We analyzed the characteristics of stock images with high subscriptions during the Second Half of 2023. Comparing this article with another one covering the First Half of 2023 would help create better content.
[High Interest, Recession, and Car]
Noteworthy themes from the economy category were real estate and cars. In the case of the Real estate market, images with straightforward compositions depicting the difficulty of having a house of one’s own due to the influence of continuing recession and high interest, as Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements commented on 〈Real Estate Market Research 2023 Autumn Issue〉, had high popularity.
Furthermore, tendencies of the popularity of car-themed images can be divided into two themes – general and electric. For electric cars, despite the slowdown of public needs, due to the popularizing projects done on the governmental level, content emphasizing their eco-friendly aspects received a lot of subscriptions.
Also, regardless of the type of engine, images of the car interior were placed on the high level. Put this into consideration and create images that show various kinds of cars’ interiors to gain an advantage.
[Relax, but Make it Natural]
When it comes to lifestyle and activities, intense sports requiring numerous, expensive gear were still passé. Meanwhile, enjoying the calming moment in nature kept its throne. Especially, images showing people ‘earthing (barefoot walking)’ with peaceful composition received a considerable amount of popularity.
Another theme to look up was a life living together with domestic animals. Since people are seeking ways to live naturally in an active manner, it interlocked with life with animals too – such as encouraging adoption rather than going to pet shops. Therefore, instead of cats with according to so-called ‘breeds’, images of Korean native cats taking a rest or having a relaxing moment at the places of everyday life scored a high subscription.
[Street Snack’s Emerging Champion]
Tanghulu, a combination of a variety of fruits and sugar syrup started to gain popularity due to the rising of ASMR ‘mukbang’ content which stimulates the sense of sight and hearing을 at the same time. This street snack’s popularity raised concern and eventually ended up getting brought up to the parliamentary inspection a few months ago, being pointed out as a cause of childhood obesity and diabetes.
An interesting point of Tanghulu’s popularity when it comes to the material of stock image was its correlation with the season. Normally, subscription of images that show rather familiar street snacks including Fish Cake, Hotteok, Bungeoppang, and Egg Bread is closely related to winter. However, a new rising champion, Tanghulu’s subscription and customers’ requests have continuously maintained regardless of it.
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