S
S

Shutterstock vs Substack

A detailed comparison of Shutterstock and Substack in 2026. Compare pricing plans, features, and find out which design service is right for you.

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.

stock-mediaphotosvectorsvideo

Substack

Platform for independent newsletter writers

Substack is a news and media service that provides platform for independent newsletter writers. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Substack offers 2 pricing plans. It offers a free tier as well as paid plans starting from $undefined/month. Key features include Newsletter platform, Podcasts, Chat, Notes. Substack is a popular choice for users looking for quality news subscriptions.

newslettersindependentwritersplatform

Feature Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of features and capabilities

FeatureShutterstockSubstack
Starting Price$29/moFree
Plans Available32
Year Founded20032017
HeadquartersNew York, New YorkSan Francisco, California
450M+ images
Stock video
Music
AI image generator
Editor
Plugins
Newsletter platform
Podcasts
Chat
Notes
Community
Monetization

Pricing Comparison

Compare all available plans and pricing tiers

Shutterstock Pricing

Images
$29/mo

$199/yr

Videos
$79/mo
All Access
Varies

Substack Pricing

Free to read
Free
Creator varies
Varies

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shutterstock or Substack better in 2026?

Both Shutterstock and Substack are excellent design services. Shutterstock offers 450M+ images and Stock video, while Substack features Newsletter platform and Podcasts. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

How much does Shutterstock cost compared to Substack?

Shutterstock starts at $29/month, while Substack starts at $Free/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers to fit different budgets.

Can I track both Shutterstock and Substack subscriptions?

Yes! TrackMySubscriptions lets you track all your subscriptions in one place, including Shutterstock and Substack. Get renewal alerts, spending analytics, and never miss a payment — 100% free.

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Track Both Services in One Dashboard

Whether you choose Shutterstock, Substack, or both — track all your subscriptions in one place with smart alerts and analytics.

100% Free foreverNo credit card requiredSet up in 2 minutes
Sponsor