In the olden days of the internet, people would just steal images left, right, and centre. They’d right-click and save whatever they wanted, without a care in the world. But as the internet grew up, so did the laws around copyright. Suddenly, using someone else’s image without permission could land you in hot water.
Enter royalty-free images. These are images that you can use without fear of copyright infringement. That’s right, you can use them to your heart’s content without worrying about being sued. They’re like a get-out-of-jail-free card for the digital world.
Why should you use royalty-free images?
Well, for starters, they save you a lot of time and hassle. You don’t have to worry about finding the original owner of an image, asking for permission, and then waiting for a response. You can just grab a royalty-free image and get on with your day.
But it’s not just about convenience. Royalty-free images are also great for your wallet. If you’re running a business or a blog, you’re probably already stretched for cash. Hiring a photographer or graphic designer to create custom images for you can be expensive. But with royalty-free images, you can get high-quality visuals for free (or for a small fee, depending on the site).
Now, I bet you’re wondering where the heck you can find these magical images. Well, my friend, I’ve got you covered. Here are five places to find free royalty-free images online:
1. Kaboompics
Oh, Kaboompics, where have you been all my life? This website is a goldmine of sexy, high-quality, free stock photos that will make your eyes pop with joy. Because it’s a reasonably small site, it remains a “best kept secret” – which means you won’t see the same old images reused all over the internet, like some of the other free stock image sites. Plus, with a name like Kaboompics, you know you’re in for a good time. So go ahead and indulge in some shameless downloading – your Instagram feed will thank you.
2. Pexels
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the infamous pexels.com. This website is like a goldmine for all you visual content seekers out there. It’s like having a personal art gallery at your fingertips, but without any of the snooty art critics judging you for not understanding what a “postmodern interpretation of minimalist surrealism” is. Pexels.com is the perfect place to find the ideal image for your next project, whether it’s a blog post, a social media post, or even your grandma’s birthday card. Plus, with its extensive library of high-quality photos and videos, you’ll never have to resort to using that cringy stock image of a businessman holding a phone again. Trust me, your audience will thank you.
3. Freepik
The website that has single-handedly saved countless procrastinators from the tyranny of graphic design. I personally use this website ALL THE TIME! With its endless collection of free and premium vectors, PSDs, icons, and photos, freepik.com is a treasure trove for anyone looking to spice up their creative projects. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a clueless newbie, freepik.com has got you covered with its easy-to-navigate interface and unbeatable selection. So, if you want to impress your boss, woo your clients, or simply flex your creative muscles, head over to freepik.com and let the magic happen!
4. Pixabay
This sassy website is a treasure trove of free stock photos, illustrations, and vectors that will make your design dreams come true. With over 1.8 million high-quality images to choose from, Pixabay’s best feature is its nifty search function that lets you filter by colour, orientation, and even image type. It’s like having your own personal genie, but instead of three wishes, you get an endless supply of stunning visuals.
5. Unsplash
This bad boy is a real game-changer when it comes to finding eye-catching, high-quality images for your creative projects. If you’re looking for more commonly sought imagery, Unsplash offers a bounty of free, gorgeous images that’ll make your designs pop like a bag of Jiffy Pop on a hot stove. Plus, you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank or selling your soul to the devil just to get access to their library. So, if you want to impress your clients or make your social media game stronger than Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime, then Unsplash is a good candidate for your new favourite image source.
So there you have it, folks.
Royalty-free images are helpful, they’re great for your wallet, and they’re easy to find online. So next time you need a visual for your content, consider using a royalty-free image. Your wallet (and the internet) will thank you.
Want to see where I’ve used royalty-free images to make a website design look awesome?
Check these out:
