Perplexity signs multi‑year Getty Images deal to bring licensed photos into AI search

Perplexity has struck a multi‑year licensing agreement with Getty Images that lets the AI search company legally display Getty’s creative and editorial photos with proper credit and links. The arrangement, described by both sides as collaborative and attribution‑forward, is expected to improve image quality in results and reduce copyright risk. Industry watchers see it as a potential model for how AI products license visual content going forward.

• Licensed access to Getty’s library will power richer, properly credited visuals in Perplexity’s results.
• The structure appears closer to usage and attribution than a one‑time training fee, aligning incentives with display and click‑through.
• The move follows scrutiny of AI scraping and plagiarism claims reported by outlets including TechCrunch and TechBuzz.
• Getty says the deal rewards creators and raises the bar for responsible AI integrations.

Why does this deal matter now?

AI search is racing ahead, but rights and revenue for creators have lagged. By licensing one of the world’s largest image collections, Perplexity is signaling that high‑quality visuals and clear attribution are part of the product, not an afterthought. That timing is notable. As TechBuzz has reported, Perplexity has faced accusations of scraping and plagiarism amid its rapid growth, while publishers and platforms reassess how their content is used by AI systems. A headline partnership with Getty gives Perplexity a credible path to display images transparently, with the right credits and links.

What exactly did Perplexity and Getty Images agree to?

Both companies describe a multi‑year license that allows Perplexity to show Getty content to users with proper attribution and links back to Getty. While financial terms were not disclosed, people familiar with similar AI display partnerships say these deals often lean toward performance or usage‑based economics rather than a large, upfront training fee. That structure better fits products that emphasize on‑screen display and user click‑through.

How did Perplexity’s growth spark controversy?

Success brought scrutiny. As Perplexity’s user base climbed, so did questions about how it sourced and summarized content. A TechBuzz editorial framed the Getty pact as a big step toward cleaning up copyright concerns, while coverage at TechCrunch chronicled broader worries over unauthorized scraping in the AI sector. TechBuzz also noted a lawsuit from Reddit in October alleging large‑scale scraping. Against that backdrop, formal licensing of images looks like a pragmatic pivot from friction to partnership.

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What is Getty Images’ stance on AI and creator credit?

Getty has been vocal that AI products should respect licensing and attribution so creators get credit and compensation. Company leaders say the Perplexity agreement reflects that principle and opens the door to new display experiences where images are clearly labeled, credited, and linked back to the source. It also fits Getty’s broader strategy of enabling AI responsibly, which has included licensing programs and its own generative initiatives built on licensed content.

Is this a new model for AI content licensing?

It might be. Perplexity does not operate a monolithic, proprietary image model the way a top‑tier lab might, so a pay‑to‑display approach that emphasizes usage, attribution, and user click‑through makes sense. If the results are strong, you could see more AI products follow a similar path for images, audio, and eventually video. That would nudge the market toward ongoing, measurable value for rightsholders rather than one‑time training payouts.

What will users notice inside Perplexity?

Expect more high‑quality images and clearer credits. As PetaPixel reported, Perplexity committed to better attribution, visible links to image sources, and guidance that helps people understand how they can use photos lawfully. In practice, that should make results feel more polished and dependable, similar to how a built‑in assistant enhances a flagship phone experience. Think along the lines of pairing a smart assistant with a capable device such as the Google Pixel 9a.

Could this be a turning point for AI and copyright?

It is an encouraging signal. Perplexity has previously leaned on fair‑use arguments around facts and public content. The reality is more complex when full images and articles are involved. Moving from confrontation to collaboration puts the product on firmer ground and helps users trust what they see. If more AI companies follow suit with licensing and clear credit, the experience across search and summaries could improve while creators benefit.

What comes next for Perplexity?

This is the company’s most visible licensing step yet. If it works, expect Perplexity to court more rightsholders, potentially including newsrooms and media libraries, to build a more comprehensive rights‑aware index. That would also tie into the larger debate over how AI affects web traffic and discovery. The near‑term test is simple. Do users stick around longer because the visuals are better and the credits are clear?

What are the stakes for AI and media at large?

The Getty–Perplexity tie‑up shows a practical path forward. Rights‑based partnerships can reduce legal risk, improve product quality, and create new revenue streams for creators. The hard questions are not going away though. Fair use, training data boundaries, and compensation models will keep evolving as AI products scale. For now, a visible license with attribution looks like a solid step toward a healthier ecosystem.