New In 2024, The Ultimate List of Free Commercial-Use Image Websites

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2024-05-19 14:42:26 2024-05-19 14:42:26 Created 2024-05-20 14:42:26 2024-05-20 14:42:26 Updated

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The Ultimate List of Free Commercial-Use Image Websites

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

The Most Cost-Effective Video Editing Tools

Best Cheap Yet Powerful Video Editing Software

Ollie Mattison

Mar 29, 2024• Proven solutions

The demand for video content on social media is at an all-time high. This also means that the quality of videos posted on social media matters a lot. With the right video editing software, you get the creative freedom to make attention-grabbing videos constantly. In this article, we are going to take you through seven of the most affordable video editing apps for Macs and PCs.

Part 1. Need for Video Editing Tools: Industry Statistics

Statistics indicated the continued growth in the consumption of video content. There is also a significant increase in the use of video editing tools. Here are some notable figures:

Video Editing Software market size was valued at US$4079.1 million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$5198.23 million by 2028
An average person spends about 100 minutes per day watching online videos
54% of people want to see more video content from marketers
Over 85% of internet users watch online videos each month
86% of businesses use video as a marketing too
93% of marketers who use video say that it’s an important part of their marketing strategy
80% of video marketers say video has directly helped increase sales
An impressive 93% of companies report to acquire customers through social media

Top Affordable Video Editing Software: A Comparison Table

Video Editing Tool	Compatibility	Pricing	Main Feature
Filmora (Top Recommend)	macOS, Windows, Android, iOS	Starts US$19.99	AI-powered features; Supports all video file formats; Fit beginners and intermedia users
VideoPad	macOS, Windows	Starts US$24.90	An impressive collection of transitions, visual effects, and text overlays
Adobe Premiere Elements	macOS, Windows	Lifetime license - US$99.99	Adobe Sensei AI technology automatically creates slideshows and collages from photos and videos
Magix Movie Edit Pro	Windows	Lifetime license – Starts US$69.99	More than 1500 visual effects to manipulate video clips
CyberLink PowerDirector Ultra	macOS, Windows	Lifetime license – Starts US$139.99	Compatible with a number of plug-ins and video effect packs such as Boris FX or proDAD
Vegas Pro	Windows	Lifetime license – Starts US$119	360-degree and multi-camera video editing
Final Cut Pro X	macOS	Lifetime license – US$299	Arrange video clips on the video editor’s magnetic timeline

Part 2. Video Editing Software for Less Than $100: Top 9 Best Tools

You no longer need access to professional video editing apps if you want to process the footage recorded in the 4K resolution, apply the Chroma Key effect to a video clip, or color grade a video since there are several options that are available for less than a hundred dollars that allow you to do all these things and much more. Let’s take a look at some of the best video editing apps that are not going to burn a hole in your budget.

Please keep in mind that the list is in no particular order of ranking, and the price may vary over time.

1. Filmora

Thousands of gamers, YouTubers, and social media video creators are already using Filmora because it is loaded with powerful features that are remarkably easy to use. The visual effects, transitions, AI features, or music libraries contain hundreds of different options that enable Filmora’s users to enhance color in their videos, switch between two shots smoothly, or create soundtracks with royalty-free music.

Price:

Subscription Plan: US$19.99 per month
Cross-Platform Plan: US$69.99 per year
Perpetual Plan: US$79.99

Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, iPad, online

What Makes Filmora Unique:

AI-powered features for automated video creation and editing
Supports nearly all video file formats
Processes 4K videos recorded with GoPro cameras or Full HD videos s
Export projects to YouTube or Vimeo directly
Low learning curve and user-friendly interface
Made to fit beginners and intermedia users
Free to try

You can check the detailed introduction of Filmora to find out why you should choose Filmora to edit videos .

