Say Goodbye to Stock Photo Fees: Free Alternatives

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

Ultimate Photo Music Video Editing Software

According to the current trend in the online world, users prefer watching a video rather than checking out photos. These days, social media platforms are full of creative short videos from users where they make photo music videos. In fact, there are popular video creators who have gained fame from their photo music videos only.

In order to create a video out of your photos and music files, you will need a photo music video maker. There are different types of picture music video makers available to satisfy the requirements of the users. We have picked the best photo music video makers for computer users and mobile phone users. Besides, there are online photo music video editors so that you can make videos from your photos on the go.

Part 1. Best Photo Music Video Maker for PC and Mac

If you are a computer user, you will need a dedicated photo music video editor to create photo music videos. There are loads of such photo music video making and editing applications available. We have picked the top five best photo music video makers for Windows and Mac users.

1. Filmora

We recommend Wondershare Filmora as the best picture music video maker. Creating a photo music video is extremely simple with Filmora. You need to drag and drop your photos and music files and arrange them properly on the timeline. Thereafter, you need to apply transitions, texts, and effects and export the video and share with anyone anywhere.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Filmora also lets you capture your screen video as well as webcam video in case you want to include any video clip on your photo music video. There are also stock media files available that you can use on your videos. Moreover, there are graphical elements and animations present to enhance your video content and quality. Here are the pros and cons of Filmora.

Pros –

Drag and drop photos from your hard drive instantly.
Robust timeline to arrange photos and place music.
Wide range of transitions and effects with animations.
Add different audio effects and import stock media files.
Save the video file in different file formats as required.
Easy-to-use interface for everyone without prior knowledge.

Cons –

Limited trial and premium video editor.
Rendering videos can be slow at times.

2. Windows Movie Maker

Windows Movie Maker is an exclusive free photo music video editor for Windows users. You can install the application from Microsoft Store. You can add photos sequentially and add music in the background to create your desired video. The video editor lets you crop, trim as well as join video clips. There are options to enhance photo quality with different filters available, and you can add texts to the photos for more illustrative videos.

The software supports different media files, and hence, you can import your desired music, photos, and video clips as per your requirements. You can adjust video speed and volume, and you can apply animated pan and zoom effects to the photos. The Pro version lets you create videos in 4K resolution, and there are some exclusive quick editing tools available. Here are the pros and cons of Windows Movie Maker.

Pros –

Add different filters and stickers to photos.
Trim, flip, rotate, and join video clips.
Add different types of audio files.
Create custom titles and credits.
Useful pan and zoom effect present.
Publish 4K videos with Pro version.

Cons –

Free version has limited video resolution.
Very limited transitions and effects available.

3. Lightworks

Lightworks is a pro-level video editor where you can create stunning photo music videos. The software supports importing all the different types and formats of media files. The platform is tailor-made to create photo music videos for social media sites. You can publish your video in any resolution, shape, and frame rate. Lightworks is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

Lightworks has a fluid timeline with autosave feature, and you can work with proxy files for high-resolution media files. This helps to speed up workflow and render faster. There are options for working on shared projects and connecting with Cloud storage. You can also attach metadata to your videos for advanced users. Here are the pros and cons of Lightworks.

Pros –

Standard photo editing and advanced video editing options.
Supports wide range of media file formats.
Robust timeline for quick addition of photos and music.
Various motion graphics, transitions, and color correction option.
Background processing for faster rendering and useful autosave option.

Cons –

Reports of application crashing for high-resolution videos.
Advanced features are available for premium users only.

5. OpenShot

If you are looking for a completely free and open-source picture music video maker, OpenShot is the best option. The software is compatible with all desktop operating system. The software supports almost all different types of photos, video clips, and audio file formats. The cross-platform support makes video making and editing seamless for team members.

The user interface is intuitive and you can drag and drop media files. There are options for trimming, rotation, resizing, splitting and various such standard editing. You can opt for time-mapping, speed control, and correction of digital parameters. You can add custom watermarks and overlays to your video. Here are the pros and cons of OpenShot.

Pros –

Pan and zoom effect, scrolling effects, and speed control.
Wide range of transitions and filters to enhance video content.
Add 3D objects and animations to your videos.
Dedicated audio editing and mixing options.
Overlay and composting options, templates for titles.

Cons –

Not suitable for making 4K resolution videos.
Can crash if your computer is not high-end.

