As consumers, our attention spans are getting smaller as content becomes shorter. The power of using photos to tell our stories are shaping the way we market our businesses online! When it comes to managing your social media for your brand, finding photos that grab a consumers’ attention is the first step to getting your content seen.
Finding these captivating photos may seem like an easy task, but there are legal logistics you need to be aware of! Here’s how to find the perfect photos for your social media that won’t send you to the doghouse.
Give Credit When It’s Due!
With popular photo sharing sites like Instagram and Facebook, sometimes all you need is to give credit where it’s due! See an example of photo attribution in this blog post, (thanks Jordana Bananaa on Instagram).
When a user takes a photo and posts it to a social media site, it’s usually fair game for your use as long as you give credit to the individual. In some cases, a user will state on his or her page that their photos belong to them and are copyrighted. In those instances, this user may just need to give approval for you to use the photo or you cannot use it at all. Make sure to always read the fine print, and if you’re uncertain, move along!
Use Royalty-Free Photos
If you scrolled through the web and can’t seem to find a photo that fits your needs, there are sites that offer tons of free to use photos. Sites like Pixabay, Pexels, and Unsplash all provide photos that are for your sharing pleasure!
When browsing through these sites, be mindful of any copyright notices. Sometimes a photo is posted on these sites, but there are special terms with re-posting the image. Again, the fine print is your friend!
Find Photo Subscriptions
One of the safest ways to use photos legally on your social media is to purchase the images. This way, there are no ifs, ands or buts on the matter; the images are yours! Some sites allow you to sign up for a paid subscription and they will give you photo credits to use on your photo purchases. Sites like iStock, Shutterstock, and 123RF offer these types of subscriptions and you can choose the type of image licensing, to ensure all of the photos are safe to use.
If you’re still unsure about how to use photos on your social media, it’s important to understand copyright basics. Take a minute to read the terms on the social platform you’re posting the picture to and make sure everything you’re posting is up to code.
Now that you know all about the logistics of posting photos, it’s time to find the best ones for your channels! Check out our Instagram page for inspiring photo ideas!
