Can I Use That Picture? 3 Rules to Ensure Your Blog Isn’t Breaking Copyright Rules
It’s among the first things you hear as a blogger: Use photos.
People are receptive to images. Pictures also help break up lengthy blocks of text.
But if you’re new to blogging and just jump over to Google images, you could quickly find yourself in hot water.
If you choose to go the free route (and who wouldn’t?!), it can be difficult to discern the photos free for use and the ones that require attribution.
So before you snag an image off the web, educate yourself.
(Note: We recently updated this post. Click here to view the new version.)
Rule #1: You can’t use everything you find on the web.
In simple terms, you are financially liable for using copyrighted items on your website.
It doesn’t matter if you provide attribution or link back to the source. Unless you’ve received express permission or have legitimately purchased usage rights, you can’t post copyrighted photos. Period.
Grabbing that perfect image for your next blog post may seem harmless, especially if you’ve seen it used all over the web, but it can hurt you in a big way.
Risking your business for a photo is silly. So, it’s best to get it right the first time. That leads us to …
Rule #2: Understand the basics of copyright law.
If you haven’t taken a class in communication law or copyright infringement, there are three main types of copyright categories you’ll come across. Luckily, most sites are clear about the rights for their photos.
Here’s a brief overview:
Public domain. A public domain image is an picture whose copyright either has expired or never existed in the first place. Therefore, these images are able to be used by pretty much anyone for personal or commercial reasons. The only real exception here is if the image is of an identifiable person, in which case you may need his or her permission before you post.
Royalty free. A royalty-free image means you can use some copyrighted picture or material, without needing to pay royalties, or some sort of fee each time. Typically when images are offered this way, it is through some sort of site that has already paid a fee, so you don’t have to pay it yourself (think a stock photo site).
Creative commons. This is a way for photographers to license their image and delineate how they will be used by the public. The most common CC licenses you’ll stumble across are a CC0 or a CC BY 2.0. If something is CC0, it means the owner has relinquished the rights to their work, while a CC BY 2.0 requires attribution. If an image is licensed under CC, make sure you’re extra diligent in determining when you need to attribute credit to the photographer. Learn more about the licenses here.
Rule #3: Know your options.
Because there are many. With that in mind, here are some of my favorite sites when I’m looking for images that are up for grabs. Take a look, and let us know in the comments which ones are your go-to.
- Pixabay – Here, you’ll find all sorts of public domain pictures and photos, free to use for your purposes.
- Unsplash– All the pictures here are a CC0 license, meaning you can copy and use them for free.
- Refe – This is a database of royalty-free stock photos. Just click on the free photo tab, and you’re in business.
- My Stock Photos– This site gives you countless beautiful photographs that are all stock images, available for both your personal or commercial endeavors.
- New Old Stock – These are vintage pictures from public archives, free from known copyright restrictions.
- FoodiesFeed – Are you a food blogger? This will be your heaven! Find a whole archive of food images that you may use without attribution (but, you cannot resell.)
- Public Domain Archive – Just click on the tab for free stock photos or go through their beautiful weekly images.
- Life of Pix – Another stock photo site, where you can find free high-resolution photos without copyright restrictions.
- SplitShire – Looking for even more free, high quality stock photos? The creator of this site lets you download and use all of their personal shots for free. They also have a free video archive!
- Photogen – Even more free stock photos, for all of your commercial and personal needs.
*Bonus: One of my other favorite sites for images is Canva. Sign up for free, and quickly discover how to create your own designs, templates, and edit photos. It’s an easy way to craft personal social media graphics with images, filters, shapes and fonts already on the site. While the majority of it is free, a few layouts and images do have a small price ($1!) . I highly recommend it if you’re looking to start designing or editing images yourself.
The bottom line: Don’t get lazy.
Using pictures and images can be a valuable tool while you’re writing.
Be sure to determine where the picture came from, what licensing it falls under, and whether you need to attribute credit to the artist who captured the beauty in the first place.
If you’re unsure, do some more digging or find an image that you know is up for grabs.
Subscribe to Beyond Bylines to get media trends, journalist interviews, blogger profiles, and more sent right to your inbox.
