Lightricks and Shutterstock: A Strategic Partnership for Advancing Open Source Video AI Technology
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Lightricks has teamed up with Shutterstock, Inc., bringing forth a partnership that paves the way for advancements in AI-powered video technology. This strategic alliance, announced on December 13, 2024, enables Lightricks to license and utilize Shutterstock’s extensive video library for training its open-source video generation model, known as LTX Video (LTXV). This partnership marks Lightricks as the first global partner to employ Shutterstock’s innovative 'research license', a new approach designed to simplify the process of acquiring high-quality assets for AI training.
Lightricks has established itself as a global leader in AI-driven creative technology, with products that revolutionize content creation for a wide range of users, from casual creators to professionals. The integration of premium HD and 4K videos from Shutterstock into LTXV will not only enhance the quality of the generative AI tools but also sets a new standard for accessibility and creativity within the industry. This initiative resonates with Lightricks’ mission to democratize creative tools, empowering creators with state-of-the-art technology while ensuring that content creators have confidence in their use of licensed materials.
The research license provided by Shutterstock is a significant step forward, particularly for startups and AI enterprises. It allows these businesses to build and refine their AI applications using licensed content before committing to full commercial licensing. This is particularly vital for new companies that often face challenges in accessing high-quality data necessary for effective AI model training. By mitigating these barriers, Lightricks and Shutterstock enable a more diverse landscape of creative possibilities, fostering innovation through reliable resources.
Zeev Farbman, Co-founder and CEO of Lightricks, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting it as a strategic milestone in the company’s journey. 'This collaboration enhances our capability to develop sophisticated AI tools while providing our community of creators with superior resources,’ he stated. This partnership builds upon Lightricks' previous licensing arrangements over the past year with various notable broadcasters and content providers, reinforcing their commitment to leveraging trusted licensing models that protect the rights and creativity of all involved.
Furthermore, the continued integration of Shutterstock’s licensed video data allows Lightricks to maintain its innovative edge in the AI landscape. Previous updates to the LTXV model, such as the recent release of version 0.9 to the open-source community, demonstrate their dedication to refining the technology continuously. By utilizing a rich dataset recognized across the industry, Lightricks not only strengthens its AI performance but also ensures that its tools reflect the artistic integrity expected by today’s filmmakers and content creators.
Daniel Mandell, Shutterstock's Global Head of Data Licensing for AI, emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering users by providing essential data assets needed for sustainable innovation. 'Our research license supports AI partners in training models with trustworthy content from day one, which is crucial for long-term success,' he stated.
Shutterstock boasts one of the largest libraries globally, containing over one billion royalty-free assets that include images, videos, music, and more. This vast collection serves as a rich tapestry for those looking to train multimodal AI systems—reflecting a commitment to not just quantity, but also diversity and quality in media production.
As the creative industry continues to evolve rapidly, collaborations like that of Lightricks and Shutterstock symbolize the future of AI-powered content generation and the enhancements it affords creators across the globe. As they move forward, both companies are poised to play a significant role in shaping how technology intersects with creativity, opening doors for an entirely new generation of content creators who rely on sophisticated, accessible tools to breathe life into their visions.