The internet is the largest database of media in the world. With millions of images, videos, audio, and documents available, users have access to a large selection of files that can be downloaded and used. Among media files, one of the most commonly downloaded types of media is stock images.
Stock images are used by millions of internet users worldwide, including bloggers, graphic designers, video editors, and other content creators. Stock photos are used in a wide variety of purposes such as advertisements, cover photos, campaign images, commercials, and videos. These stock images have provided creatives with different ways to craft content, and the best part is that they are royalty-free, allowing them to be used and modified.
Where can I find free stock images?
Stock photos are some of the most abundant pieces of media available on the internet. However, it is still important to find high-quality free stock images for your content. With that in mind, here are some of the best websites where you can find free stock images:
Google Images
Arguably the largest image archive on the internet, Google Images provides the widest selection of free images. Recently, an update removed the option to download images outright upon viewing them in the search engine.
However, you can still download the image by visiting the website. It is also important to note that you need to make sure that the images you are downloading are royalty-free and can be reused or modified. Here is a quick guide on how to get the best free stock images from Google:
How to download royalty-free stock images from Google Images
1. Enter the keyword in the search bar
2. Click Tools and select Usage Rights
3. Under Usage Rights click “Labeled for reuse with modification”
4. Select an image and visit the source website to download the image
Freepik
If you are looking for free vectors, patterns, PSD files, Freepik provides you with a massive archive of templates for you to choose from. These templates can be used for content such as cover photos, greeting cards, invitations, announcements, and even for advertisements. Freepik also offers its own set of collections, which provides you with different templates and backgrounds, each with a varying theme. You can also subscribe to a premium account and avail one of the plans to receive exclusive resources.
How to download free stock images from Freepik
1. Enter your keywords in the search bar, or click one of the suggestions below.
2. Filter down your options by selecting a category and License, and choose a sorting and display option to help you browse.
3. Select an image to download, and choose between Premium or Free Download.
Pexels
A user-generated free stock image website, Pexels offers some of the best free images from photographers and content creators. Compared to other free stock image websites, Pexels offers images that are more on the artistic side, making them ideal for blog images. Along with free stock images, Pexels also has free stock videos that can be used to supplement your video content.
How to download free stock images from Pexels
1. Enter a keyword in the search bar or click one of the suggestions below.
2. Click on an image and select Download
3. Pick an image size and begin downloading
Pixabay
If you are looking for high-quality free stock images and graphic templates, Pixabay offers a great selection for you to choose from. Along with photos, you can also download illustrations and vectors, along with free stock videos that come in HD and 4K formats. If you are looking for a balanced selection of high-quality photographs and graphics, Pixabay is your best choice.
How to download free stock images from Pixabay
1. Enter a keyword in the search bar or click on one of the suggestions below
2. Filter your options by selecting your preferences in the filter bar above the images.
3. Click on an image to download
4. Select image size and begin downloading
Unsplash
Another free stock image website powered by photographers and creators, Unsplash offers a wide selection of images from different categories such as nature, current events, film, travel, fashion, and even experimental images. Unsplash offers a more organized set of image categories and contains a diverse selection of royalty-free images that work for blogs, advertisements, and even news articles.
How to download free stock images from Unsplash
1. Enter a keyword in the search bar or click on the suggestions below
2. Click on the image and click on the download button
Key Takeaway
Free stock images are one of the most abundant internet resources, which is why it is important for content creators to utilize the best image free image archives in order to craft their content. By going to these websites, you would be able to find the best free stock images, graphics, vectors, and videos that will allow you to create high-quality content.