The majority of bloggers understand the importance of visual content. Posts that include images receive up to 70% more traffic than those that contain no images. However, there is one major pitfall associated with using images in blog posts, which I will address shortly.
Images not only enhance the appeal of our posts but also help us communicate our messages more effectively. However, a key question remains: where do you source your images and photographs for your blog posts?
Are you breaking the law by using images that are not your own?
I’ve become concerned by the increasing number of bloggers using images or photos without giving credit to the owner or specifying the source of the image. Many of these images have been obtained from the internet; some are copyrighted and not freely available for use. Bloggers using these images and photos are breaking the law.
Some bloggers believe they will never be caught using copyrighted images and photos. They argue that their blog is too small for anyone to care. Nobody will come after them. However, I am aware of a few bloggers who have been prosecuted and fined for downloading and using copyrighted images and photos on their blogs.
It may also not have crossed the minds of some bloggers that there are serious consequences for using images and photos to which they do not have the rights in their posts. Hence, this post.
Where do bloggers get their images from?
Some bloggers, including myself, use stock photo websites that provide images and photos for free. However, even some of these can incur costs if the images are only free to use for a limited time or require the user to give full credit to the owner, along with a link to where the image was sourced. Always read the small print before using any images or photos that are not your own.
Here’s an example. The following image is from Pixabay, a website that offers a wide range of free-to-use images and photos.
Notice that I have given credit to the person who created the image and where I obtained it from. The image is free to use, and although the content licence summary states ‘Use Content without having to attribute the author (although giving credit is always appreciated by our community!).’ I always include an attribute along with links to the source of the image.
Always check the content licence summary before downloading an image or photo from the internet and using it in a blog post. Ensure you follow any rules around the use of the image.
The perils of using copyrighted images
While it might be tempting to use appealing images from the internet, downloading and using copyrighted images and photos can result in serious legal trouble. Here are some risks to bear in mind:
Legal Consequences
Using copyrighted images without permission can lead to copyright infringement, which may result in potential legal action against you. This may result in hefty fines, the removal of your post, or even the closure of your blog, not to mention damage to your reputation.
Image Attribution Challenges
Even when images are shared with the intention of being used by others, understanding the precise attribution requirements can be confusing. Each source may have different rules, and failing to follow them can put you at risk.
Quality Concerns
Some free or low-cost images can often be of lower quality, which can damage the professionalism of your blog. Conversely, high-quality images usually come at a price, highlighting the importance of responsible sourcing. However, they can eat into your media space unless you reduce the size, which may then affect the quality.
The Perils of Reblogging
If you reblog a post of another blogger that contains images and photos, don’t think you are safe from prosecution if any of those images or pictures are copyrighted. You, too, could be fined for resharing images or photos that are not free to use, even though all you did was reblog the post. If you are not absolutely certain where those images and photos originated and whether they are free to use, don’t reblog the post.
Availability of Alternatives
Fortunately, there are many alternatives to using copyrighted images. Consider the following options:
- Stock Photo Websites: Sites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay offer free images that are often licensed for commercial use.
- Creative Commons: Use images that offer a Creative Commons license, ensuring you follow any stipulations regarding attribution or modification.
- Original Content: Creating your own images can be the most reliable way to ensure your visuals are unique and free of legal concerns.
- AI: Make use of the AI image creator on WordPress. It’s easy to use, although it doesn’t always come up with something relevant, especially if you don’t provide a clear enough description of what you want it to create, but I’ve found it very useful.
Summary:
In conclusion, sourcing images for your blog posts is an essential aspect of content creation that warrants careful consideration. However, be aware and always check if images and photos that do not belong to you are free to use!
The simplest way to avoid copyright issues with images and photos is to always use your own.
Please read this important yet alarming post by Jacqueline Lambert, ‘Bloggers Beware The Copyright Trolls – Even If You Use Royalty-Free Images,’ about a scam targeted at bloggers who use royalty-free images.
I want to open up the conversation and hear from you. What resources do you rely on for images? Do you have any favourite stock photo sites, or do you prefer to create your own visuals? Have you tried the WordPress AI image creator? What did you think of the images it created? Let’s discuss the various avenues we can explore to source images, and perhaps you’ll discover new options along the way.
The featured image in this blog post is taken from Pixabay. AI checked spelling and grammar mistakes.
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I try as much as possible to use my own images. Since I’ve been writing historical fiction the past few years, I’ve been using images from the Library of Congress. The copyright status for the image is clearly stated, and a citation is available to copy-and-paste for APA, MLA, or CMoS format!
That sounds like a safeguard place to get images. But using our own images, of course, is much safer.
This is an excellent post, Hugh. I use mainly Unsplash for free images and I also have a paid account there. I have nearly 500 of my nature photographs available for free download on Unsplash.
That’s so kind to make all those photos of yours free top download on Unsplash, Robbie. I’ve never thought about doing that. Perhaps something for me to think about.
Yes, it’s helpful for students and bloggers
Some years ago I fell foul of the reblog issue, finding myself hounded by a legal firm for using a copyrighted photo I had not personally sourced. I argued and kept arguing, and eventually they gave up, but it was an anxious time.
Thanks for the reminder.
I remember your story well, Deborah. You wrote a guest post about it that I published on my blog.
I’m glad they eventually gave up, but going through the ordeal must have been a nightmare.
I still get that sinking feeling when I think about it.
The source I choose for my images depends a lot but I always state where it’s from somewhere in my posts.
When I write reviews, I’d usually use cover images from “official” sites such as Goodreads, Steam or Amazon.
For my travel and martial arts posts, I’d very much take my own pictures.
And for my pets & tech blog, I’d also go for stock photos or take my own.
For all of them, I’d edit them with a software and create my own featured images for my posts.
As far as I know, that’s a legit way to go. I always try to stay on the right side when it comes to copyright and the law.
It can be a lot to keep an eye on when first starting out on blogging/ having a website, so I get it to be overwhelming.
Thanks for sharing!
Be cautious when using free stock images, as some licenses stipulate that the image should not be altered in any way. I’d recommend checking the licence details of any image before using it.
There can be a lot to think about when creating a blog, and sadly, many do not consider the consequences or believe that nobody will come after them if they use copyrighted material. However, we must remain very vigilant and ensure we stay safe while online.