Save Money, Get Creative: Free Commercial-Use Image Sites

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.

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The Ultimate Guide to Animated Text in Mobile Videos

Best Apps To Animate Text In Video On Phone

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

The addition of the animated text makes a video more alluring. The effects like disappearing, moving, and reappearing texts, changing the color and size of the texts in the video make it 10 times more likely to be viewed by the customers.

Many a time, we come across people who think that it is very difficult to create flying texts or moving objects with 2D text animation maker on PC . Let me tell you, it is not difficult at all. You may animate text in a video on your phone itself. Here’s a list of some great apps that can help you with text animation using your phone.

Moreover, if you also need to animate text on computer. Filmora video editor will be a good choice. It is the best animated text maker . In comparison to popular video editors, Filmora has the widest range of text effects and animations that you can apply to the text in your video instantly. Most importantly, you can customize and personalize the effects and animations as per your requirements.

Free Download

Part1: Best Apps to Animate Text in Video
Part2: Animate Text in Video Online

Part1: Best Apps to Animate Text in Video

1. Legend

Content has the power to motivate people. When it is presented in an animated form, content becomes more attractive and eye-catching. Legend helps you to animate text in your video. Whether a tutorial or a product note, Legend’s text animation stuns your friends and viewers by turning the content into motion. Just type your text, select the animation style background and color and your video is ready to save. The features of Legend include-

Change background by adding a photo
Search images on Flickr
Save as video or animated gif
Allows sharing on Insta, Facebook, Twitter, Vine
Autoplaying gif sending allowed on Facebook messenger
Over 20 animation styles

2.Tomo

A great app to animate text in the video, Tomo is a simple app with extraordinary features. Did you ever think that animation can be so simple and you can create text animation online? With Tomo you just need to enter the text you wish to feature in the video and select animation and background and you are ready to go, it’s that simple. The features of this app are-

Lets you add videos and photos
Add music in the background
Videos animation created can be saved in the photo gallery
Share videos on the social networking sites like Twitter and Instagram

3. Hype Type Animated Text Videos

Make your videos stand out amongst the crowd with the hype-type animated text videos app. You can animate text in the video by this auto-motion style and design typography app. The features of the hype type animated text videos include-

Add relevant quotes to your story with the magical button
Several colors to match your text and story
Choose the right style animation from a number of options
Spell check if you are wrong at any point
Single video or multiple clips, the app is suitable for all
Adjust text animation timing

4. Text Animation Maker

Create your own beautiful story with text animation maker. You just need to write, customize, and export it in mp4 format. The features of this app are-

Animated texts and shapes
Get 25 different styles of animation
Supports full unicode fonts
Animate text in video and create loops
Embed gif for better engagement
Unlimited characters
Change colors easily

5. Steller

One of the most simple and easy ways to create stories and share, Steller personalizes the feel and the look of your entire story with elegance and easily usable design themes. The features are-

Create animated stories with texts, videos, and photos on your iPhone
Simple and elegant design themes
Private and public display of stories allowed
Share text animation online on a various networking platform
Creative hashtag community project participation

Part2: Animate Text in Video Online

If you feel that downloading an app to animate text in video is being troublesome, you can also try out the readily available online tools. Here are a few names that can be of great help in text animation online.

1. Flaming Text

Flaming text is more than just mere service. It offers graphic design tools completely free. No need of downloading or installing, just access it from any browser. Now, creating a logo or customizing text is just a matter of time. Text animation online has become simple and easy with Flaming Text. Create logos, draw or stick, make banners or invitations, Flaming text is an easy solution.The features are-

Find the best logos or text matching your theme
Several theme options
20 logo categories
Browse fonts by author or fonts alphabetically
Font search tool

2. TEXTANIM

Creating outstanding text animation on your browser is easy with this flash based text animation online tool Textanim. The feature of this app includes-

A clean interface
Controls and panels to customize your text effects
Split text into words, chars or lines
Dynamic and quick

Conclusion

Text animation is a great way to present your video. It is true that you can make animation on your phone, but editing on desktop is necessary if you want to have more controls on animation video. Here we recommend using Filmora . You can use it to make 3D animation text by adding keyframes, so the animated text will be smooth and natural. You just need to build a white plane to easily start making animation. When exporting, you can also export transparent animation text. Download it to have a try (Free)!

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox