Unlock Royalty-Free Images for Your Business

Did you know that some of the world’s most iconic advertisements use stock images for commercial use? For example, AlamapBBDO, a Brazilian ad agency, used stock photos from Getty Images to create their Endless Possibilities campaign in 2016. The advertising campaign combined photos of random people’s faces to recreate portraits of famous people such as the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis.

Most creative agencies prefer altering stock images in most of their work. This is because it allows them to create campaigns for different companies much faster at affordable costs. Keep reading to find out how to get free images for commercial use in your next project.

Part 1: Download images in loyalty-free sites

Several sites offer free images for commercial use as part of their services. In addition, you do not need to register an account to download the images. The sites typically rely on user contributions and content teams to ensure their databases are fresh and maintain consistent quality. Furthermore, all creative assets they offer fall under the creative commons zero license or a variation of it. Here are some of the sites that offer you images for commercial use for free.

1. Pexels

Pexels.com is a free-to-use provider of high-resolution photos and videos for aspiring creators. The German-based website was started in 2014 by two brothers and has been under the Canva umbrella since 2018.

Currently, the website hosts over 3.2 million images and videos from over 250,000 active contributors. In addition, all the material you find in its library is under the Pexels license, which slightly varies from the creative commons zero license model. Some of the restrictions it enforces include:

You can only use pexels images for commercial use after making alterations to the original image. For example, you can use part of an image to create a collage for your commercial branding.
Furthermore, you cannot use any of the website’s content to promote political ideologies and explicit content, especially if the images contain identifiable subjects.

Pexels is available through the following channels:

Your web browser by typing the URL pexels.com.
The Android and iOS app.
A plugin for other content creation software such as Google Slides and MS Office.
An extension on your Chrome browser.
You can also access the database using the official Canva app.

2. Unsplash

Another website that offers free images for commercial use is Unsplash, a subsidiary of Getty Images since 2021. The website is a favorite among creators boasting over 16 billion photo impressions monthly. In addition, the database consists of over 3.48 million photos from more than 265,000 unique contributors, all under the Unsplash license.

The Unsplash license restricts the sale of its creative assets without incorporating new creative elements, including using them in print media and physical goods such as mugs and caps.

You can access Unsplash from your web browser or request API integration for your application from the site’s owners. In addition, the site also hosts photo walks across different cities, where Unsplash guides show you the best photo locations around the city and the best camera techniques for your work. Some cities to host the event include Boston, Montreal, Tokyo, and Toronto.

3. Freerange

Freerange Stock is an online resource for photos, illustrations, and textures you can download and use for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Since 2007, the site has continued to provide high-quality images to its community of over 800,000 registered users.

Unlike the previous examples, all content on Freerange falls under the website’s Equalicense. It grants you broad commercial rights of its stock images while allowing the contributors to retain control of their copyright, image resale, and distribution. As such, you cannot use the images for bulk distribution or print-on-demand works.

Freerange Stock maintains its steady supply of images for commercial use via the following methods:

It has an in-house team of professional photographers who upload images across the different categories on the website.
Freerange Stock also purchases image rights or directly commissions photos from independent creators.
You can also contribute to the website’s library by voluntarily submitting your work to the platform. Kindly note that you will need a verified account to enable this function.
The website also works directly with photographers through a licensing and distribution model, providing them extra exposure on the site.
Finally, Freerange stock aggregates public domain images from other sources, including similar sites and government institutions. It does so by acknowledging the image owner and sometimes lists the image source when the owner is unknown.

Freerange Stock is accessible through your web browser or as an API integration on your app.

4. Vecteezy

Vecteezy is an extensive online library of free stock images for commercial use. Some of the site’s highlight features include the following:

A best-in-class search engine that incorporates multiple filters to ensure your results are extremely accurate. For example, you can sort images by color, style, number of people, and age of the subjects, something other free stock websites do not provide.
All images, videos, and vector illustrations are free for personal and commercial uses. It does so through a property sign and release model with its extensive network of contributors, which protects users from any legal liabilities.
Finally, it employs a content team that manually reviews each photo submission to ensure consistent quality standards for its offerings.

