Getty Images has struck a deal with OpenAI to integrate licensed visuals into ChatGPT's search capabilities. The partnership, announced Tuesday, will allow users to access Getty's library of photos and videos directly through the AI chatbot.
This marks a significant step in the AI industry's push to legitimize training data and outputs. By sourcing from Getty, OpenAI addresses long-standing copyright concerns that have dogged generative models. For Getty, it offers a new revenue stream amid shifting demand in the stock photography market.
Under the agreement, ChatGPT users will see Getty-branded results with attribution and licensing details. Financial terms were not disclosed. The integration will roll out gradually, starting with premium subscription tiers before expanding to free users.
The move could reshape how digital content is monetized in the AI era. Competitors like Shutterstock have already signed similar deals with other AI firms, signaling a broader race to secure licensed data sources.
Some creators worry this may further centralize control over visual media, though Getty maintains it protects contributor rights. The full impact on independent photographers remains unclear.