Are you using free images from Unsplash or Pixabay? Make sure to double check the copyright!

You may be tempted to use free images from Unsplash or Pixabay for your next blog post or marketing campaign. But before you do, consider this: those free images come with some serious risks. Here's what you need to know about using free images from Unsplash and Pixabay.

The dangers of using free images from Unsplash and Pixabay

With the ever-increasing demand for great visuals to accompany blogs, it's tempting to use any of the plethora of royalty-free images out there without a second thought. Images from sites like Unsplash and Pixabay seem perfect - they're stunning, and often free to use. But using these unnecessarily can put you in a tricky spot. Not only could you be infringing on copyright permission, but depending on the image, its associated metadata could also have implications for privacy that could land you in hot water. As a rule of thumb, make sure you check the copyrights before downloading and are aware of any terms associated with each image to avoid potential issues down the line.

How to tell if an image is copyrighted

Determining if an image is copyrighted can sometimes feel like a maze with no exit, but it doesn't have to be that complicated. The best way to approach this is by looking for any copyright or trademark symbols on the image itself. If you don't see anything and the image isn't part of a free license, then you should assume the image is copyrighted material. Additionally, it's a good practice to credit the original author whenever possible. Doing simple research online can help you find out who owns the rights and how to properly use their images. Pay special attention if something seems too good to be true – i.e., a photo without copyright restrictions or permission from the creator. As always, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to using someone else's work.

The penalties for using a copyrighted image

Using a copyrighted image without authorization from the original creator can have serious consequences. You could face everything from a simple warning to large fines or even jail time if you are found guilty of using copyrighted material illegally. As such, it is vitally important to ensure that any images that you use for your own commercial or personal reasons have been cleared for specific use. Though it can be tempting to just grab an image off of the internet for convenience or out of laziness, this is not only unethical, but can also be costly in some cases. If you do plan on using someone else's work, always make sure to get written permission so that you avoid being hit with hefty penalties down the line.

Alternatives to Unsplash and Pixabay

Finding a good resource for free, high-quality images doesn't have to be complicated. There are lots of alternatives to Unsplash and Pixabay that can provide visual content without breaking the bank. Different platforms offer unique offerings that can suit any kind of project, so it's important to explore multiple sites to determine which fits your needs best. Sites like Burst, Pexels, and StockSnap all offer incredible images taken by talented photographers, while government websites such as NASA’s Image and Video Library and the British Library’s Flickr Commons release fascinating visuals ranging from space photos to illustrations of ancient books. Whatever your project may be, there are plenty of online resources available at no cost as long as you take time to search for them!