Suppose you are about to start a blog but do not have the time to go out and capture images. On the other hand, you want to build your page up on social media and do everything you can to make it as creative and unique as possible.
However, one thing you may not have are photos. In this case, we will discuss many free photo libraries out there. Knowing how to brand yourself is extremely important. So, what are the best free photo libraries out there? Let’s find out.
Here, we have researched the best stock photos. We will go more in-depth on them down below.
- Canva
- Pexels
- Stocksnap.io
- PicJumbo
- Unsplash
- Burst
- Life of Pix
This article will discuss many things, such as some terms you might hear along the way and frequently asked questions below. We encourage you to continue reading for more information!
Free Images Terms Used in This Article
As we read the websites with free stock images, you may hear some terms. These terms will be public domain, royalty-free, and creative commons. Before getting started, it is essential to know what these words or phrases mean so you know what to do with the information.
1. Public Domain
Public domain means that something is public to all. In this case, a free image is public to anyone who wants to use it. In addition, a public domain image has expired copyrights, is inapplicable, and is forfeited.
It is important to note that if you find something online, it does not necessarily mean you can use it anywhere. For example, if you are researching Monarch butterflies and want to use a Google image on your website, you cannot simply save and use it, as it may belong to someone else. However, if you want to use an image that contains a public domain on a free photo website, you will not get in trouble with any individual later.
2. Royalty-Free
Royalty-free images are not exactly “free” per se, but you must pay a small fee to use them. However, after the payment is made, you can use the images as often as you want. The name “free” comes into play because you do not have to pay the owner each time you use the photo. Lastly, a royalty-free image may have agreed-upon restrictions.
3. Creative Commons
Creative Commons (CC) is a license allowing you to share, build, and use work another author has created. It is one of the many licenses that will enable free distribution of copyrighted work someone has taken or drawn. Many CC licenses allow you to do different things.
What Are the Best Free Photo Libraries?
As mentioned above, there are many excellent free photo libraries. We have researched for you beforehand to ensure you can find the best one to use!
1. Canva
Canva is an excellent choice for a photo library. This website initially offers a free account to upload photos, resize, edit, and more. This is your answer if you want to avoid paying for Photoshop or Lightroom.
Canva contains over 3 million stock images, which you can use entirely for free. There is also music and video for commercial and non-commercial use. Canva Pro costs $15 monthly for any individual. Before getting started, make sure to check out their license agreement.
2. Pexels
For those wanting to go on a website without making an account and using images, Pexels is one of your best choices! This particular website is perfect for using images for personal and commercial usage.
This website’s license agreement is particular about what is and is not allowed, so read that beforehand. For example, you cannot sell said images on the website but can edit them however you please.
3. Stocksnap.io
Stocksnap.io is constantly adding more CC0 images, expanding its photo collection daily! This is another website where you do not necessarily need to make an account to download the pictures and enjoy them for your website or social media. Stocksnap contains a CC license and terms you should look over beforehand.
4. PicJumbo
PicJumbo is another way for photographers to get free images and advertise their work. For Instagram stories, consider using their vertical pictures.
Although the photos are entirely free, you can pay for over 4000 pictures for only $15! That way, you do not have to continue going on the website and can search for what you need directly on your computer. Another option is to invest in their premium membership.
This money helps the website’s creator and founder continue providing images to you, the viewer. Additionally, each image you have can donate money to the main photographer if you only want a few photos here and there.
5. Unsplash
One of the best websites for free images is Unsplash. This website has over 300,000 photographers, ranging from hobbyists to pros, who gift their photos for users to use freely. Unsplash is very specific about the images it accepts, as they must be original and clear photos.
According to their website, they only accept the best images, so you can be reassured that using Unsplash means the photos you use for your website or social media will be high quality. Check out their license before getting started.
6. Burst
Burst is another free stock photo by Shopify. As you may already know, Shopify is a highly well-known company. This website contains over 20,000 free stock photos for people to use. Burst allows many entrepreneurs to download, edit, and use the images however necessary. Like Unsplash, these photos are contributed by photographers.
7. Life of Pix
Life of Pix also allows amateur and professional photographers to submit their images for free use. This website gives you a copyright license to copy, download, edit, and use these photos for free. You can view more of their license information here.
What Is the Largest Stock Photo Library?
Unsplash contains one of the largest stock photo libraries worldwide. This website has over three million curated photos and provides many of them to large discussion forums such as Squarespace, Trello, and BuzzFeed.
However, many other photo libraries also have thousands, if not millions, of images. Some of these sources are Canva, Stock Photos, and Shutterstock.
Is It Better to Use AI Photos or Stock Photos?
Depending on your needs, it would benefit you to use AI photos for campaigns that need a hyper-customized look or something unique that you may not be able to find in stock photos. On the other hand, if you want something taken by someone real and have your blog posts feel a certain way, then we recommend putting stock photos in your blog posts.
For example, if you write an article about the best places to visit in Florida, you will want something a photographer has captured to ensure your readers feel a certain way, like a longing or excitement to go to said place!
Lastly, since AI-generated photos are relatively new, they might have quite a few glitches. If you want AI photos to capture an old married couple, look for any bugs the photo might have. Is it proportioned right, or does something look off? The last thing you want is your photos looking off due to a computerized system!
Are Stock Photos Legal?
Yes, stock photos are entirely legal. As you have seen in the blog, there are many free stock photo websites, many of which charge a fee.
However, before using free stock photos, ensure they have licensing terms, such as CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) or terms requiring attribution or limiting commercial usage.
Final Words
To summarize, there are many free stock photo websites out there! These are wonderful for getting your blog up and running, especially if you do not have the funds to pay for more immediately. We hope this article encourages you and that you succeed in any endeavor you pursue!