In addition, you can also purchase design resource bundles by subscribing to its Vecteezy pro for as little as $9 monthly. Some of the resources available include the Ultimate Text Effects Layer Styles Bundle for Photoshop, which costs $39 stand-alone or $4.50 when you subscribe to pro.

Part 2: Buy from stock providers

Another way to get images for commercial use is by buying them from stock providers. Some of the benefits of buying images from stock providers include:

You get a wide selection of unique photos from top-tier photographers. Stock providers always seek collaborations with the industry’s finest to edge out the competition.
You receive exemplary customer service with your purchase. Selecting the right image can be confusing for amateur creators. As such, stock image providers have customer support channels to help you throughout your creative process.
Stock images reduce your delivery times significantly. Buying images from a stock provider eliminates the need to invest in photography equipment and the time you need for post-production. As such, you can deliver projects in a fast and cost-effective way.

Despite the above positive, here are some challenges that buying stock images may present:

Not all stock image providers will have the creative assets you need.
Image overuse is likely since every creator will rush for the most popular contributor.

Below are some of the stock image providers you should consider.

1. iStock

iStockphoto.com is an online database of creative resources, including royalty-free photos, videos, audio, illustrations, and clip art you can use in your creations. The website is a Getty Images subsidiary based in Calgary, Canada. In addition, contributors earn royalties depending on how often users download their content.

2. Alamy.com

Alamy.com is a British-owned stock image provider with contributions from photographers and agencies in 173 countries. It compensates its contributors by offering higher than average payouts every time users download their creations. Some popular brands to use Alamy’s services include M&C Saatchi, Microsoft, and The Economist.

Part 3: Shot a Photo by yourself or create one with editing tools

Alternatively, you can get images for commercial use by shooting them yourself or creating them with editing tools such as Figma and Wondershare’s Filmstock. Here are some benefits of using this method:

You get exactly what you want, provided you have the required skills and equipment. Sometimes, getting the right image for your commercial purpose can be challenging. As such, shooting an original photo may be the only option.
You have full ownership of the image.

Unlike obtaining images from stock photography websites, you are free to use the image in whatever capacity you please without any restrictions. For example, sites such as Unsplash do not allow you to use their images in political statements, a restriction you can bypass when using your own creations.

However, you should also consider the following factors when using this method.

It requires a substantial investment

Getting high-quality images for commercial purposes requires specialist equipment. For example, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 camera, which has 4K resolution capability, costs $2,197 on Amazon. This makes it extremely expensive for amateur creators.

There is a steep learning curve

Becoming a professional photographer takes time and effort. Unless you are creating as a hobby, it will be a while before you can start generating income from your creations.

Part 4: FAQs

1. Do you need a contributor account to get images for commercial use?

Not necessarily. Stock image sites like pexels.com allow you to download images from their website without creating an account. You will only need one if you want to showcase your work on the platform.

2. Can you use your smartphone to get images for commercial use?

Yes. Most stock image providers have device-specific apps that allow you to access their databases from your mobile device. For example, UnsplashPhotoPicker allows you access to the Unsplash library from your Android device.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Best of the Bunch: 6 Audio Conversion Tools Compared

The 6 Best Audio Converter Software to Pick

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

Try It Free Try It Free

We’ve picked out some of the best audio converters available right now based on several different factors

You’ll be able to see for yourself just how good each audio converter actually is.

Part 1 How to Convert Audio?

Before we start listing the best audio converters down, we’ve prepared a bit of an overview for you! With this first part being a tutorial for how to use an audio converter! The example that we’ll be using is the 6th of the audio converters on our list, but it’s also the most general one. So, even if you decide to choose another, you should still be able to learn from this tutorial!

**Step 1: Launch The Audio Converter!

The first step in any conversion, of course, is to have it all primed for conversion! The free audio converter that we’ll be using as our example is an online one, so there is no actual ‘launching’ but one must open it up anyway through the link provided!

