Stock photo platform Shutterstock announces the first-ever AI research license with Lightricks.
The AI research license enables Lightricks to train its open-source video generation model LTXV using Shutterstock’s extensive HD and 4K video library.
This licensing model allows companies to access quality training data via other firms before committing to more expensive licenses.
How does the AI research license work?
Tech insider VentureBeat spoke with Shutterstock’s global head of data licensing & AI, Daniel Mandell, regarding this licensing model.
He told the publication that Shutterstock implemented a revenue-sharing model. It lets contributors receive 20 percent of the revenue from data licensing deals.
READ: Shutterstock AI images now available thanks to ChatGPT
Contributors may also opt out of the AI research license, but Mandell stated only around 1% have done so.
Moreover, Lightricks’ global PR manager Craig Andrews said they will use the licensed video data to enhance LTXV, its open-source video generation model.
“One of the biggest technical hurdles in AI video generation…,” Andrews stated,
“…is achieving consistent motion and structure over longer video segments without sacrificing quality.”
“Shutterstock’s high-quality video library provides an extensive dataset that helps us address this challenge.”
At the time of writing, the model has gained “thousands of downloads” from the AI platform Hugging Face and the programming website GitHub.
READ: Giphy sold to Shutterstock at a $260-million loss
Soon, this AI research license approach could democratize access to high-quality training data for smaller organizations.
“We’re setting a standard for ethical AI development while ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their work,” Andrews explained.
“This approach not only fosters trust in the creative ecosystem but also establishes a sustainable framework for responsible AI innovation.”
“The important message here is that companies, no matter the size or funding, no longer have an excuse to scrape unlicensed content for training purposes,” Mandell added.
“There is a better way to enter this evolving market.”