This morning Getty Images announced that its partnership with Flickr, which was created just over 2 years ago, has now generated more than 250,000 images being licensed from Flickr and used within Getty’s catalogue.
Unfortunately, Getty Images will not divulge how many copies it has sold from the Flickr catalogue but says there are contributors from 115 countries worldwide. Currently, the most popular image to date is the one pictured below by Michael Bodge, which is their best seller at the moment.
Getty Images explained in a statement:
“The Flickr collection has proved a massive success for us in our aim to bring a different and a varied range of imagery to the marketplace,” explained Andrew Saunders, Getty Images SVP of Creative in the press release. “For us, the 250,000 image milestone emphasizes how dynamic and engaged our Flickr community of contributors truly is and we continue to be thrilled by the imagery being created for this real-life collection.”
The Impact of the Getty-Flickr Partnership
The partnership between Getty Images and Flickr has had a significant impact on the photography and stock image industry. By leveraging Flickr’s vast user base and diverse range of images, Getty has been able to offer a broader spectrum of visuals to its clients. This collaboration has not only benefited Getty but also provided Flickr photographers with a platform to monetize their work. Many amateur and professional photographers have found new opportunities to showcase their talent and earn revenue through this partnership.
Moreover, the partnership has highlighted the evolving nature of the photography industry. With the advent of digital cameras and smartphones, the number of high-quality images available has increased exponentially. Platforms like Flickr have democratized photography, allowing anyone with a camera to share their work with a global audience. Getty’s decision to tap into this resource underscores the value of user-generated content in today’s digital age.
Future Prospects and Challenges
While the partnership has been successful, there are still challenges and opportunities ahead. One of the primary challenges is ensuring the quality and relevance of the images being licensed. With millions of images available on Flickr, curating a collection that meets the high standards of Getty’s clients can be daunting. However, Getty’s rigorous selection process and the expertise of its curators have ensured that only the best images make it to their catalogue.
Looking ahead, there is potential for Getty to explore partnerships with other social media platforms. For instance, Instagram, with its vast user base and emphasis on visual content, could be a valuable resource for Getty. By collaborating with Instagram, Getty could access a new pool of talented photographers and a fresh collection of images. This would not only diversify Getty’s offerings but also provide Instagram users with an opportunity to monetize their work.
The number of images now licensed from Flickr is still a very small percentage of Flickr’s 6 billion image catalogue, but it’s a great example of how image sites and camera technology have changed the way images are now bought and sold. The success of this partnership also reflects the growing trend of crowdsourcing in the creative industry. By tapping into the collective talent of a global community, companies like Getty can offer a richer and more diverse range of content to their clients.
The Getty-Flickr partnership has been a win-win for both parties. It has allowed Getty to expand its catalogue with unique and diverse images while providing Flickr photographers with a platform to showcase and monetize their work. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, such collaborations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the photography and stock image industry.
Source: TNW : All Things D
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