the internet is chock-a-block with gorgeous, royalty-free, copyright-free photos, just waiting for a chance to dazzle your followers.
You might be the most amazing social media manager in the world, with an impeccable social strategy and well-honed posting schedule — but that doesn’t mean you know how to take a picture. Maybe you should be looking into free stock photography instead.
That’s okay! We’re not blaming you! We can’t all be good at everything. (For example even Grammy-winner Michael Bublé doesn’t know how to eat corn like a normal human.)
Before you go on a shopping spree (or… whatever it’s called when the thing you’re shopping for is totally free), it’s important to clearly understand how to know if a stock photo is free to use.
Pixabay
Pixabay has some beautiful shots… millions of them, in fact. What more do you need to know?
Pixabay offers over 2.3 million images and videos, all released under a simplified Pixabay License. All content on the site can be used for free, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes, for print or digital. (Though certain downloads may specifically clarify “what is not allowed”.) You don’t need to get permission or give credit to the artist to use or modify the content, (but it’s still best practice to always credit the owner).
Pixabay has a great collection of HD stock videos, whether you’re looking for a quick 12-second clip of someone typing or a minute-long shot of future earth from space.
Unsplash
Gorgeous, editorial style pics are everywhere here. Photographers upload their content in hopes of catching someone’s eye for future paid work. In the meantime, low- or no-budget brands can benefit from the wealth of stylish shots. Not sure what to search for? Browse featured collections like “Athletics,” “Travel,” or “Technology” to spark some inspiration.
is free, free, free, with new content being added every week, with no attribution required.
Burst (by Shopify)
Shopify wants its clients to have nice looking websites, so they’ve helped ‘em out with a collection of sleek, high-quality photos. A lot are (surprise) retail or service focused.
Pexels
Pexels began as a free photo site, but has since added a large library of free HD and 4K stock videos.
With Pexels’ license, all photos and videos can be used for free, and without attribution (though giving credit to the videographer is certainly appreciated). Videos are OK to be edited and modified however you like.
Explore their daily “trending free stock videos” to find the most in-demand stock videos… like this soothing footage of hair being braided.
Splitshire
Instantly download free high-resolution stock photos. Good news, because when Splitshire
you’re in a rush to get that Instagram post scheduled, sometimes there’s no time to log-in!
RawPixel
RawPixel has a decent collection of Public Domain images (either photos that have fallen out of copyright, or has been dedicated to the public domain). You might find just what you’re looking for here… though you do need to sign up with a free account to get it.
FoodiesFeed
Sometimes, you want your free stock photo site to focus. FoodiesFeed exclusively offers beautiful food photos. Not a great place to be looking if you’re reading this round-up just before lunch, FYI.