Getty Images

Mark Getty and Jonathan Klein established Getty Images in 1995 to create a centralized digital marketplace for visual media. The company quickly grew into a massive library holding over 477 million assets that includes stock photography, editorial content, video clips, and music tracks. Its platforms process more than 2.3 billion searches each year to serve creative professionals, news organizations, and corporate departments worldwide.

The organization operates through distinct divisions catering to specific needs. The editorial team provides exclusive coverage of global news, sports, and entertainment events often delivering high-resolution 4K footage to major broadcasters. Meanwhile the creative division supplies royalty-free images for advertising campaigns while the gallery branch distributes fine art prints originally launched as a physical space in London in 1997.

Financial turbulence marked late 2026 when the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to heavy debt loads. On October 12 of that year the Getty family and Koch Equity Development announced a joint investment of up to $533 million to restructure the business and take it private. This deal allowed existing creditors to receive new equity while removing public market pressures so leadership could focus on long-term growth strategies. [edit]