FREE Stock Images & Image Resources
Here is a list of the free stock image links I keep in my bookmarks.
Do you need a great photo for your next blog post but don’t want to spend any money? Check out these free stock image websites! There are tons of great photos to choose from that you can use royalty-free. So download away and start blogging!
- https://pixabay.com/
- https://unsplash.com/
- https://gratisography.com/
- https://www.pexels.com/
- https://www.maxpixels.net/
- https://stocksnap.io/
- https://morguefile.com/
- https://pxhere.com/
- https://png.is/tool/findstock
- https://pikwizard.com/
If you ever wondered what Google already knows about your image? Upload your photo here and check out the tabs across the top.
https://cloud.google.com/vision
Geotag photos online
Edit EXIF info of photos
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Guide to Free and Paid Stock Image Websites
Free Stock Image Websites
Free stock image websites offer a vast array of images for various needs without any cost. Here are some of the most popular options:
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Unsplash
- Overview: Known for its high-quality, artistic photos, Unsplash offers a wide range of images suitable for any project.
- Usage: Completely free for commercial and non-commercial use without attribution.
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Pexels
- Overview: Pexels provides a diverse collection of photos and videos that are free to use and modify.
- Usage: Free for personal and commercial use with no attribution required, although giving credit to the photographer is appreciated.
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Pixabay
- Overview: With over a million images, Pixabay offers photos, videos, and illustrations for free.
- Usage: All content is released under the Pixabay License, making it safe to use without asking for permission or giving credit.
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Freepik
- Overview: Freepik offers free vectors, stock photos, PSD, and icons. It’s a go-to for graphic designers.
- Usage: Free content can be used with attribution. A premium plan removes the attribution requirement and offers additional resources.
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StockSnap
- Overview: StockSnap boasts a vast collection of high-resolution images that are constantly updated.
- Usage: All photos are free from copyright restrictions and do not require attribution.
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Burst by Shopify
- Overview: Burst offers free stock photos aimed at entrepreneurs, with a focus on business and lifestyle imagery.
- Usage: Free for personal and commercial use with no attribution required.
Why Consider Paid Stock Image Websites?
While free stock image websites provide excellent resources, there are several reasons to consider investing in a paid subscription:
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Exclusive Content
- Paid stock image sites offer exclusive, high-quality images that aren’t available on free platforms. This uniqueness can help your project stand out.
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Greater Variety and Depth
- Paid services often provide a larger and more diverse library of images, vectors, illustrations, and videos. This can be particularly beneficial for specialized needs.
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Advanced Search Features
- Enhanced search and filtering options allow you to find exactly what you need more efficiently, saving valuable time.
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Higher Resolution and Quality
- Paid sites often provide higher resolution and superior quality images, ensuring your visuals look professional in all formats.
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Extended Licensing Options
- Commercial projects sometimes require more extensive licensing options, which are typically available through paid platforms. These licenses cover a wider range of uses, including merchandise and large-scale advertising.
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No Attribution Required
- With paid stock image websites, you usually don’t need to provide credit to the photographer, giving you more flexibility in how you use the images.
Popular Paid Stock Image Websites
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Shutterstock
- Overview: Shutterstock is one of the largest and most well-known stock image sites, offering millions of photos, vectors, videos, and music tracks.
- Benefits: High-quality images, extensive library, flexible subscription plans, and advanced search tools.
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Adobe Stock
- Overview: Integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Stock offers a vast collection of high-quality images, graphics, and videos.
- Benefits: Seamless integration with Adobe apps, high-quality assets, and extensive collection.
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iStock by Getty Images
- Overview: iStock provides a wide range of high-quality images, videos, and illustrations, with flexible pricing plans.
- Benefits: Exclusive content, high resolution, and varied subscription options.
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Depositphotos
- Overview: Offering millions of images, vectors, and videos, Depositphotos is known for its affordability and quality.
- Benefits: Cost-effective plans, high-quality images, and flexible licensing options.
Conclusion
Choosing between free and paid stock image websites depends on your specific needs and budget. Free platforms are excellent for general use and can provide high-quality images at no cost. However, for unique, high-resolution images with extended licensing and no attribution requirements, paid stock image websites are often worth the investment. Evaluate your project’s requirements and resources to make the best choice for your creative needs.