Getty Images Q1 2025: Navigating Contradictions in Agency Spending, AI Adoption, and Subscription Growth

Macro uncertainty and agency client spend, generative AI adoption and monetization, adoption and growth of GenAI services, subscription growth and retention, AI adoption and impact are the key contradictions discussed in Getty Images' latest 2025Q1 earnings call.



Revenue and Subscription Growth:
- Getty Images reported revenue of $224.1 million for Q1 2025, representing a growth of 0.8% or 2.6% on a currency-neutral basis. Annual subscription revenue was 57.2% of total revenue, driven by growth in the corporate sector.
- The growth in annual subscription business was driven by increased demand for premium access, video, news, and sport content.

Currency and External Factors Impact:
- Early currency pressures and tariff-driven uncertainties impacted revenue, with FX pressures having since reversed.
- The decline in agency and production sectors was also attributed to macroeconomic uncertainty and the LA fires.

AI and Copyright Initiatives:
- Getty Images is pursuing legal actions against Stability AI, seeking clarity on AI training using copyrighted material.
- Recent developments, such as a US Copyright Office report and UK House of Lords amendments, align with Getty's perspective on AI and copyright.

Merger Status and Regulatory Approval:
- The proposed merger with Shutterstock is proceeding, with ongoing regulatory reviews in the US and UK.
- The company remains committed to obtaining necessary approvals and expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2025.