The Most Used Stock Images: Trends and Insights

When it comes to leveraging visual content for marketing and branding, stock images play an invaluable role. These pre-licensed images can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal and effectiveness of various content types. From corporate presentations to social media posts, stock images provide a versatile toolset for visual communication. This article explores the most commonly used stock images across different industries and the insights they offer into current trends and preferences.

Commonly Used Stock Images Across Industries

The choice of stock images can greatly impact the effectiveness of marketing material. Here are some of the most frequently used stock images found in diverse contexts:

1. Businessman or Businesswoman in a Suit

Images featuring a generic businessman or businesswoman in a suit are among the most commonly used in corporate contexts. These images convey professionalism and authority, making them ideal for business-oriented content. Whether for a corporate website, a product launch announcement, or a business blog, a well-shot professional portrait can enhance the overall appearance and credibility of the content.

2. Happy Family

Pictures depicting a smiling happy family are frequently utilized in a variety of marketing materials, spanning healthcare, education, and consumer goods. These images evoke a sense of warmth, community, and trust, making them highly effective for family-oriented brands. For instance, a health insurance company might use a family portrait in its commercials to emphasize the importance of collective care and support.

3. Serene Landscapes (Mountains, Forests, and Beaches)

Stock images of serene landscapes such as mountains, forests, and beaches are popular for wellness and environmental campaigns. These images often evoke a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, resonating with audiences who value health and nature. A travel company might use such images to promote destinations that offer a peaceful and scenic backdrop, enhancing the appeal of their offerings.

4. Diverse Groups (Different Ethnicities, Ages, and Genders)

Increasingly, images showcasing diversity in groups—different ethnicities, ages, and genders—are in high demand for inclusivity in marketing. These images help brands to connect with a broader audience by showcasing representational and inclusive content. For example, a fashion brand might use a diverse model lineup to appeal to a wider range of customers, emphasizing inclusivity and representation.

5. Hands Interacting with Technology

Images of hands interacting with smartphones, tablets, or laptops are ubiquitous in tech and business contexts. These images help to showcase functionality and user interaction, making them ideal for highlighting the ease of use or the practicality of a product. A technology company might use such images to demonstrate how their products can be used in real-world scenarios, emphasizing user engagement and accessibility.

Industry Insights from Top-Selling Images

Popular platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images often highlight their top-selling images, providing valuable insights into current trends. As these sites rank among the largest stock image databases, their most downloaded and frequently licensed images can give marketers and creatives a glimpse into what the market demands. For instance, high demand for images showcasing diversity highlights the growing importance of inclusivity in marketing.

In conclusion, the most used stock images provide a window into the current trends and preferences within various industries. By understanding these trends, marketers can better tailor their visual content to resonate with their target audience and effectively convey their message.