Part 2. Best Online Photo Music Video Editor

If you are someone who makes photo music videos occasionally, installing a dedicated video editor on your computer will unnecessarily take up space. That is why there are online photo music video editors available where you can make videos from photos instantly on the go. Here are the top five best photo music video editors online.

1. Clideo

Clideo is the best online photo music video editor as it is a platform where you will get all the tools for proper video creation and editing. There are tools for merging, resizing, cropping, and compressing video clips. You can adjust video speed as well as add subtitles wherever required. You can add any music from different sources. There is a dedicated slideshow maker available to create instant photo music videos.

Besides, you can opt for the dedicated video maker where you can add photos, video clips, and audio files to create stunning photo music videos. There are loads of presets, effects, and transitions available to enhance your video content. The online tool works on all popular web browsers as well as devices. Here are the pros and cons of Clideo.

Pros –

Upload photos from different sources.
Presets for creating videos for social media platforms.
Supports different file formats for photos, video clips, and audio.
Wide range of tools available for video and photo editing.
Suitable for computer as well as smartphone users.

Cons –

Not suitable to edit 4K videos.
Limited transitions and effects.

2. Animaker

Animaker is a quick photo music video editor online. You can make photo music video, create Gifs and short videos as well as do live video editing. The platform is designed for beginners to create and edit video without any prior experience. There are templates available to enhance the video creation process. Besides, you get access to a huge video media library.

The platform is particularly popular among users who want to include animated characters in their videos. You can build your character and apply different facial experiences. You can add voiceover and the characters can lip-sync accordingly. You can also create visual animations to make your videos stand out. Here are the pros and cons of Animaker.

Pros –

Wide range of royalty-free music and stock media files.
Create animation characters and add voiceover.
Create 4K resolution live videos and add subtitles.
Customization of background, actions and expressions.
Add overlays, transitions, and custom watermark.

Cons –

Some users have reported lagging issues.
Based on Flash which may not be supported in future.

3. Animoto

Animoto comes with a huge stock library from where you can get media files for your videos. Upload photos and video clips along with music and create your video instantly. The platform also offers royalty-free music library. There are various templates available for quick video creation and saving time.

Besides, there are different fonts and text effects available. You can add your own music and voiceover and trim and crop photos and videos as required. You can attach custom watermark, work with different aspect ratios, and upload custom fonts. Here are the pros and cons of Animoto that you should know.

Pros –

Wide range of time-saving video templates.
Edit photos and video clips and add stylish texts.
Access to a huge collection of stock library media files.
Share videos directly on social media platforms and embed in websites.
Smooth and intuitive user interface for all categories of users.

Cons –

Free version attaches watermark.
Premium plans are expensive.

4. Veed.io

Veed.io focuses on allowing users to create videos on the go with a few clicks only. You get to upload photos, add texts and titles with background music and select a few powerful effects to apply on your video. With a few clicks only, you get to create an amazing photo music video. The video editor supports adding images, texts, and music and removing background noise.

There are loads of video effects and filters that you can apply on your videos. The unique thing about the tool online is that there are options for adding subtitles, converting audio to text, and transcribing videos. The platform is relatively faster than most online editors. Here are the pros and cons of Veed.io.

Pros –

Choose from wide categories of photos and music.
Screen and webcam recording possible.
Video compression and converter available.
Simple but powerful user interface.
Options to add subtitles and transcription.

Cons –

Free version comes with lots of limitations and watermark.
Limited graphical elements available to apply to videos.

5. Biteable

Biteable is a popular online video maker where you can instantly create professional-quality videos. The platform offers several templates for music video, presentation videos, corporate videos and much more. The user interface is super intuitive and there is a huge collection of stock media files that you can use on your videos.

The tools are simple but powerful and you can customize texts, images, and colors as per your requirements. You can also instant export the video on different platforms as per the demand. If you want to make photo music video for social media, Biteable is perfect for you. You should be aware of these pros and cons of Biteable.

Pros –

Large collection of different video templates.
Allows color customization, theme selection, and animations.
Wide range of royalty-free music.
Directly share videos on social media platforms.
Supports voiceover and come with intuitive user interface.

Cons –

Free version puts a Biteable watermark.
There are limited customization options.

Part 3. Photo Music Video Maker Apps

If you are a smartphone user, you can make amazing photo music videos thanks to the video editor apps available. We have selected the best photo music video makers for Android, iOS, and Windows phone users.

