Searching for the perfect image for your project can often feel like a time-consuming task. It’s even more challenging when you have to deal with copyright restrictions and pricing. So, where should you look?? We’ve compiled a list of the best free image banks in 2024 that offer high-quality, copyright-free visuals.
Why use image banks?
If you’re designing a website or managing social media or creating a blog post, randomly downloading images from Google isn’t always the best idea, though—copyright laws apply online, and unauthorized use of images can lead to legal trouble. That’s where image banks come in handy. They provide a wide range of high-quality visuals with clear usage rights, often for free. Here are some top picks to get started!
1. Pexels
Pexels is known for its active community of contributors and a carefully curated library of photos and videos. While its collection isn’t massive, the quality is top-notch. All images are free to use under the CC0 license.
Website: Pexels
2. Unsplash
Unsplash boasts over 300,000 stunning photos, with new additions every 10 days. Its ad-free interface makes it a joy to browse, and every image is available under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, allowing free use for personal and commercial projects.
Website: Unsplash
3. Pixabay
Pixabay offers millions of free photos, illustrations, and videos, all under CC0 licensing. Its intuitive search feature ensures you’ll find everything from lifestyle shots to abstract art.
Website: Pixabay
4. Burst
Burst, created by Shopify, caters specifically to entrepreneurs. It features high-quality photos perfect for online stores or marketing campaigns.
Website: Burst
5. LibreShot
LibreShot stands out because every photo is taken by founder Martin Vorel, offering a unique and personal touch. The platform is worth exploring for its creative, one-of-a-kind visuals.
Website: LibreShot
6. SplitShire
SplitShire is a curated collection of photos by photographer Daniel Nanescu. The mix of classic and artistic images makes it ideal for anyone seeking a distinctive style.
Website: SplitShire
7. Negative Space
Negative Space updates its collection weekly, offering free-to-use photos for personal and commercial purposes. Its hashtag-based search makes finding the right image simple.
Website: Negative Space
8. ISO Republic
ISO Republic provides professional-quality photos and videos tailored for designers and marketers. Subscribe to their newsletter for exclusive collections.
Website: ISO Republic
9. Visual Hunt
Visual Hunt works as a search engine for free photos, with millions of images available. Be mindful of individual licenses, as not all images fall under CC0.
Website: Visual Hunt
10. Foter
Foter offers over 335 million free images, though not all are licensed for commercial use. It’s a fantastic resource for bloggers and social media managers—just double-check the license before downloading.
Website: Foter
Our favorite: Unsplash
Our top pick is Unsplash for its user-friendly interface, vast collection, and consistently high-quality images. With new photos added regularly and the flexibility to use them for both personal and commercial projects, Unsplash is a standout choice for any creative need.
Bonus suggestions
- Kaboompics: Specializes in lifestyle photos, often with color palettes for design inspiration. Visit Kaboompics
- Gratisography: Perfect for quirky, fun visuals that stand out. Visit Gratisography
- Canva Free Library: Canva users can access a large library of free images directly through the platform. Visit Canva
With these free image banks, you’ll have access to stunning, copyright-safe visuals for any project. Start exploring today and bring your ideas to life with ease.
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