Stock Image Rules & Use

Stock Image Rules & Use

Be Advised

This for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or substitute for legal counsel. This information is provided only as a convenience to you. Sites listed as hypertext links are not under our control, are provided "as is" and “as available” with any and all faults and without warranty of any kind. SoCast expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this page.

Below are general/common knowledge rules and behaviors when dealing with stock images and/or creative commons. If you have doubts about whether you can use an image, we suggest either not using it at all, or contacting the photographer/agency/company the image belongs to.

  1. If the photo is from a stock agency (i.e. Adobe Stock, etc.) — The attribution requirements and format is standardized and is usually detailed on the page featuring the photo with the photographer’s info, and/or the Terms of Use agreement, and/or the license document provided once the photo is purchased.

  2. If the photo is from a public site with full or partial Creative Commons licensing (i.e. Flickr, etc.) — The attribution requirements and format is usually stated on the site and/or with the page featuring the photo with the photographer’s info. The requirements will vary and are usually determined by the photographer. Look for the type of Creative Commons licensing specified for the photo. If the photo is not listed as Creative Commons (usually as “All Rights Reserved”), then the photo cannot be used for sharing or modification. If the photo is listed as Creative Commons (CC), be sure to adhere to the requirements of the specific type of CC licensing applied to the photo.

  3. More info about Creative Commons licensing:
    1. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Commons_license
    3. It should also be noted that photos available with Creative Commons licensing may include people who may not be model-released, and/or private or trademarked buildings and works that may require permission for commercial use. The CC license does not cover these scenarios and the sites that the photos are available from are not necessarily responsible for any copyright violations. The user is responsible for subsequent image use and application.


  4. If the photo is from an unknown source and/or the licensing is unknown — Do not use the photo as it can potentially leave you and/or your company open to a lawsuit, in addition to having to comply with a cease and desist order.

  5. Creative Commons Zero License (CC0, Public Domain) — Free for commercial or personal use without requiring permission or attribution. However, attribution is still appreciated and encouraged when possible.
    1. Best for beautiful, high quality lifestyle images:
      1. https://www.pexels.com
      2. http://www.splitshire.com
      3. https://stocksnap.io
      4. http://www.lifeofpix.com
      5. https://picjumbo.com
      6. https://unsplash.com
      7. http://gratisography.com
      8. http://jaymantri.com
      9. http://epicantus.tumblr.com
      10. http://picography.co
      11. http://stokpic.com
      12. http://snapwiresnaps.tumblr.com
      13. http://jeshoots.com
      14. http://fancycrave.com
      15. http://negativespace.co/
      16. http://photocollections.io/
      17. http://photostockeditor.com/
      18. http://barnimages.com/images/
      19. http://isorepublic.com
        1. Weekly photo packs are available by email only
        1. This specific link filters the available CC0 images but the site itself also contains premium, royalty-free images that must be purchased for use
    2. Best for a large variety of generic concept images:
      1. https://pixabay.com
      2. http://kaboompics.com
      3. http://skitterphoto.com/
    3. Vintage & historical images:
      1. http://nos.twnsnd.co
      2. http://www.ancestryimages.com/
    4. Office photos:
    5. Food photos:
    6. Travel & nature photos:
      1. http://travelcoffeebook.com/
      2. http://freenaturestock.com/
    7. Space photos:
      1. https://www.flickr.com/photos/spacexphotos/
      2. http://peek.space/



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