123RF vs iStock:Which is more popular by branded search?
In August 2026, iStock had more branded searches than 123RF among stock photo libraries worldwide. iStock was estimated to have 319K branded searches compared to 123RF’s 62.5K, and held a 22.4% Share of Search versus 123RF’s 4.4%. Worldwide · English terms: these are worldwide searches for English-language branded terms.
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Which is more popular in search, 123RF or iStock?
Compare services and tools used to license stock photography for creative projects. Branded searches tell you how often people look for a brand by name or related terms. Comparing these searches across competitors helps you see how popular each brand is over time.
Share of Search by month for iStock, 123RF. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of search table
| Month | Getty Images | iStock | Alamy | 123RF | Depositphotos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 55.8% | 26.6% | 8.4% | 5.1% | 4.1% |
| Nov 2025 | 51.8% | 29.5% | 9.4% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
| Dec 2025 | 55.6% | 26.8% | 8.5% | 5.1% | 4.1% |
| Jan 2026 | 54.5% | 26.3% | 10.1% | 5% | 4.1% |
| Feb 2026 | 54.7% | 26.1% | 10.1% | 5% | 4% |
| Mar 2026 | 53.2% | 21% | 11.5% | 7.2% | 7.2% |
| Apr 2026 | 54.5% | 25.8% | 11.7% | 4% | 4% |
| May 2026 | 57.1% | 22.3% | 10.3% | 5.1% | 5.1% |
| Jun 2026 | 58.6% | 22.8% | 10.7% | 4.4% | 3.6% |
| Jul 2026 | 59.1% | 22.9% | 10.8% | 3.7% | 3.6% |
| Aug 2026 | 58.1% | 22.4% | 10.8% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Sep 2026 | — | — | — | — | — |
How has the 123RF and iStock comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- iStock was ahead of 123RF in every measured month of the 11 months ending August 2026.
- Across the 11 months ending August 2026, 123RF’s estimated Share of Search among stock photo libraries worldwide moved from 5.1% to 4.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 113K to 62.5K.
- Across the 11 months ending August 2026, iStock’s estimated Share of Search among stock photo libraries worldwide moved from 26.6% to 22.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 595K to 319K.
How did search popularity change for stock photo libraries worldwide in August 2026?
2 changes
In August 2026, 123RF gained estimated Share of Search among stock photo libraries worldwide, from 3.7% to 4.4%.
In August 2026, iStock lost estimated Share of Search among stock photo libraries worldwide, from 22.9% to 22.4%.
How each brand is measured
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using 123RF’s and iStock’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Put your own brand in this comparison
Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.