. Will I be charged again if I download the image a second time?
No, you will not be charged to download a generated Medium (1024x1024) size image a second time. Your agreement includes unlimited downloads of any Medium (1024x1024) size image you generate. For modifications from the stock images in our creative library, you can redownload images that were licensed using credits or an active subscription plan.
I hit “Generate” image by mistake. Can I get a refund on the generation?
No, iStock does not offer customer refunds for generations used or upscaling requests as stipulated in your agreement.
I hit “Remove Background” by mistake. Can I get a refund on the generation credit?
No, iStock does not offer customer refunds for generations, modifications, background removals, or upscaling requests as stipulated in your agreement.
I downloaded a generated image by mistake. Can I return the file?
There’s no need to return the file—as part of your agreement, you can download generated or modified images an unlimited number of times.
I downloaded a generated or modified image, but our client went in a different creative direction. Can I return the file?
No, iStock does not offer customers refunds for generations used as stipulated in your agreement. As a reminder, you can download a generated or modified image an unlimited number of times.
I reached my cap of generations. How do I get more?
Once you reach 0 generations, your generation credits will automatically refill by default, so that you can continue to enjoy Generative AI by iStock, uninterrupted.
You can turn off auto‑refill anytime from your Account Overview. Refill rates are subject to change, but we will always notify you of any rate change beforehand.
If auto‑refill is off and your generations reach 0, you will need to purchase more generations from the Generative AI by iStock page.
You can turn off auto‑refill anytime from your Account Overview. Refill rates are subject to change, but we will always notify you of any rate change beforehand.
If auto‑refill is off and your generations reach 0, you will need to purchase more generations from the Generative AI by iStock page.
Where can I see how many generations I have left?
You can see how many generations you have left next to the “Generate” button.
How can I provide feedback on my generated images and modifications?
Your feedback is valuable and helps improve the user experience. There are two ways to provide feedback. When hovering over a generated image, you’ll see an option to “Rate this image”. After clicking the thumbs up or thumbs down icon, you’ll have the option to provide more details about your rating and can opt‑in to be contacted for more information. The flag icon can be used to report any harmful or offensive content.
If you’d like to leave feedback about the AI Generator beyond individual images, click the “Give Feedback” tab in the bottom right corner of the page. You’ll be prompted to rate the product and provide additional information.
If you’d like to leave feedback about the AI Generator beyond individual images, click the “Give Feedback” tab in the bottom right corner of the page. You’ll be prompted to rate the product and provide additional information.
How do I report unsafe, inappropriate, or harmful images?
Working with NVIDIA, we made sure to include safeguards in training our model to avoid generating unsafe, inappropriate, or harmful images. That said, we are continuously training the model.
If you feel that Generative AI by iStock produced unsafe, inappropriate, or harmful images, please use the Flag icon to report results that need our attention such as: trademark or copyright violation, authorship concerns, stereotypical/biased results, promotes violence or hatred, sexually explicit content, or other.
If you feel that Generative AI by iStock produced unsafe, inappropriate, or harmful images, please use the Flag icon to report results that need our attention such as: trademark or copyright violation, authorship concerns, stereotypical/biased results, promotes violence or hatred, sexually explicit content, or other.
What is iStock by Getty Images doing to ensure Generative AI images are created responsibly and safe to use?
We’ve worked with NVIDIA to train a custom model exclusively on our creative visuals and proprietary data to create commercially safe models and outputs. And we’ve taken care to block prompts that could generate problematic content.
What is iStock’s approach to commercially safe, generative AI?
iStock has always been a trusted partner for commercially safe, impactful visual content that elevates creativity and helps our customers move the world. Through cost‑efficient and worry‑free products, along with best‑in‑class service, our mission is to meet your ever‑evolving needs. Our adoption and distribution of AI technologies trained on fully licensed creative content furthers that mission and expands our capabilities to deliver exactly what you're looking for—the right image.
Whether you are looking for AI‑generated content for creative inspiration, or imagery to use commercially, our Generative AI services provide protection and indemnification to use in a rapidly changing legal and regulatory environment.
To learn more about our views on Generative AI, please check out our About Us page.
Whether you are looking for AI‑generated content for creative inspiration, or imagery to use commercially, our Generative AI services provide protection and indemnification to use in a rapidly changing legal and regulatory environment.
To learn more about our views on Generative AI, please check out our About Us page.
Will visuals I have generated or modified be offered as part of iStock’s creative library?
No, we will not be adding visuals you generate to our creative library.
Are my prompts and generated visuals tracked or recorded by iStock?
Your generated or modified visuals will never be displayed publicly nor be seen by other customers. This is different from other AI generation services in the market which sometimes display content and prompts publicly. We save your prompts, generated and modified images in our secure data stores. This is necessary to provide you with prompt and generation history in your customer experience as well as provide legal protections over claims as part of our legal indemnification. We may also use your prompts (but not any of your generated visuals themselves) on an anonymized basis in order to improve the model.
*Requires the use of 1 generation. Only available on iStock photos. Does not include editorial content.