[blog_subscription_form]
Julia Rabin is a former Cision Media Researcher. With a background in organizational communications, public speaking and international relations, she has a passion for social justice advocacy and loves keeping up to date with the latest global news. In her free time, you will find Julia traveling, playing with puppies, baking dairy free treats or reading.
Reblogged this on Douglas N. Collins.
yes i did… can you please check it once here on https://yojanalabh.com/
Thanks for the advice and resources.
I really enjoyed your reading about copyrights, and thought your blog was very thorough relating to the laws of copyright. I must say as a photographer, nobody wants to create great work only to have it stolen. It is a good feeling knowing that my photos are automatically copyrighted the second that I press the shutter button on my camera! This has been so for every photographer since the Bernie Convention in 1988. -(well, in the USA anyways). So If I were to ever see any of my work in a magazine article or newspaper with out my consent, I would have the right to sue for copyright infringement. I think many people think it is okay to go online and cut a picture from a website and paste it for use anywhere they like. What people need to realize is, is that “Copyright is justified as an intrinsic right of the author, a necessary recognition of the authors identity or personhood… the general rationale for copyright in this tradition regards creative work as an artifact that has been invested with the measure of the authors personality or reflects the authors individuality. Out of respect for the autonomy and humanity of the author, that artifact deserves legal recognition. (Ess, C., Pg. 93).
Nice job at giving people examples of photos that people can use freely and some available for purchase. This was extremely helpful!
Lisa Story
Ess, Charles. (2014) Digital media ethics, (2nd ed). Polity Press
Hello dear! I am a blogger and I was wondering if anybody knows where I can get outstanding free or purchase fashion images, please. Also would you please tell me how to check if a picture is not infringing the copyright law,I mean a website where you can check if it will mention yes its free to use or its copywritten and also indicate its reference, as Google doesn’t really indicate more about this on their search engine or is it me who is not getting it right lol.
Hi,
I am trying to make a blog on ‘mobile’ niche. Can I post a screenshot I take from within an app so that I can post a review of the same. Please help.
Thanks for the list of sites with free pictures. I am just getting my blog up and running, and the information on copyright laws is so helpful.
That’s great to hear Jennifer! We’re so glad it’s helpful. Good luck with your new blog! — Rocky
but can I get a copyright image by using a photo from a movie or cartoon series?
Thankyou so much for the useful information. Made my work lot easier.
I’m trying to find out if I post a photo of my father’s artwork, will Google Blogspot own it like Facebook does? We wanted to share his artwork with the world, but then someone said if we create a Facebook page for him, Facebook gets to use his work from now on for free. So we didn’t do it. Now, with this covid-19 threat, I have started to blog all my possessions to share with my neices and nephews so they can say what pieces they want to inherit. Part of my possessions are the paintings my dad did. But once again, I don’t want Google to gain ownership of the images. Any advice? Oh, the blog is only for my family. Nobody else will know about it.
Hi Ann. Unfortunately, I’m unfamiliar with Blogspot’s terms and conditions, and it may be best for you to pose the question in Blogspot’s Community help section. Making the blog private (only viewable by family) may mean that the images couldn’t be reused without your permission, but again, that’s just a guess. You should be able to submit the question here: https://support.google.com/blogger. — Rocky
If I did a post like ’15 Ikea products ….’ or something of the sort, can I use pics from the Ikea website? Or how would I go about finding out if I can? I tried reading their policies but the legal jargon can get quite confusing and I’m sure in the future there will be other companies I need to look up for the same reason.
Hi Sarah. Based on information in Ikea’s Terms & Conditions (https://www.ikea.com/us/en/customer-service/terms-conditions/), it appears you would not be able to reuse photos from its website without permission. I’d recommend reaching out to Ikea’s press team for confirmation (https://www.ikea.com/us/en/this-is-ikea/newsroom/). You also could license product photos from a site like Shutterstock (https://www.shutterstock.com/search/ikea+product) or download for free from a site like Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/s/photos/ikea).
Hope this helps!
-Rocky
I’m having the same problem!
Hi, I think you can post them on Facebook but don’t forget to watermark them.
