Content Library 360 and AI Assistant: Boost Visual Interest with Stock or AI-Generated Images

E-learning course creators know that quality visuals keep learners engaged—the question is where to find them. Traditionally, the answer has been stock images, like the millions of high-quality assets in Content Library 360. However, the rapid rise of AI-powered tools means a new addition to the authoring toolkit. AI Assistant’s image generation feature turns your ideas into gorgeous custom images through its robust text-to-image functionality.

With two excellent options at your fingertips, which do you choose—stock photos or AI-generated images? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each to help you decide which to use for your next course.

Stock Images

You’re probably already familiar with Content Library 360, which gives you quick access to a wide variety of professional-grade stock images. This vast collection of visual assets covers practically any topic, and most of the available images are professionally photographed, so they have great lighting, composition, and superb overall quality. Also, a quick and simple keyword search provides a variety of relevant images that are ready to go.

Content Library 360 search results for “workstation”

The downside to using stock photos is that they can feel generic, especially if you happen to choose a particular image that's been used in other places. Learners might recognize them from other websites or ads, which can make your course feel stale.

There's also the question of customization. While stock images usually offer high visual quality, they may not meet your exact needs. For instance, when you search for a “person looking at a clock,” you’ll get images showing both elements, but they may not convey the tone or idea you were looking for. That can mean you have to settle for “close enough.”

Content Library 360 search results for “person looking at a clock”

AI-Generated Images

Customization is the name of the game with AI Assistant’s image generation feature, which allows you to create images on demand using prompts. AI-generated images are made to your specifications, so you can fine-tune the details—from colors and themes to specific objects or scenarios—tailoring the images to your course content needs. And since they’re custom-made, no two AI-generated images are exactly alike. That unique visual content can make your course stand out.

Prompt: “Person looking at a clock”

However, not all AI-generated images match the level of detail and quality found in stock images. AI-generated images can also feel a bit “off” or even have weird artifacts that immediately signal that an image has been generated by AI. For example, when you ask for an image of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, you may get an image showing two Eiffel Towers standing side by side—and we all know that’s far from reality.

Prompt: “Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the background”

In other words, creating the perfect AI-generated image may take some trial and error. You’ll likely need to rerun your prompts—modifying the description and details each time just to get it right. That may take more time than simply picking a stock image would.

Choose What Works For You

Ultimately, both stock and AI-generated images can boost your course content. The choice comes down to your specific needs and priorities. If you’re prioritizing convenience and reliability, visual assets from Content Library 360 may be your best bet. But if you’re looking to elevate your course with something visually unique, AI-generated images may provide the perfect custom option. You have the power to decide what aligns best with your content and workflow, but nothing stops you from using both tools.