Getty Images Licenses Visuals to AI Startup Perplexity in Landmark Deal

Getty Images and AI search engine Perplexity today announced a global, multi-year licensing agreement that brings Getty’s creative and editorial image library into Perplexity’s AI-powered search and discovery tools. 

Under the deal, Perplexity will integrate Getty’s API to access premium visuals. In return, Perplexity agrees to spotlight image credits and source links, promoting licensed use of imagery. 

The agreement marks a shift in the AI industry. As companies face lawsuits over copyright and content scraping, licensing deals like this provide ways to secure high-quality assets legally. Getty has taken previous legal action over unauthorized image use. 

Investors responded eagerly — Getty shares surged roughly 50% in early trading after the news. 

The licensing move may redefine how AI platforms use visuals and manage content rights. It gives Perplexity stronger imagery while giving Getty a new revenue stream tied to AI ecosystems. Yet, experts caution the long-term model of licensing all internet content may be unsustainable.