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 either use my own images/photos or create my own. I’m new at AI & have realized in the short time frame of using it that you literally have to paint a picture for AI…be very specific with every little detail, or you can be disappointed. Thanks for the great information btw. I’m new at blogging and am learning a lot. I like to soak up knowledge & put it into play.
I’m delighted that the information in this post was helpful. You are spot on with the information about AI for generating images. It can be hit and miss, but it’s usually the fault of the human using it, who often blames AI when they don’t get what they want.
Happy Blogging.
Thank you so much. I’ve learned through the years that we think faster and smarter than computers, even though we are led to believe that they hold all of the knowledge. It’s relieving to know that at this point in time we can’t be replaced by computers. Lol
True, although I am sometimes amazed by how quickly AI responds with answers, the majority of which are correct. It’s a scary thought that robots may one day replace humans.
Pexels is my go to for copyright free images. They’re awesome.
It’s a site I never thought about for free images. One I need to check out.
Thanks for your suggestions of free and copyright-free images, Hugh. Sometimes it’s difficult to find just the right image, but using a copyrighted image unfairly never makes it right.
I completely agree. Plus, using one could end up with a heavy fine.
Ohh do not fear, I will be using those ones from now on. 🤣😎🙃
Very interesting. I try to alwasy use free Clip Art from Bing or Google. Then I merge in other stuff so it fits my needs better. 🤣😎🙃
Are you absolutely confident that those images you obtained from Google and Bing are free to use? I used to download so-called free images from Google, only to discover that they were not free to use and were copyrighted. I’d recommend using a site that offers free images (such as the ones I’ve mentioned in this post).
A timely reminder, Hugh, thank you.
I’ve been using Canva to create my own images, though harder to attribute photos depending on their source.
Given Jacqueline’s comment on this post, I recommend adding an attribute to all images and photos.
Hi Hugh,
Just as I like to write articles and stories that are based on my own experiences (avoiding scrutiny about truth or having to research anything), I use my own photos and videos on my blog. Like you said: “The simplest way to avoid copyright issues with images and photos is to always use your own.” (Hugh W. Roberts) :)
Absolutely, Liesbet. There is no safer way to avoid copyright issues.
Thank you for pointing out the copywrite issues with images, Hugh! Years ago, I compiled a list of sites that offer images for free:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fD0An4ZRPO6sgXOhBeSs8rNDs0hkS6uC/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=110196676160103657468&rtpof=true&sd=true
I try to use my own images as much as possible.
I think using our own images is the safest option, Debbie.
Thank you for the link to the list you compiled.
Hi Hugh, thank you for a wonderfully useful blog, as usual.
I tend to use Pixabay because the licence is generally pretty straightforward – free for any use.
That still didn’t stop me from becoming the victim of a ‘semi-scam’ when the copyright trolls came for me. I was contacted with a very heavy handed legalese email from Copytrack, a company in Germany, demanding over 1400 euros for breach of copyright for using an image I downloaded from Pixabay. Copytrack is kind of a legitimate company – they pursue copyright breaches on behalf of others. Where it gets shady is that bad actors can employ Copytrack to pursue people incorrectly. If you Google Copytrack, you will find they have even pursued people for using their own images!
The copyright trolls rely on the fact that people don’t keep a record of where they downloaded the images and details of the licence. Copytrack demanded proof that I had a licence to use the image.
I contacted Pixabay and they were very good – they verified that I had downloaded the image from their site and told me the image had been removed by the user. I told Copytrack that, then blocked them, because I was getting palpitations every time I opened my email, for fear that they had contacted me again. Pixabay told me I was not the first, and sadly, I am unlikely to be the last.
There are other companies who carry out these sort of scams.
It was a very distressing experience. I haven’t heard from Copytrack again, but have made sure to delete all my email addresses from anywhere I could find them on the web, including my own blog, since it seems that they are only ever picked up by scammers, not Hollywood or a major publisher who wants to turn my book into a bestseller (although that is usually what the scammers are offering!)
What a dreadful experience, Jacqueline. Thank you very much for sharing it with us. There are many scams out there, but this one appears to target those of us who blog. Considering how many bloggers I know who use Pixabay, I believe it is something all bloggers should be aware of. It’s good to hear that the people at Pixabay were helpful.
Have you written a post about the scam and shared it? If so, could you send me a link to it, as I’d like to share it (with your permission).
I haven’t written a post about it yet, but I do intend to, because it was a horrible experience and I know I am not alone. I shall certainly send the link once I do, and you will be more than welcome to share it.
Thanks, Jacqueline. I look forward to reading and sharing the post.
Hi Hugh, here is the post I’ve written about my copyright issues. I’ve included a link to your excellent post on how to legally source images. https://worldwidewalkies.blog/2025/11/09/bloggers-beware-the-copyright-trolls-even-if-you-use-royalty-free-images/
and https://jacquelinelambert.co.uk/2025/11/09/bloggers-beware-the-copyright-trolls-even-if-you-use-royalty-free-images/
Thank you, Jacqueline. I left a comment on your post, but I’m not sure it was successful, as my internet went off just as I sent it. Can you check your spam folder, as it may have ended up in there.
