Shutterstock is breaking new ground in the AI industry with its innovative “research license” model, introduced in partnership with AI creative technology company Lightricks. This collaboration allows Lightricks to train its open-source video generation model, LTXV, using Shutterstock’s extensive library of HD and 4K videos. By offering a smaller, cost-effective licensing option for testing and experimentation, Shutterstock is addressing a major barrier for startups and smaller developers entering the generative AI space.
Daniel Mandell, Shutterstock’s global head of data licensing & AI, highlights the importance of this shift: “We don’t think that financial investment should be a barrier for those looking to enter this space with an ethical approach.” This initiative provides an alternative to unauthorized data scraping, ensuring that AI companies can develop commercially viable models while respecting copyright laws. The partnership also benefits creators through a 20% revenue-sharing model, and contributors retain the option to opt out of AI training use—though only 1% have chosen to do so.
The timing of this initiative is crucial, given the growing legal scrutiny surrounding AI training data. By promoting transparency and offering fair compensation to content creators, Shutterstock and Lightricks are setting a standard for ethical AI development. Craig Andrews, Lightricks’ global PR manager, calls this model “a turning point” for developers who want to innovate without the heavy upfront costs of traditional licensing. With its focus on responsible AI innovation, this collaboration has the potential to redefine industry practices and foster trust within the creative ecosystem.