OpenAI has signed a licensing deal with Getty Images, the company announced, in an agreement that will bring Getty's vast library of licensed photos and visual content into ChatGPT.
According to Getty Images' own newsroom, the arrangement is a "display partnership" that lets OpenAI surface Getty's content. Engadget reports the deal allows OpenAI to use Getty's content library in both AI search and ChatGPT, while Crypto Briefing describes it as a multi-year agreement for licensed visual content. Bloomberg's Mark Bergen, via Techmeme, says the deal lets Getty's image library appear in ChatGPT's search and discovery features.
Investors reacted sharply. Forbes reports Getty shares rose 120% after the announcement. Bloomberg reported the stock soared roughly 200% in early trading, and Techmeme noted Getty's GETY shares jumped more than 150% in premarket trading Monday. Fast Company described the move as a "surprise deal" that sent Getty stock skyrocketing.
The specific financial terms of the agreement were not detailed in these reports.
Why it matters: The arrangement marks a notable shift in the often tense relationship between AI companies and content owners, many of whom have accused AI firms of using their work without permission or payment. By striking a licensing deal rather than fighting over scraped data, Getty positions itself as a paid supplier of vetted, rights-cleared imagery — and the dramatic stock surge signals that investors see real value in licensing content to AI platforms.