Posting Images on Your Blog from Google Without Copyright Infringement

When you include images in your blog posts, it's crucial to ensure that the content is not infringing on any copyright laws. Understanding the basics of copyright law is essential in navigating this complex landscape, especially if you're new to the field of content creation. This guide will help you understand the three main categories of copyright and provide you with resources to find high-quality, copyright-friendly images.

Understanding Copyright Categories

1. Public Domain

A public domain image is a picture whose copyright either has expired or never existed in the first place. These images can be used by anyone, for personal or commercial purposes, with very few exceptions. However, if the image is of an identifiable person, you may need their permission before posting it.

2. Royalty-Free

Royalty-free images are copyrighted pictures or materials that can be used without the need to pay royalties or a fee each time. Sites offering these images typically have already paid the fee, making it cost-effective for users. Examples include stock photo sites like Pixabay and Unsplash.

3. Creative Commons (CC)

Creative Commons licenses allow photographers to license their images and delineate how they can be used by the public. Common CC licenses include CC0 and CC BY 2.0. If an image is CC0, the owner has relinquished their rights. A CC BY 2.0 license requires attribution to the photographer when the image is used.

Popular Sites for Copyright-Friendly Images

Here are some of the best sites where you can find high-quality images that are suitable for your blog, without the risk of copyright infringement:

Pixabay

Visit Pixabay to find a vast collection of public domain pictures and photos. These images can be used freely for personal or commercial purposes, although an identifiable person's image may require permission.

Unsplash

Unsplash offers all its pictures under a CC0 license, which means you can copy and use them for free. This is a great resource for high-quality images with no licensing issues.

Refegraf

Refe graf provides a database of royalty-free stock photos. Just click on the free photo tab, and you're all set to use these images.

My Stock Photos

My Stock Photos offers a wide range of beautiful stock images that are available for both personal and commercial use.

New Old Stock

New Old Stock features vintage pictures from public archives that are free from known copyright restrictions.

FoodiesFeed

If you're a food blogger, FoodiesFeed is a heaven for you. It offers an archive of food images that you can use without attribution but cannot resell.

Public Domain Archive

Visit Public Domain Archive for a variety of free stock photos. They have a tab for free stock photos as well as beautiful weekly image features.

Lifepixel

Lifepixel is another stock photo site where you can find free high-resolution photos without copyright restrictions.

SplitShire

If you need even more free high-quality stock photos, SplitShire offers personal shots for free download and use. They also have a free video archive!

Photogen

For more free stock photos, visit Photogen for both personal and commercial needs.

Canva

Canva is a powerful tool for creating your own designs, templates, and editing photos. While most of its content is free, a few layouts and images may have a small price. Highly recommended for those looking to start designing or editing images themselves.

Important Considerations

Using images and graphics effectively can significantly enhance the quality and engagement of your blog posts. However, be sure to determine where the images came from, what licensing they fall under, and whether you need to attribute credit to the artist. If you're unsure, do some more digging or find an image that you know is up for grabs.

Remember, proper image attribution is not only ethical but also legal. It gives credit to the photographer and legally protects you from copyright infringement. Always check the license terms before using any image to ensure it meets your needs and complies with copyright laws.

By following these guidelines and using these resources, you can confidently include visually appealing and legally safe images in your blog posts, enhancing your content and reader engagement.

Stay tuned for more useful tips and content on improving your blog's quality and reach!

References:

Pixabay: Unsplash: Refegraf: My Stock Photos: New Old Stock: FoodiesFeed: Public Domain Archive: Lifepixel: SplitShire: Photogen: Canva: