Content quality is paramount to any brand because it helps build an appealing and consistent image, highlighting the company’s expertise. Such content usually includes photos and videos created and distributed online on business websites and social media profiles. Besides being engaging, relevant, high-quality, and supporting accurate textual information, it must be used legally in commercial projects. There’s nothing to worry about if you work with professional photographers individually, agreeing on the terms of photo use beforehand.
However, you must be cautious about sourcing images on the web, as misused visuals can lead to legal risks, including copyright infringement claims, eventually harming your brand’s reputation. Selecting content from a random photo stock marketplace does not automatically grant you unrestricted usage rights. Finding your ideal stock photos for free commercial use can be tricky, but this guide will explain all the essential details to save you time, money, and effort while avoiding legal pitfalls. Keep on reading!
#1 – Get familiar with licensing options provided by stock photo marketplaces
Licensing generally defines how you are legally permitted to use an image. For commercial use, licenses often specify restrictions (e.g., resale, distribution). There are typically three types of licenses:
- Standard license. Covers basic commercial use like marketing or web content with a set number of copies or impressions. For example, these stock photos for commercial use from Depositphotos can be downloaded in different file sizes under a Standard license (but they can also be acquired under an Extended license if necessary);
- Extended license. Allows broader, practically unrestricted usage, including resale. While a Standard license prohibits creating items for resale and free distribution where the file plays a major role, an Extended license allows using the file as an integral part (e.g., products featuring the image);
- Editorial license. Restricts images to non-commercial, journalistic use only. This type is also known as a Limited Standard license, prohibiting commercial use of a particular file. As the license name suggests, it must only be used in blogs and news, and the owner must be credited.
FAQ: How can you ensure that stock photos are free for commercial use?
Reputable photo banks will explicitly state whether or not an image is free for commercial use. But to err on the side of caution, it’s best to define your purpose before using any stock content file. Also, check licensing options to identify the license with which your goal aligns.
#2 – Understand the difference between copyright-free and royalty-free images in the context of commercial use
Although stock photo libraries offer free images, diving deep into details is essential to understand the term entirely. The word “free” can still mean that you must pay for them. But it can also mean that no fee is required. Royalty-free visuals require a one-time payment to use an image without recurring royalties. However, usage may still have restrictions outlined in the license, so it’s all the more reason to navigate licensing terms when sourcing images.
Conversely, copyright-free images are in the public domain and have no copyright restrictions. They can be used without paying royalties to the author. Still, stay alert because public domain laws vary by country, and there can be legal repercussions in case of improper use.
FAQ: Are there photos on stock platforms that are completely free to use?
You can find photos for free commercial use on online stock content marketplaces (often marked as “free”), but it’s essential to carefully check the licensing terms and conditions. While some images are offered for free under licenses that permit commercial use, others may have restrictions such as requiring attribution or prohibiting certain types of usage. Always ensure the visuals align with your project’s needs and comply with legal requirements.
#3 – Check if photo collections are curated and updated regularly
Frequently updated collections signal that the photo bank is trusted, in demand, and responsive to trends. This steady increase in file collection shows that a website has an expansion strategy and follows the global course of the copyright licensing market, which is set to expand at 5% annually by 2034.
Regularly curated and updated photo collections are just one way marketplaces remain a reputable place for sourcing photos for commercial use. It also advertises its offerings on the web to attract more users and contributors.
Importantly, check how often (if at all) collections are renewed with fresh audiovisual files (the rule of thumb is once or twice per month). And if they do get updated, ensure it’s not just a photo shuffle but brand-new visual content. Platforms with stagnant collections are easily detectable, lacking modern visuals and failing to meet current branding trends. Using outdated content can affect brand perception, so keep that in mind.
#4 – Peruse verified, detailed reviews and testimonials
Checking reviews might seem tedious, but it makes things so much more evident when composing a list of possible photo banks to turn to. Detailed testimonials can shed light on things you are concerned about, like image selection and quality. They can also help you better understand licensing options when sourcing photos for commercial use.
Prioritize trusted third-party sites like Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, or G2, as these platforms accumulate most of the commentaries. Consider feedback from businesses to better project their use case on your potential circumstances. Surveys show that visiting several review sites and checking testimonials helps people make better decisions. Going through a bunch of reviews will let you form an opinion on a selected stock photo platform, narrowing down the list of possible options to later make an informed decision.
#5 – Think ahead when looking for a stock content platform
When looking for long-term cooperation with a stock content platform, you must have a strategic approach to achieve a good consumer experience. In addition to the provided tips, be sure to evaluate website features:
- Advanced tools. Look for additional tools like image upscalers, background removers, AI generators, or logo makers to implement your creative vision in one place;
- Search functionality. Prioritize a navigable website with advanced filtering (e.g., by orientation, theme, color) to make the search process efficient;
- Customer support. Opt for a photo agency with 24/7 support to quickly resolve licensing or technical issues;
- Plan variety. Consider websites that offer scalable subscriptions or various paying options based on your budget.
The more questions you ask and answer before picking a photo bank, the higher the chances of landing on your ideal solution.
Conclusion
There are many platforms that offer stock photos for allegedly free commercial use, but it’s vitally important to complete several steps to ensure this is true. Diving deeper into licensing options, checking collection update frequency, and analyzing reviews on trusted sources are some steps to take in advance. Overall, being careful will help you avoid copyright lawsuits and ensure your picked and purchased stock photos are free to use for your intended purposes.