I’m so glad you left this comment, Jackie. I immediately had to think about you when reading this blog post and I was going to mention what recently happened to you, but, if course, I didn’t remember all the details, haha. This is such good information for anyone reading the comments. Again, I’m very sorry you had to go through this.
Welcome back, Hugh. I use images from Pixabay or from my own pics, reuse them frequently, and give due credit. Thank you for your tips on reblogging. I don’t use this feature very often, but I have in the past.
Also, for those of us who write to image prompts, always give credit if the image is used in your blog.
Another thing I learned, if you include images in works submitted for anthologies, published through Amazon, it has to be your own, and not from another source, like Pixabay.
I’d recommend giving credit for any images used in any blog posts, even though some sites like Pixabay say you don’t need to, Eugi. Likewise, I always give credit to any images that I include when participating in a blog challenge. It only seems polite to do so.
I wasn’t aware of the Amazon situation, although I’ve never included any images in my short stories or flash fiction in books. But it’s an excellent point to mention and something I’m sure many people won’t know about.
I agree, Hugh. After an image is downloaded from Pixabay, it’s so simple to copy/paste the name of the photographer.
I think this is a timely post, Hugh. And thanks for the tip about reblogging. That’s something that hadn’t occurred to me.
I use Pixabay when I can’t find a suitable image in my own photos, and always give an attribution. I’ve also used AI.
When using my own photos, though, I try to ensure that there are no recognisable people in them, even family, who haven’t given their permission to use them.
One of the bloggers I mentioned was fined for using copyrighted photos in a reblog she shared. She was shocked, since the post was not hers, but it highlights that reblogging content with images or photos is risky unless you are absolutely sure the images are not copyrighted.
Sharing photos that include people without their permission is another common mistake when sharing images. Thank you for pointing it out.
Ah, the timeless question, Hugh. Always good to see these posts and the discussions therein. You remember the short ebook I wrote about this subject in 2016, from my own lessons learned. Besides the sources you listed, the US.gov has tons of free pics to use. Also images lose their copyright after some long number of years so those are usable too. Any publicly shared image created before 1920(?) Is considered free now.
As I shared your post to Bluesky, I’m reminded of a photo challenge there where I commented that using song lyrics is strictly prohibited. These lyrics were used alongside their images. I received a sassy answer back. Oh well.
As I was creating a new signature/watermark for my Yellowstone pics, it took a while to find a free editable bison silhouette to use. You have to dig deep to find free use that is not attached to a subscription. Even editing a screen shot can be a copyright infringement. I think I used WP AI to render a bison silhouette. AI sourced through Microsoft CoPilot is pretty realistic too.
So glad you’re back the blogosphere and sharing your great posts! Hope you had a wonderful break.
Terri, reading your ebook was the pivotal moment that prompted me to delete many images from my blog that I couldn’t guarantee were free to use. Although I had sourced many of them via Google (using free images), there was no guarantee they were free to use. It took me a whole weekend to get rid of them all, but the work was well worth it.
I wasn’t aware that images lose their copyright after a specific time. However, I’m going to steer clear of them for now.
I’m always surprised by bloggers who use song lyrics in their posts. I’ve seen one such ‘lyrics’ challenge on WordPress, but have stayed clear of it. I’m guessing that some participants don’t know they are breaking the law, or simply think their blog is too small, so nobody will come after them. Big mistake.
I’m glad we can learn these important topics from each other. Images are critical to a successful blog.
As a former librarian I am giving a hearty three cheers to this! It used to be easy to limit a Google image search to free-to-use items but they seem to have tucked away that option so that it is much less obvious.
I used to use Google a lot when searching for free images, but then I discovered that some of the results were not always free to use, Anabel. It was a lesson I learned, so I try to use my own where I can.
A great reminder, Hugh. I used to use Pixabay all the time, but now if I don’t use my own photos I tend to make them with AI.
Pixabay is my third go-to when none of my own images or photos work out, and I am not satisfied with the AI-generated options, Cathy. But with AI, it’s sometimes my fault for not giving a good enough description of what I want.
They can be a bit hit and miss.
I use my own photos or AI images from https://creator.nightcafe.studio/my-creations. AI is a great way to generate images that fit well with my posts. I wouldn’t use it for illustrating my books, though.
Thanks for the link to the AI imaging generating site, Annabelle. I’ll give it a try to compare it with WordPress’s version.
Thank you for your insightful post, Hugh. It’s a real problem and something we need to watch out for. Thank you for detailing places we can be confident in using.
You’re welcome, Esther. Those sites I mentioned are great for free images, but you can’t do any better than using your own images (where possible).
I use Pixabay a lot and credit always. I don’t always indicate where they are my own images. Otherwise I use Creative Commons or AI is proving more useful too
I don’t tend to say when images are my own either, Brenda. Although I do watermark them for copyright purposes, so I guess the majority of readers would know from that.
I’ll have a look at watermarking. Thanks Hugh. Hope you’re well
I recommend the free version of the PhotoBulk App for watermarking, Brenda. It’s available on both Android and Apple devices.
Thanks Hugh. I’ll check that out
I’m finding it harder to find images I feel confident about using, even on web sites that I’ve used in the past. Mostly I try to find something relevant from pics I’ve already used on WordPress (that way I save space too).
Reusing images is something I do a lot. That’s a great tip on how they also save media space. Thanks, Cathy.