Getty Images Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GETY) experienced a dramatic surge in trading on October 31, 2025, following the announcement of a multi-year licensing partnership with AI-powered search engine Perplexity. The stock jumped over 50% in pre-market trading, reaching $3.10, as investors responded enthusiastically to the strategic collaboration.
This agreement marks a significant milestone for Getty Images as it positions itself at the intersection of traditional visual content licensing and emerging AI technology, addressing ongoing concerns about content attribution and creator compensation in the age of artificial intelligence.
AI Licensing Agreement Expands Getty’s Reach and Reinforces Content Attribution
The global multi-year licensing agreement provides Perplexity with access to Getty Images’ extensive library of high-quality creative and editorial imagery, which will be integrated into Perplexity’s AI-powered search and discovery platform. According to Nick Unsworth, Vice President of Strategic Development at Getty Images, the partnership acknowledges the importance of properly attributed content and its value in enhancing AI-powered products. The agreement leverages Getty Images’ API technology, allowing deep integration into Perplexity’s content creation and display workflows.
A critical component of the deal focuses on improving content attribution and creator recognition. Jessica Chan, Head of Content and Publisher Partnerships at Perplexity, emphasized that attribution and accuracy are fundamental to how people should understand information in the age of AI. The partnership will implement enhanced image display features, including image credits with links to sources, to better educate users on legal imagery usage. This approach addresses growing concerns about AI platforms using copyrighted content without proper compensation or attribution to original creators.
The strategic significance extends beyond immediate revenue, positioning Getty Images as a leader in establishing ethical AI content partnerships. With Perplexity answering over 150 million questions globally each week, the exposure for Getty’s content and contributors could be substantial. The agreement demonstrates how traditional content companies can successfully monetize their assets in the AI era while maintaining creator rights and attribution standards.
Shares Spike on Heavy Volume as Investors React to AI Collaboration
As of 11:30 AM EDT on October 31, 2025, Getty Images stock was trading at $2.2799, up $0.2699 or 13.43% from the previous close of $2.01. The stock opened at $3.06 and experienced significant volatility throughout the day, with a trading range between $2.20 and $3.21. Trading volume exploded to 104.8 million shares, dramatically exceeding the average volume of 667,871 shares. The market capitalization stood at approximately $950.4 million following the announcement.
Despite today’s surge, Getty Images has faced challenges over longer time periods. The stock has declined 44.79% over the past year and 76.69% over five years, significantly underperforming the S&P 500’s gains of 20.38% and 110.04% respectively. The company currently trades at a price-to-sales ratio of 0.91 and maintains a 52-week range between $1.25 and $4.485. Analysts maintain an average price target of $4.43, suggesting potential upside from current levels.
The company’s financial fundamentals reflect ongoing challenges, with a negative profit margin of 12.19% and diluted earnings per share of -$0.27. However, Getty Images generated $946.83 million in revenue over the trailing twelve months and posted positive levered free cash flow of $96.59 million. The upcoming Q3 2025 earnings report scheduled for November 10, 2025, will provide further insight into the company’s financial trajectory and the potential impact of strategic partnerships like the Perplexity deal.