Do you need a loan?We are registered, guaranteed and certified loan company, we provide loans to individuals, companies, companies, business organizations and people all over the world. Do you need a loan for any purpose? Whether you have a financial problem, whether you need financial assistants, Fred Larry’s loan firm is the solution to all your financial problems, our loans are easy, cheap and fast. Contact us today to get this loan, we can arrange any loan for your budget at just 3% interest. interested applicants must contact via :[email protected]
Wow what an amazing information u have provide . It will help me a lot.https://thestylewrites.com/Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
It is not good to use anyone’s image without his permission. That’s why we always use our own images.
Thanks for this! It’s really helpful.
Very nice and relatable information
very nice content bro, this blog is provided the helpful data to continue the good work again.
How To Download Copyright Free Images From Google – Micro Niche Blogs
very nice content bro, this blog is provided the helpful data to continue the good work again.
How To Download Copyright Free Images From Google – Micro Niche Blogs
very nice content bro, this blog is provided the helpful data to continue the good work again.
How To Download Copyright Free Images From Google – Micro Niche Blogs
Can I use a photo im a private Facebook group?
Wonderful information
Today Fast loan offers! We offer loan to legit borrower at 3% interest rate and within 1 hours bank transfer without any delay, We provide our prospective customer long lasting financial solutions that helps their companies thrive and grow”and also help them to invest and clear you existing debts.Apply for business loan,personal loan and debt clearance and credit card payment If you are looking for a genuine financial lender then you are in the right place as we offer individuals loans and company loans, car loans, home loans, business loans, personal loans e.t.c please contact us for more information through our E-mail:[email protected]
Hello everyone, I saw comments from people who had already received their loan, and then I decided to ask for their recommendation, and a few days later I received a total of $45,000 in my bank account. This is really good news and I recommend everyone who needs an urgent loan to apply for their mobile phone Whatsapp: +1(601)8080812 or e-mail: ([email protected]) I am glad that I can get a loan that I asked for for. Please share help with your friends.
Thanks for the information. Reach Vakilsearch site to winding up of a company
It was a really nice to read blog. Thanks for sharing that. I am looking for the best Lace frontal wigs, Please write a post on it.
Very informative post…Really nice..
Really great info like usual!
This is an excellent post!
thanks for sharing this informative blog, today i got lots of knowledge regarding trademark attorney
I`m glad that I have reached to this blog. You have mentioned all the thing correctly. In return I would like to suggest you a great brand named as Black Wood for Men which is an online brand of US providing the best quality of men hair and skin care products. Maybe you could use their product for your skin. I used it and it worked awesome for me.
Thanks for sharing such a informative blog, it will help me to write valuable content for user
Wow Thanks For Sharing Its Very Awesome And Usefull Thanks Again
This is my first time visit here. From the tons of comments on your articles,I guess I am not only one having all the enjoyment right here!
This blog happens to be one of the best blog, which give proper details about it. I enjoyed reading this blog and would suggest others too, and you would get to read about it in this link.
It is very nice of you to share all of these amazing blogs here!
I’m impressed with your data. Well detailed! Thanks
I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned. I wanted to thank you for this great article.fencing contractors near me
The blog written is extremely impressive, with a great topic. Thanks for sharing.realtor lehigh valley
I don’t normally comment, but this looks amazing! So well done.Scranton Deck Contractor
Great information. It is so helpful.Thanks for sharing it.realtor buffalo
Thank you very much for this useful article. Springfield Deck Contractor
This one is good. keep up the good work! realtor albany
I love this blog!! realtor albany
This is a great help! Good thing I’ve read this. Thanks for sharing!
Great post, you have pointed out some fantastic points , I likewise think this s a very wonderful website.
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free.
We are a full service concrete provider for New Haven Connecticut and surrounding areas such as West Haven and East Haven.
This Is Awesome Website And Amazing Article Thanks For The Sharing. Thanks For The Sharing Best Article.
Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences. click here
Glad to see this post, Home Buyers Longmont
Hi, such a nice article when I am searching about the how to register nidhi company registration . then I reached on your website you have such a nice and very helpful information, I like it Very Much.. Thanks for this post
Extremely good post. Really thank you! Will read on. flooring contractor orlando fl
Thanks for allowing us to leave a comment here. This is solid tips for your readers like me. Home Buyers Longmont
We are a General Contractor in Kansas City specializing in tenant fit-ups, metal stud and drywall fit-ups. Our team of professionals has the experience needed to complete any project, including kitchen and bathroom remodeling or even building a custom home from scratch.
