Can I Use Images From Google for my Website? Your Guide to Legally Using Images Online

Last updated on August 26th, 2024 at 10:30 am

For those of us who spend even a little time online, we know the internet is an endless source of visual content. And, let’s face it: if you’re building a website or blog, finding the perfect images can be a challenge.

You might be tempted to head straight to Google and grab the first photo that catches your eye, but if you’re here, it’s probably because you’re wondering “Can I use images from Google for my website?” The short answer is no, but the long answer is a bit more complicated. Just because photos and other images are available online doesn’t mean they’re free. 

Like any other creative work, most images on the internet are protected by copyright. That means taking a picture, photo, or graphic from the web and putting it on your website or in your social media post may very likely be violating the law. We certainly don’t want to do that! So, what’s a blogger to do? Where do you find the images you need for your site, and how do you make sure you’re not breaking the rules? Keep reading as we explore the legal ways to use images online. 

How you can legally use images from the internet

Identify the purpose of using an image

First, you need to decide what exactly you are going to do with the image file. This is a crucial step, since some images are available, but may be under licenses that don’t allow how you plan to use them. The main image licenses include: 

• Editorial use only: you can use these visuals to illustrate articles and other information.
• Standard license: this is a license you should look for if your purpose is to create ads or use an image on commercial websites.
• Extended license: this type allows you to use an image when creating products for sale, such as posters, T-shirts, or home decor.

Find the right image 

When you need an image, you can go two ways—look for it through search engines or turn to stock platforms. Another possible option is to use content made by social media users by adding it to your website through an embed code provided by the social media platform. 

Let’s discuss each of these options and how they work.

Search engines

In this case, you can search for the image you need using a search engine. It’s easiest to use an advanced search by including the appropriate license type in the search filters. You can find this option on Google’s search page, by clicking tools, then advanced search, and finally usage rights. 

If you do not use this search method to find an image that is available for your use, you’ll have to get permission from the copyright holder to use it. Look for the original file and the copyright holder’s contact information to email them. Usually, if permission is granted, you must give credit to the file’s author or owner.

Stock photography platforms

If you can’t find a copyright-free image using a search engine, or the copyright holder doesn’t grant you permission to use their image, what’s the alternative? This is where stock photos come in. These can be found on commercial platforms that sell licensed content.

For example, we use Depositphotos, which has over 290 million high-quality images, videos, and music. On sites like these, you can buy royalty-free files at affordable prices for any project– personal or commercial.

One of the advantages of photo banks is that they take care of all of the legal issues, so you don’t have to ask the author for permission to use a photo or wonder if you’re infringing on someone’s copyright. They provide you with images that are licensed for use, often with clear guidelines on how and where you can use them, giving you peace of mind–and saving you time.

Once you purchase a file, you can download and use it right away. Plus, all content on stock platforms is quality-checked, ensuring you get top-notch images. They offer files in multiple sizes and formats, including JPEG and EPS, to fit your specific needs.

If you want to check out Depositphotos, you can get a package or subscription at a great price with our exclusive promo code MWS15. This will save you an extra 15%!

Free stock photography websites

There’s also the option of using stock photo platforms that offer free images. Photographers upload their work to these photo banks to gain more exposure and credibility. And while the opportunity to get legal images for free is very tempting, these websites have their nuances.

First, it can be more challenging to find just the right image for your project when compared to paid platforms. That’s because there tends to be a more limited number of images to choose from. You may even notice that as you search these platforms, you come across images you’ve seen on multiple social media posts or websites. 

Social media

Finally, another way to find images for your site is to use other people’s content via an embed code that allows you to add images from social media to your website directly. Social media users have the option to turn off embedding for their content, but for those who allow it, it’s a way to share their work while still maintaining control and visibility. This method also helps you legally display the content without needing to download or re-upload the images yourself.

This is a method you can to illustrate articles, but it’s not the best choice for commercial purposes. In 2020, Instagram warned users that using embed codes could be a copyright infringement. However, in some cases, embedding is recognized as a direct quote, which is considered legal.

So, back to our original question: Can I use images from Google for my website? While the answer is generally no, the good news is that there are plenty of legal alternatives.

Whether you choose to search for copyright-free images, purchase high-quality stock photos, or embed social media content, there are options that allow you to find the perfect visuals without risking copyright infringement. By following the guidelines above, you can confidently build your website or blog, knowing that you’re staying on the right side of the law. 

Also read:
8 Surefire Food Photography Tips
Starting a Blog Checklist: 7 Important Steps to Follow
The Best PLR Content for Bloggers (and How to Use It)

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