2. VideoPad Video Editor

Working with 3D video footage, applying visual effects to 360-degree videos, or exporting videos in the 4K resolution are only a few reasons why VideoPad is one of the best cross-platform video editing apps on the market. It also comes with a wide range of features to make your video editing experience straightforward. The app doesn’t offer free music, which can slightly limit your options if you don’t have your own music you can use as a soundtrack. However, VideoPad lets you record voice-overs with a push of a button and it features an audio effects library that contains hundreds of professional sound effects.

Price:

Free demo version available
Lifetime license - US$24.99 for a Home Edition
Lifetime license – US$34.99 for a Master’s Edition

Compatibility: macOS, Windows

What Makes VideoPad Unique:

Better control over transitions and other options.
Easy to use for beginners
Editing 360 videos with VideoPad is super easy

3. Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements is basically a lighter version of Adobe Premiere Pro that is aimed at social media video creators. Mastering the Adobe Premiere Elements won’t take too much of your time and it will enable you to produce captivating videos with ease.

Price:

30-day free trial
Lifetime license - US$99.99

Compatibility: macOS, Windows

What Makes Adobe Premiere Elements Unique:

The Adobe Sensei AI technology automatically creates slideshows and collages from photos and videos
Creates highest quality video content
Additional features like Face Detection, Shake Reduction, or Smart Trim

4. Magix Movie Edit Pro

Magix Movie Edit Pro provides several automatic program wizards that are designed to shorten the amount of time required to make a video. You can just choose one of the automatic programs, and import the footage you would like to include in a project and Magix Movie Edit Pro will do the rest for you.

Price:

30-day free trial
Movie Studio Platinum - US$69.99 for a lifetime license
Movie Studio Suite - US$79.99 for a lifetime license
Movie Studio Ultimate - US$299 for a lifetime license

Compatibility: Windows

What Makes Magix Movie Edit Pro Unique:

Automatic and manual video editing
More than 1500 visual effects to manipulate video clips
Multi-cam video editing option and 360-degree videos are available on the Pro Plus version.

5. CyberLink PowerDirector Ultra

You can hardly go wrong if you decide to purchase this award-winning video editing software, which features hundreds of video templates that enable you to make a new video in just a couple of minutes.

Price:

30-day free trial
Perpetual License: US$139.99
Annual Plan: US$74.99

Compatibility: Windows

What Makes CyberLink PowerDirector Ultra Unique:

Automatic and manual video editing
More than 1500 visual effects to manipulate video clips
Multi-cam video editing option and 360-degree videos are available on the Pro Plus version.

Part 3. Best Professional Video Editing Apps That Cost Under $300

1. Vegas Pro

It is difficult to imagine a video editing task you can’t perform with Vegas Pro. This video editing software supports nearly all video file formats, so you can edit footage captured with almost all digital video cameras.

Price:

Vegas Pro Edit – US$ 199-lifetime license
Vegas Pro Suite – US$ 299-lifetime license
Vegas Pro Post – US$ 399-lifetime license

Compatibility: Windows

What Makes Vegas Pro Unique:

HDR color support
360-degree and multi-camera video editing
A broad range of compositing modes
Quick export directly to YouTube, Facebook, or Vimeo platforms.

2. Final Cut Pro X

There are so many reasons why industry professionals hold Final Cut Pro X in such high esteem. FCPX is undoubtedly an excellent choice for all filmmakers who need a wide spectrum of video editing tools to create movies that sweep audiences off their feet.

Price:

90-day free trial
US$299.99 for a lifetime license

Compatibility: macOS

What Makes Final Cut Pro X Unique:

Arrange video clips on the video editor’s magnetic timeline
Organize huge numbers of files easily
Creates stunning 2D and 3D motion graphics
Color correction tools with complete control over the hue, saturation, and other color values

Conclusion

Purchasing video editing software is a long-term investment that will enable you to increase the quality of the videos you’re creating over time. This doesn’t mean that the videos you’re producing are going to become better overnight since most video editing apps only offer possibilities that can’t be properly utilized without proper video editing skills.

Well, If you haven’t decided which one to go for so far, I would strongly recommend Filmora to you. It’s free to try, you can download it with the buttons below, and click through to see if it matches your needs.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison