Let’s be honest — most stock photography is either painfully generic or so overused it’s become meme material. But high-quality visuals are essential to building a polished brand, and not everyone has the budget (or time) for custom shoots. That’s where free stock resources come in.
WHEN TO USE STOCK IMAGERY
If you're just getting started, free stock photography can help you:
- Launch faster without the investment of a pro photographer
- Fill in visual gaps while you refine your brand identity
- Keep costs low without sacrificing design quality
But free doesn’t mean risk-free.
A QUICK NOTE ON LICENSING (READ THIS PART!)
Not all “free” images are fair game. Downloading a photo from Google and slapping it on your homepage? That’s a fast track to a copyright notice (or worse).
Instead, look for images labeled under:
- Creative Commons Zero (CC0) – No attribution required. You can use them for commercial projects.
- Creative Commons with Attribution – Free to use, but you must give credit.
- Royalty-Free – Usually means free to use under a specific license, but read the fine print.
When in doubt, check the site’s license page and avoid anything that feels sketchy.
PRO TIP: HOW TO SEARCH CREATIVE COMMONS IMAGES
You can use platforms like
Creative Commons Search or filter by usage rights in Google Images (Tools → Usage Rights → Creative Commons licenses). But be cautious — these filters aren’t always perfect. Stick to reputable stock sites whenever possible.
MY FAVORITE FREE STOCK PHOTO AND VIDEO WEBSITES
UNSPLASH
Still one of the best. Massive library of stylish, high-res images across every category. Great for website banners, blog headers, and social graphics, No attribution required. They do have a paid pro version but honestly, I find their free images to be enough for most of my web design clients that are on a budget.
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VISIT UNSPLASH
PEXELS
A well-rounded mix of photos and videos. It’s more curated than Unsplash, with solid options for product mockups, lifestyle content, and abstract background shots.
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GO TO PEXELS
PIXABAY
A huge library of free photos, videos, illustrations, and even music tracks. Some visuals feel a little dated, but there are gems — especially if you’re after something specific or quirky.
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GO TO PIXABAY
KABOOMPICS
Sleek, modern visuals with a bonus: custom color palettes included for each image, which helps you keep things on-brand. Great for interior, workspace, and lifestyle photos.
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GO TO KABOOM PICS
FREE STOCK VIDEO WEBSITES
COVERR
Clean, professional-looking footage that works well for website backgrounds, hero sections, or short reels. Easy to browse and totally free — no sign-up needed. Just be sure to avoid the overtly AI content and you’ll be fine.
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GO TO COVERR
PEXELS (yep, again)
Its video collection is just as strong as its photo library. Excellent for background loops or subtle motion elements that make a site feel polished.
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GO TO PEXELS
MIXKIT
A curated collection of high-quality clips that feel more editorial and less stock-y. Great for service pages, explainer-style content, and digital branding videos.
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GO TO MIXKIT
QUICK TIPS FOR USING STOCK LIKE A PRO
- Avoid visual clichés. No handshakes, light bulbs, or fake group meetings unless you're being ironic.
- Stick to your brand’s vibe. Choose images that match your brand’s energy, color palette, and values — even if that means passing on a technically “good” photo.
- Change it up. Don’t reuse the same image across your site unless it’s intentional like a section background. Variety matters.
