TLDR
- Getty Images signed a multi-year global license agreement with AI startup Perplexity for use of editorial and creative images in search tools
- Getty shares rose 60-61% in premarket trading on Friday after the announcement
- Perplexity will integrate Getty’s API technology and access high-quality images with improved attribution
- The deal includes improved features for image credits and source links to educate users about legal content usage
- Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed
Getty Images Holdings announced a multi-year global licensing agreement with AI startup Perplexity on Friday morning. The deal sent shares soaring 60% to $3.24 in premarket trading.
Getty Images Holdings, Inc., GETY
The partnership gives Perplexity access to Getty’s extensive library of editorial and creative images. These images will appear in Perplexity’s AI-powered search and discovery tools.
Getty stock has struggled over the past year, losing about half its value by Thursday’s close. Friday’s deal marks a major turnaround for the beleaguered visual content company.
Under the agreement, Perplexity will integrate Getty’s API technology directly into its AI platform workflows. This integration allows the startup to access high-quality images while improving how images are attributed to their sources.
The deal addresses a growing concern within the AI industry. Companies are facing increasing scrutiny over how they use copyrighted content in their AI systems.
Improved attribution features
Perplexity plans to roll out improved features for viewing images under the new partnership. The AI startup will add image credits with direct links back to original sources.
These changes are intended to educate users about the legal use of licensed content. Getty’s vice president of strategic development, Nick Unsworth, emphasized the importance of accurate attribution in AI applications.
“Partnerships like this support AI platforms to increase the quality and accuracy of information delivered to consumers, ultimately building a more engaging and trusted experience,” said Unsworth.
Getty has experience protecting its intellectual property rights in the AI space. The company has previously taken legal action against Stability AI for unauthorized use of its assets.
The photo distributor also licenses content to other major platforms including iStock and Unsplash. This latest deal with Perplexity expands Getty’s reach into AI-powered search tools.
Terms of business remain private
Neither company disclosed the financial terms of the multi-year deal. The undisclosed structure leaves questions about revenue projections for Getty investors.
The partnership comes as AI companies race to secure legitimate sources of training data and content. Legal battles over copyright infringement have become commonplace in the industry.
Perplexity works as an AI-powered search engine that competes with traditional search platforms. The company has raised funding from major venture capital firms to support growth.
Getty’s image library contains millions of editorial photos, creative images and video content. The collection spans news events, sports, entertainment and image banks.
The API integration will allow Perplexity to access these assets in real time. Users searching through Perplexity’s platform will see Getty images alongside AI-generated results.
Getty’s stock performance reflects broader challenges in the visual content industry. Digital platforms have disrupted traditional licensing models over the past decade.
The Perplexity partnership represents Getty’s strategy to adapt to AI-driven content consumption. The company is positioning itself as a premium content provider for AI applications.
Friday’s premarket trading showed strong investor enthusiasm for the deal. The 60% jump in the stock price marked one of Getty’s biggest one-day gains.