Medium vs Shutterstock
A detailed comparison of Medium and Shutterstock in 2026. Compare pricing plans, features, and find out which news service is right for you.
Medium
Online publishing platform for thoughtful writing
Medium is a news and media service that provides online publishing platform for thoughtful writing. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Medium offers 2 pricing plans. It offers a free tier as well as paid plans starting from $5/month. Key features include Unlimited reading, Audio articles, Highlights, Follow writers. Medium is a popular choice for users looking for quality news subscriptions.
Shutterstock
Stock photos, vectors, videos, and music library
Shutterstock is a design and creative service that provides stock photos, vectors, videos, and music library. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in New York, New York, Shutterstock offers 3 pricing plans. Plans start from $29/month. Key features include 450M+ images, Stock video, Music, AI image generator. Shutterstock is a popular choice for users looking for quality design subscriptions.
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of features and capabilities
| Feature | Medium | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free | $29/mo |
| Plans Available | 2 | 3 |
| Year Founded | 2012 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California | New York, New York |
| Unlimited reading | ||
| Audio articles | ||
| Highlights | ||
| Follow writers | ||
| Publications | ||
| Writing tools | ||
| 450M+ images | ||
| Stock video | ||
| Music | ||
| AI image generator | ||
| Editor | ||
| Plugins |
Pricing Comparison
Compare all available plans and pricing tiers
Medium Pricing
$50/yr
Shutterstock Pricing
$199/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medium or Shutterstock better in 2026?
Both Medium and Shutterstock are excellent news services. Medium offers Unlimited reading and Audio articles, while Shutterstock features 450M+ images and Stock video. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
How much does Medium cost compared to Shutterstock?
Medium starts at $5/month, while Shutterstock starts at $29/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers to fit different budgets.
Can I track both Medium and Shutterstock subscriptions?
Yes! TrackMySubscriptions lets you track all your subscriptions in one place, including Medium and Shutterstock. Get renewal alerts, spending analytics, and never miss a payment — 100% free.
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Track Both Services in One Dashboard
Whether you choose Medium, Shutterstock, or both — track all your subscriptions in one place with smart alerts and analytics.