Considering that Tweets with images receive 150% more retweets than those without an image, and Facebook posts with images see more than double the engagement of those without images, it’s clear that having a steady stream of high-quality photos to use with your social media posts is beyond important.
Most businesses turn to stock photos to fill this need, which can be a source of beautiful visual content that can help increase engagement and reach your social media goals.
Before diving into the best places to find stock photos, we should discuss the matter of Copyright.
There are many different types of licenses that different images are subject to. If you’re unfamiliar with image copyright, you may want to get acquainted with the following terms:
Public Domain
Images under Public Domain are free to use for commercial or personal purposes, without crediting the photographer or asking for permission. These images are not protected by copyright, and can therefore also be modified to suit your preferences.
Creative Commons
Creative Commons is a set of image licenses that have different requirements for use. Some of these are listed below, but you can find a full detailed list here.
Attribution
Allows you to copy, distribute and display copyrighted work as long as you give credit to the creator of the work.
Non-Commercial
Allows you to copy, distribute and display copyrighted work only as long as it is for non-commercial use.
No Derivative Works
Allows you to copy, distribute and display copyrighted work in its exact, unaltered form.
Share Alike
Allows you to share derivative works only under the same license as the original work.
Royalty-free
These are photos that are sold at a flat rate, no matter what purpose you’re using it for.
Rights Managed
These are one-time use images, which require that if you want to use the photo for more than the specified purpose, you will need to purchase it again.
Finding Stock Photos
Free Stock Photo Options
Paid Stock Photo Options
Where do you find high-quality stock images to be used online?
[…] Unlike its counterparts in Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, Minutiae claims to be an anti-social media platform that prides itself on capturing “real” photos of an individual’s lives. The app’s defining feature is the limitations it places on users; each individual receives a notification at a random time of the day and is given 5 seconds to frame their shot before their camera takes a photo of whatever is in front of them. Once their photo has been taken, they will be paired with another anonymous user and given the chance to browse each other’s photo collection. […]
[…] If there is one thing for certain, it’s that images can never hurt. Before posting or tweeting, adding a simple image can draw attention to your post and result in higher engagement. As long as they remain relevant, images only look to empower your message, not take away from them. At the end of the day, images are the icing on the cake, and should not go unnoticed. You can read more about finding and using stock photos for social media here. […]