Thnaks the informative post. To explore more about copyright registration process please click here: copyright registration process
This is fantastic – you’ve really made this stuff so user-friendly to digest. I wish I’d seen something like this when I first started blogging! I was just looking for a site that listed types of photo licences and where you can get free images, so I’d like to link to this page if that’s okay with you in a future blog post I’m drafting up.
Fab post!
Caz
great information, Get UK Best WIFI CCTV Security Service.
I appreciate this wonderful information. Thank you for sharing! I want to establish blog for my business, to diversify and reach many people.
I hope that there’s more information to come. By the way, please do visit our website to know more about our affordable concrete contractor in Rapid City.
Thank you so much for the amazing idea on how to secure my blog post avoiding copyright issue. I want to improve and to apply this to my services as well.
Good article. Recently I’ve received a letter from alamy’s solicitors for using an image from their database (many years ago). Apparently the image I used was licensed with them, and they saw it as perfect opportunity to rob me of £420. At the same time I looked for some legal advice, I the solicitor told me to offer them a lower fee, which they did accept. Moral of the story – know your rights!
Do you need a loan for financial business or to pay your bills build your house buy cars for your family or start a business and want to use it for bitcoin recovery or use it for more important things we can offer you any loan you need and you will get extra free if you are interested, please contact us now at our Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp +1 (612) 430-8585 for your urgent loan.
Great information comes from great minds. Thanks for sharing you thoughts. By the way, please do visit our website to know more about our affordable drywall contractor in Kitchener. Here’s the link: drywallerskitchener.ca
Great information comes from great minds. Thanks for sharing you thoughts. By the way, please do visit our website to know more about our affordable drywall contractor in Kitchener
Good thing there is this site
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though.
Thank you so much for the amazing information. I hope that there’s more to come. By the way, pleaes do visit our website to know more about our affordable bathroom remodelilng services in Des Moines.
I appreciate the effort on posting this wonderful information. And for sharing as well. By the way, please do visit our webstie to know more about our affordable agricultural chemicals. Thanks!
Great information comes from great mind. Very interesting information. I am rooting for more to come, please send me updates. Thanks!
I had Faced this issue but i have fixed the issue. This is My website: genuine leather jacket mens
Nice information. Thanks for sharing with us! See more tree service here http://www.a1treeservicespokane.com
Great information. I appreciate this wonderful information on this website. I hope that there’s more to come. By the way, please do visit our website to know more about our affordable tree services in Rapid City. Here’s the link: https://www.rapidcitytreeservices.com
Muchas gracias por todo: https://www.carpinteriavalladolid.com/armariosamedida
i recently started a blog section in one of my websites and this information is helpful to know. thanks
Many thanks for everything and if you need a duck cleaning, contact us!
Si alguien busca un buen carpintero: aquí estamos!
Es perfecto nosotras hacemos duchas!
Wow, what a great post. Likewise, I would like to write like this – spending time and effort to make a great article… but I put it off too much and never seem to start. Thanks.
Here is my recent Projects: https://atriomwriting.com
Simply said, if you use copyrighted items on your website, you are financially accountable. It makes no difference whether you provide credit or link back to the source. You can’t post copyrighted photos unless you have direct permission or have officially purchased usage rights. Grabbing that great image for your next blog article may appear innocent, especially if you’ve seen it all over the internet, but it may be quite harmful.
https://games.lol/blue-archive/
Great information comes from great minds and ideas. I love it! I hope that there’s more to come. By the way, please do vsiit our website. We offer affordable landscaping maintenance in Dartmouth, NS.
Great and informative content. Glad to found it. Raleigh tree service
Thanks for sharing such a great information. Looking for more. Fence companies st petersburg fl
I was simply making up stories in my head, and you confirmed what I had been thinking about. Thank you very much for your help!
TravelrNews
Love it Read Full blog From top to bottom, very informative. Thanks for sharing that. I am looking for the dissertation topics in international business
, Please write a post on it.
Hey BEYOND BYLINES TEAM first of all thank you for this great blog. I always confused on how to use picture in my blogs, but this blog really helps me understand. Excellent work 🙂
Nice Blog, Thanks for Provide Image Copyright Rule, Its very helpful for me.