1. Inshot

InShot is an easy-to-use app that lets you convert your photos into a beautiful video. It is an Android app and can be great for making fancy videos with music. With the app, you can add music, emoji, text, and transition effects. It also lets you blur the background or play video in slow motion. The app can also be used as a photo editor so that you can share stories on social media.

It has many distinct features due to the advanced video editor. The voice changer serves perfectly for adding voice effects. It lets you add filters and effects and you can even adjust brightness and contrast. InShot comes with various background patterns and you can even upload your own photos for background. These are the pros and cons of the InShot Android app.

Pros –

Standard video making and editing options available.
Advanced video editing with picture-in-picture, chroma key, and color picker.
Apply audio and video effects as well as choose from texts and stickers.
Proper photo editor to enhance video content and quality.
Use voice changer, color picker, voiceover, and adjust speed and volume.

Cons –

Certain advanced features are reserved for paid users.
Support team is not readily available.

2. Filmigo Video Maker

Link-https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.funcamerastudio.videomaker&hl=en&gl=US

Filmigo Video Maker comes with powerful video editing options. It is a dedicated Android app that can be great for personal and professional video creation. The app lets you duplicate, rotate, split, and trim the clips. The multiple themes and transitions let you make great videos instantly. It is also loaded with animated stickers, GIFs, and emojis. You can even add text and choose from different fonts and styles.

Additionally, it will let you save the video in HD or full HD resolution. There is no limit to video length. The app allows you to share the video directly to social media platforms. You can also use it as a meme generator. Users can even choose from popular music. These are the pros and cons of Filmigo that you must know.

Pros –

Making artistic subtitles from different text styles and fonts.
Customize videos with multiple themes and transitions.
Edit videos by adding animated stickers and emojis.
Save the video without any quality loss.
Create appealing videos with voice enhancement and blurred backgrounds.

Cons –

The app pushes frequent updates.
Users keep reporting minor bugs.

3. Photo + Music = Video

Link - https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/photo-music-video/9P905MW4XMKM?hl=en-us&gl=US

Photo + Music = Video is an exclusive app for Windows users. Therefore, if you have a Windows device, you can download and install the app to create photo music video. The app lets you select any number of photos to create your videos. You can choose from the themes to create instant video. There are beautiful filters and effects to beautify your video.

Besides, you can add background music from any list as well as your custom music. The app has a dedicated photo editor and you can edit your photos before using them for the video. You can blur the background, add borders and frames, as well as attach custom texts and stickers. Here are the pros and cons of Photo + Music = Video app you should be aware of.

Pros –

Unlimited photos selection for video creation.
Choose from different themes, filters, and frames.
Edit photos as per requirements before using in the video.
Customize texts and titles and change the background.
Different effects and stickers to apply to photos.

Cons –

Has too many ads which could be annoying.
Limited to Windows 10 device users only.

4. Video Maker with Music Editor

Link - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/video-maker-with-music-editor/id1006386292

If you are an iPhone user, this is the app for making music videos out of your photos. It features a huge collection of music tracks. The app also comes with volume and speed control. You can even use your voice over the video to give life to the videos. The app takes minimum time to process videos.

You can easily trim or cut off the videos for removing unwanted frames. The app is equally useful in editing audio and music tracks. Even after making the video, you can save and share your videos. Here are the pros and cons of Video Maker with Music Editor that you must know.

Pros –

Add photos, edit video and audio.
Select music from different categories.
Add unlimited music to the video.
Audio fade in and fade out effects.
Super intuitive user interface.

Cons –

The app can hang when editing high-resolution videos.
The in-app purchases are relatively expensive.

Conclusion

We have listed all the best picture music video makers for all categories of users. If you want to make photo music videos on your phone, we have lined up the apps for Android, Mac and Windows users. You can also use photo music video editor online if you want to make a video on the go. For computer users, we recommend Wondershare Filmora for creating professional-quality photo music videos.

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Pros –

Drag and drop photos from your hard drive instantly.
Robust timeline to arrange photos and place music.
Wide range of transitions and effects with animations.
Add different audio effects and import stock media files.
Save the video file in different file formats as required.
Easy-to-use interface for everyone without prior knowledge.

Cons –

Limited trial and premium video editor.
Rendering videos can be slow at times.