**Step 2: Upload Audio File!

The next general step is to ‘Upload’ the audio file that you want to convert. Usually, this can be done either by making use of the drag-and-drop function or selecting the ‘UPLOAD’ function that will allow you to browse your device for the audio file.

**Step 3: Select Output Format!

The next general step is to select the output format for the file that you want to convert! You can usually choose a whole array of formats for this: MP3, M4A, WAV, OGG, FLAC, WMA, M4R, AIFF, MMF, OPUS, MIDI, etc.

**Step 4: Start Conversion!

Once the output format has been chosen, you can proceed with initializing the conversion! Usually, this is as simple as selecting ‘CONVERT’.

**Step 5: Download or Save File!

Once the conversion has been completed, your audio converter will either give you an option to ‘DOWNLOAD’ or ‘SAVE’ the finished product to your device!

Part 2 How we tested the best audio converter software?

In order to make sure that we are providing the ultimate list of audio converters out there, we’ve tested every single one on this list (and then some!) We played around with the settings, tried out all compatible formats, determined their efficiency, intuitiveness, extra features, and so much more!

Part 3 Essential Features of Audio Converter Software

There are three essential features that one needs to consider to decide which is the best audio converter software for them:

● Input Formats and Output Formats: These are the most basic of the basic when it comes to requirements, but it’s notable regardless! After all, if your audio converter ends up being so limited that it is incapable of converting some of the more obscure formats out there, you might find it useless in the future.

● Conversion Speed: No one has the time to spend endlessly on their computer to wait for a file to convert. Everything has a deadline! So, the speed of conversion is definitely something to consider.

● Bonus Features: What other features does this audio converter have in store for you? Will it allow you to create playlists? Trim your audio? Merge your audio? You might find some of these features to be not useful at this moment in time. But, you never know!

Part 4 What’s the Best Free Audio Converter Software Programs

Now to get to our list of the best free audio converter software available! We’ve made sure to include a variety below! Note, this list is not in any particular order as we arranged it in a way to highlight the best audio converter for each type of user…

01Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

Supported OS: Windows/Mac

Supported Input: MP3, M4A, WAV, AIFF, OGG, WMA, AIF

Supported Output: MP3, M4A, WAV, AIFF, OGG, WMA, AIF

CNET Rating: 4/5

The first of the audio converters on this list is Filmora Pro! Filmora Pro is not necessarily an audio converter, since it’s capable of doing so much more than that. But it earned a spot on this list anyway because it has audio converting features! We recommend this for users who want an ‘All-in-One’ tool! One that will not only allow them to convert a variety of audio but also give them the ability to protect their projects with advanced video editing functions.

Highlights	Pros	Cons
● Advanced video editing tools.● Multi-input and output formats.● Clean interface.	● Clean interface.● Video editor and audio converter all in one. ● Lots of bonus features for creating exciting projects.	● Premium product.● Users must pay a subscription fee or one-time fee for an all-access pass.● Not suitable for beginners.

02EaseUS Video Converter

Supported OS: Windows

Supported Input: MP3, M4A, WAV, M4R, AIFF, APE, MP4, MOV, MKV, M4V, AVI, , MP4, , and many more

Supported Output: MP4, MP3, MKV, WMV, DivX, MXF, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DV, VOB, DV, 3GP, 3G2, OGV, WebM, and more

CNET Rating: N/A

For the next item on our list, we have EaseUs Video Converter! If Filmora Pro is the jack of all trades, EaseUs Video Converter is the master of its trade. As a converter true and true, it is capable of more advanced conversions. Case in point, the software supports over 300 audio formats (including some of the obscure ones!) It also offers basic video and audio editing for perfecting projects!

Highlights	Pros	Cons
● Supports over 1,000+ video and audio formats. ● Bonus video and audio editing features.● FREE trial available.	● FREE trial available.● Easy, one-click conversions. ● Bulk-conversion functionalities.	● Bulk-conversion functionalities.● A subscription fee must be paid to have all-out access.● The software is available only for Windows OS users.

