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Opinion: 8 trends in 2020 stock image search

Opinion: 8 trends in 2020 stock image search

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When it comes to stock images, 123RF is not a stranger to the game. Launched in 2005 by Inmagine Group, the platform has grown to be a digital stock agency with an evenly distributed global footprint. According to its website, 123RF sees over 12 million monthly active users on its online platform, and approximately 90,000 daily content from 300,000 creative contributors. 

Speaking with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Stephanie Sitt, Group CEO of Inmagine Group, parent company of 123RF said the right image is essential for marketers as well. In fact, the art of story-telling is important in growing any successful business. Besides capturing the attention of the audience with visually appealing and relevant visuals, good photos and consistent imagery can also help convey the right message for a business and form a desirable personality around a brand. This in turn strengthens the brand's presence and value among its audience. Sitt shares more about the evolution of image search, and some future trends that may impact visual-storytelling.

This article was done in collaboration with Inmagine Group.

What are some of the image-based trends you are seeing this year in terms of downloads?

In light of this year’s COVID-19 outbreak, thousands of content creators out there have downloaded visuals that capture the essence of the new normal which we are all adjusting to. For many of us, lifestyles have definitely undergone major changes. Business operations are forced to pivot with industries and global markets evolving rapidly. The demand for creative content has also followed suit. Highlighted image-based trends would be:

  1. Safety & hygiene / Social distancing
  2. Frontliners
  3. ECommerce / Supporting Small Businesses
  4. Food delivery / Cooking at home
  5. Working remotely / Online communication
  6. Online education
  7. Empty cities
  8. Coronavirus / virus

With the rise of platforms such as TikTok and Instagram stories, how can clients best source for content from your platforms?

We will be launching our personalised AI-powered search engine with a scoring system specifically for social media use soon. The system will automatically display the best, fitting images for higher engagement based on user needs and current trends.

What are some of the trends you are seeing for 2021?

Images will definitely remain as the ultimate form of visual currency, especially since there’s an increase in the number of digital platforms and brick-and-mortar businesses making the shift into the online retail sphere.

Brands and eCommerce businesses are already in favor of regular visual changes to their website interfaces as they continuously strive to improve user experience and influence conversions. Naturally, this causes a higher demand and reliance on web-optimised image content / image templates that are unique to their brand identity, something which the market is picking up and starting to fulfill via personalized services and curated solutions.

Despite undergoing a constant update on a daily basis, certain forms of imagery will remain. References to trending color profiles and pop culture movements in GIFs and videos are here to stay, and images will always be the fastest and quickest way to communicate these evergreen themes.

Join us on a three-week journey at Digital Marketing Asia 2020 as we delve into the realm of digital transformation, data and analytics, and mobile and eCommerce from 10 to 26 November. Sign up here!

(Photo courtesy: 123RF)

Related Articles:
Opinion: A future where design is within reach for all
Adobe Stock team highlights visual trends for 2020

 

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