10 best sites for free stock photos to use when you create a website or content
We all understand the power of images—often they communicate ideas and emotions that words alone simply can't capture. When you create a website, the visuals you choose play a crucial role in shaping visitor perceptions and ensuring a memorable user experience. In fact, the quality and appeal of images used in your website design can significantly influence whether your visitors stay engaged or quickly move on.
Research consistently highlights visual appeal as a determining factor for making a strong and lasting first impression online. Whether you're using a professional website builder or embarking on your own journey to create a website from scratch, integrating high-quality, visually striking stock photos can enhance your site's credibility, professionalism, and overall impact.
To help you effortlessly enhance your website's visual aesthetics, we've carefully selected some of our favorite free stock photo websites. These resources are perfect for anyone looking to build a website with compelling visuals without stretching their budget.
So, let's dive in and give your website the visual upgrade it deserves—all without spending a single penny!
1. Unsplash
Best all-around choice: a versatile collection of quality stock photos
Unsplash has a large collection of top-notch stock photos that you can use for free without any copyright worries. It's got a user-friendly interface and loads of categories, making it the ultimate place to find eye-catching stock photos for just about anything you can think of. A great way to start is by checking out Topics – curated photo collections organized by fellow users into various themes.
Pro-tip
Unsplash also provides Unsplash+, a subscription-based service that offers users premium benefits. With Unsplash+, subscribers can access exclusive stock photos and advanced search features. Starting at just 4 euros per month, it's an affordable way to elevate your content game.
2. Pixabay
The largest collection of free stock photos on the internet
Pixabay boasts an extensive library of over a million photos, illustrations, vector graphics, and videos. This massive collection is its biggest advantage, offering an abundance of options for any project. While it may take a bit more effort to find the perfect image, Pixabay's quantity ensures that you'll have plenty of choices to explore.
3. Pexels
Free stock photos from all around the world
Pexels is a platform where anyone can upload photos, and the site's curators do a great job of selecting the top shots to populate their collection of searchable public domain images. It has gained popularity among designers, bloggers, marketers, and other creative professionals due to its easy-to-use interface and impressive range of content.
4. Pikwizard
A fantastic source for authentic-looking photos of people
Pikwizard offers a collection of thousands of free stock photos covering a wide range of subjects. What sets it apart from other free stock photography sites is the impressive quality of the images, especially when it comes to natural and authentic poses of people. Whether you're looking for nature, business, technology, or lifestyle-related images, Pikwizard has you covered.
5. Adobe Stock
Stock photos of exceptional quality
When it comes to top-notch stock photos, Adobe Stock doesn't disappoint. The photos provided are consistently of high quality, and the contributing artists are compensated for their work. What sets Adobe Stock apart is its excellent selection of filters, allowing you to pinpoint the perfect stock photo. You can even upload an existing image to discover similar pictures.
6. Gratisography
When you want something less serious
If you're in the mood for some playful and fun stock photos, look no further than this handpicked collection of pictures curated by the photographer and graphic designer, Ryan McGuire. While Gratisography may not boast the same extensive content library as some other free stock photo sites, the site’s creative vision more than makes up for it.
7. Negative Space
Free stock pictures from emerging photographers
Negative Space is a platform for amateur photographers to showcase their talent. It’s based in the UK – so if you're after some British charm, this site will hit the spot. You can stay in the loop with the latest image releases by subscribing to Negative Space's newsletter. With regular content updates, revisiting the site is always a rewarding experience.
8. Canva
Great choice if you need to do some editing on the go
If you frequently find yourself enhancing images with text overlays, adjusting transparency, or playing with vibrancy, Canva can streamline the process. You can discover photos and use Canva's integrated design tool to enhance them on the fly. With over 1.6 million free images available in its library, Canva combines stock photos with user-friendly editing tools.
9. Reshot
One-stop destination for vector illustrations and icons
If you prefer using vector illustrations, Reshot is an excellent choice for your creative needs. Reshot offers a diverse and high-quality collection of vector graphics and icons. From web design to social media graphics, the platform prides itself on featuring handpicked content from talented artists that can elevate your projects.
10. New Old Stock
Unique vintage photos
If you're in search of a nostalgic touch to complement your brand, take a look at New Old Stock. This platform offers a collection of vintage photos sourced from public archives. It's like taking a journey back in time – and you never know what hidden gems you might discover.
Conclusion
Incorporating high-quality, visually appealing images into your website is essential for engaging visitors and enhancing their overall experience. Whether you're a blogger, small business owner, or an online retailer, selecting the right visuals can dramatically elevate your site's impact and help forge stronger connections with your audience.
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