03Freemake

Supported OS: Windows

Supported Input: AMR, AC3, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MP3, OGG, WAV, and WMA

Supported Output: FLAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, and WMA

CNET Rating: 2.5/5

The next audio converter on this list is the one we recommend for those looking for an open-source solution! This is a very basic, and very simple free audio converter. It’s got everything that an average person could possibly need from a solution for converting audio, and it’s all FREE!

Highlights	Pros	Cons
● FREE, open-source software.● FREE, open-source software.● Basic editing features for adjusting audio parameters.	● Supports over 50+ audio formats.● Efficient conversion.● Bulk-item conversions are available.	● Available only for Windows Users.● Not suitable for professional work.● More limited conversion support than other alternatives.

04ZAMZAR

Supported OS: Any!

Supported Input: 3GA, AC3, AIFC, FLAC, M4A, MP3, Ram, WAV, WMA, OGG, OGA

Supported Output: AC3, FLAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, M4R

CNET Rating: 3/5

The next converter on this list is the first of the free online audio converters on this list! We’ve chosen it for its straightforward capabilities. Allowing one, no matter their device, to convert from one file format to another in seconds.

Highlights	Pros	Cons
● Free Online Audio Converter● Converts other file formats (not just audio)● Intuitive, and easy to use	● Supports a good variety of input and output formats.● Supports a good variety of input and output formats.● Fast, and efficient uploads	● Fast, and efficient uploads● Max upload file size is limited to the FREE version. ● Not as many supported file formats as other alternatives

05MediaHuman Audio Converter

Supported OS: Windows/Mac

Supported Input: AC3, AIF and AIFF, ALAW. AMR, APE. AU, AWB. CAF. DSF. DTS. FLAC. M4A, MP4R, MP2, MPC. OGG. RA, SHN. SPX. A. WV. WAV and WMA.

Supported Output: AC3, AIFF. ALAC. FLAC. M4R. MP3, OGG. OPUS. WAV.

CNET Rating: 4/5

A majority of the audio converter software that we’ve introduced has mainly been for Windows users! That is why, for this fifth audio converter, we’ve specifically picked one that is compatible with Mac OS and Windows! As you can see from the image provided, MediaHuman is a very simple and clean audio converter. That makes it incredibly easy to use, and quite convenient to just pick up.

Highlights	Pros	Cons
● Clean, and intuitive interface● Settings for changing audio parameters ● iTunes integrations for ease-of-use	● Supports a variety of iOS and Mac-friendly audio formats● Capable of bulk-conversion● Fast, and efficient	● Not the most advanced solution● Limited file output formats

06Audio Tool Set

Supported OS: Any

Supported Input: MP3, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MMF, OGG, MIDI, OPUS, WMA

Supported Output: MP3, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MMF, OGG, MIDI, OPUS, WMA

CNET Rating: N/A

Audio Tool Set makes the last of the audio converters on this list (as well as the second one that is hosted online!) The beauty of the Audio Tool Set is that you can use it on any computer that you wish to. All you need is a browser and internet! Making it the perfect option for users looking to convert something on the odd occasion (rather than constantly).

Highlights	Pros	Cons
● Free, online audio converter● Accessible on any computer or PC● Comes with extra tools for adding audio effects, etc.	● Good variety of input and output formats.● Quick and efficient conversion rate● Bulk conversion available	● Must have internet● No advanced video or audio editing, just basic tools

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● It can be incredibly difficult to find the audio converter that is most suited for your needs. There are just too many of them! No one has the time to go and test each and every single one of them! (Aside from us!)

● Fortunately, in terms of features, there are really only three that you have to think about: speed, flexibility, and bonus features.

● The abundance of choices at least makes sure that each audio auditor is able to meet the specific needs of a certain group of users! To imitate this fact, our list of audio converters was compiled specifically so that we could offer as much variety as possible. With hints along the way to make sure that everyone has an audio converter that suits their own projects.