We should be grateful that you shared your knowledge with us. I enjoy reading your writings since everything you share with us is interesting and pertinent. You did a great job, so I’d want to bookmark this website so I can read more from you later.
Flappy Bird is an arcade game in which you control an adorable bird that has to fly through a lot of obstacles made up of pipes, but it’s not simple at all. Play to test your dexterity.
Are you a fan of Captain Christopher from star trek series and want to style up like him so you need to buy this Star Trek Strange New Worlds Jacket.
Iso certification Services in chennai
Such an amazing post.
I saw this jacket somewhere and i really loved it. If you would like to make your fashion sense iconic this jacket is for you.
Great Post as usual, keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!
Amazing post, best for engagement and human retention.
Supreme Max 2% disposable vape has the most unique feature; the two percent shows the nicotine level in this pod system. In fact, most disposable vapes deliver 5 % nicotine strength. Thereby, there are few of them that can provide less than 5 % nicotine and the Supreme Max is one of a kind. The Supreme Max is pre-filled with only 2% nicotine. This unique function makes it stand alone in the competition as king. Moreover, its compact, easier-to-carry, and pocket-friendly is preferred by almost all vapers.
Delta-10 carts refer to cartridges filled with a form of THC (delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis. Known for its uplifting and euphoric effects, Delta 10 THC is often described as a milder and more energizing alternative to Delta 9 THC. Check Delta 9 carts. It can enhance your mood, boost creativity, and provide a unique sense of relaxation. Users have reported feeling focused, inspired, and mentally uplifted when consuming Delta 10 THC. The cartridges are designed to be compatible with various vape pens and devices, making them accessible to both experienced users and beginners alike. When it comes to selecting a Delta 10 cart, you’ll find a variety of options available. Different strains and flavors offer diverse experiences and cater to individual preferences. Whether you prefer the fruity notes of Mango Tango or the earthy undertones of OG Kush, there’s a Delta Cart 10 that suits your taste. Safety and quality are crucial considerations when choosing the best Delta 10 carts. Delta 10 carts offer an exciting and refreshing vaping experience. With their uplifting effects, versatile flavors, and convenient design, they have become a popular choice among cannabis enthusiasts. Just remember to choose reputable brands, be mindful of dosage, and enjoy responsibly.
Wow! This blog post is an absolute gem! The content is well-researched and beautifully articulated. futbol libre
I appreciate the help. I haven’t had many inquiries about this topic recently. I’m going to stand by your side!
Thanks for the great post, I really enjoyed it and appreciate it. My job is about electronic components. If you are looking for some rare electronic components, maybe our website has the model you are looking for in stock.
Family Lawyers in Chennai
Family lawyers play a crucial role in helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters and find solutions that are in the best interests of all parties involved. Their expertise in family law allows them to provide guidance, representation, and legal advocacy in various family-related legal situations.
This is truly a great article, please post more on this topic
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
Great written and come with approximately all important infos
Such an interesting post. Are you stressed about failing the proposal? – Get the best dissertation proposal writing service from British Dissertation Hub.
Your knowledge is extremely helpful, and in my spare time, like you, I frequently look for games Run 3 to play to pass the time as an illustration, you might want to give it a shot at least once before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Never pass up the opportunity to seem appropriately fashionable. The Emily Cooper Black Trench Coat seemed to be the greatest choice in this regard. With its unmatched warmth, this layer envelops you in comfort. You will also keep up with the newest styles by wearing this item into your ensemble and succeeding in them.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
Great I’ve always wondered about the privacy policy on using online images. I own an epoxy company and sometimes I do want to utilize the different coatings I find from my suppliers. https://fraserplusepoxy.com/langley/
“Family law cases require careful handling and expertise. Whether it’s matters of marriage, divorce, child custody, or inheritance, having a skilled legal professional by your side can make all the difference. If you’re facing any family law issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Lawyer Chennai. With their extensive experience in civil and family law matters, you can trust them to guide you through the complexities of the legal system and fight for your rights.” Contact Top Rated Family Lawyers in Chennai. https://www.lawyerchennai.com/legal-services/civil-law/family-law/
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
Thank you very much for providing important information. All your information is very valuable to me.
Explainer Video, 2d Animation Video, Corporate Video Production Company in Bangalore