The sky is the limit: offering endless downloads, DEATH TO STOCK is shaking up the stock image game

DEATH TO STOCK is a premium, extensive stock media library that has been helping brands look sharp since 2019. Its artistic, curated selection of more than 10,000 photos and videos, which tap into the visual trends of the moment, is updated with over 500+ new assets every month. We at TBI have been an active member of DTS for over a year, using their visuals to elevate our features on a regular basis. As both a fan and a member, we’re thrilled to spotlight DTS’ ever-growing trove of media, and unpack the inner workings to understand how the brand always keeps a finger on the cultural pulse.

As a member of DTS, one gains full access to this rich visual treasure with unlimited downloads, helping them to always keep things fresh. The perfect antithesis to other stock media platforms, the library at DTS is “constantly growing and adapting,” says Founder Shaun Singh. “At DTS, we’re more than just observers; we’re pioneers in visual forecasting. Creating the assets is only 10% of what we do; the majority of our work is the proverbial iceberg underneath the surface,” he adds.

Their ability to look beyond the moment and into the future – tapping into the ideas that might hold our collective attention in the months or years to come – is what makes DTS’ visual universe both rich and relevant. To consciously cultivate this foresight, their in-house trend hunters dive deep into the cultural pulse each month, unearthing the movements and shifts that are shaping tomorrow. “This insight is transformed by our production team into a visual library – packed with photos and videos that help brands not just keep up but stand out,” explains Singh. “Think of it as renting the trend. Why own a single stock photo when you can access a continuously evolving collection that grows with your brand?”

DTS’ knack for spotting trends and then amplifying them through their visuals has caught the attention of many brands, with LVMH, Universal, Squarespace, Nike, and Apple signing up to be members. But perhaps what’s most interesting is not just their ability to appeal to iconic brands, but their inherent understanding of the kind of imagery, say, a bootstrapped small business owner could need to set their brand apart from the crowd. 

What helps them do this is their curatorial eye that “balances broad appeal with bold experimentation,” and their approach to forecasting trends, which Singh says, is “both an art and a science.” From the return-to-office movement to the rise of entrepreneurs across industries who put the environment at the heart of their business, DTS taps into our cultural leanings and industry-specific currents, translating them into striking visuals. “We also pulse-check our ideas against feedback from our vibrant community of half a million, ensuring that our shoots not only capture but also lead the zeitgeist,” adds Singh.

As a member of DTS though, Singh ensures that you’re not just following the trends but are also helping shape them. “Our members have a real say in what we create next. Based on their downloads, bookmarking and direct requests, our members set the stage for upcoming shoots,” he adds. “It’s a dynamic give-and-take that ensures our library is always buzzing with fresh and relevant content our members actually want.”

To give even more control to their members, Singh’s making some tweaks at DTS and adding some more tools. One of the new updates is their ‘Trend Boards,’ which is “set to reimagine the way our members engage with and utilise trends,” he reveals. The tool allows members to curate and compile their own trend research from a variety of sources – like YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter – providing a comprehensive view of the landscape. Additionally, it also lets members follow DTS’ in-house trend hunters, helping them gain real-time insights into emerging trends, and letting them observe how they develop and mature. “This level of access and personalisation ensures that our members are not just keeping pace with trends but are also actively shaping their strategies and brand narratives with the most current and impactful information,” Singh adds. “Think Tumblr, for trend hunters.”

Wondering if DTS is for you? Use the offer code TBI2024 to get 15% off on the membership for the first 12 months. It’s a case of the fastest finger first, as there are only 30 claims available.