Can I Use Images from Google on My Website?
From getting an “ok” from the copyright holder to finding relevant images based on the source, here are seven answers to the question, “What are things to know about using images from Google on a website?”
- Don’t Use Images From Google Without Seeking Permission
- Learn How to Avoid the Risk of Unoriginality
- With Filters, You’ll Find Images You Can Legally Reuse
- Check if Images Are Clear for Reuse
- Use Proper Attribution
- Ensure Creative Commons License
- Look Into Google Reverse Image Search Advantages
Don’t Use Images From Google Without Seeking Permission
To use Google Images, you’ll need to get permission from the copyright holder. There are, however, exceptions that allow for use without permission or if the work comes under an open license like Creative Commons.
Google is just a search engine and does not allow unrestricted use of copyrighted images. If you click on an image, you are taken to the original website, where you can request permission from the copyright holder. Google Images also has a feature that allows you to filter search results based on usage rights.
The Copyright Act of 1988 sets out certain exceptions under which you can use images without permission, including for educational purposes, non-commercial research, news reporting, libraries, archives, museums, and galleries, and where the copyright owner is unknown.
Pravin Walunjkar
Content Manager, Swapnil Pate SEO
Learn How to Avoid the Risk of Unoriginality
Using Google Images on your website can be risky because other businesses in your industry may use the same keywords to search for and select the same images as you. If your potential customers notice that you have the same images as another company, they might lose trust in your brand and see your website as unoriginal and lacking effort.
To prevent this, it’s important to choose original images and always add a personal touch to them. This can include creating custom graphics or using unique filters and effects. By doing so, you can build a more distinct and memorable brand image that sets you apart from competitors.
Martyna Inkielman
Community Manager, US Passport Photo
With Filters, You’ll Find Images You Can Legally Reuse
You can use Google filters to find images you can legally share and reuse. The “Usage Rights” filter lets you see pictures with license information attached. Thanks to that, you can check if the license is legitimate with just a few clicks.
The license might also require you to credit the image creator when you use the image. Again, with dedicated filters, you’ll get such information right away. The entire process is fast and effortless. Reviewing the license and terms of reuse of an image is crucial, as it can prevent you from having legal implications.
Agata Szczepanek
Community Manager, LiveCareer
Check if Images Are Clear for Reuse
When using images from Google on a website, it is important to ensure that the image is cleared for reuse. Many of the images will be protected by copyright laws, and while they can be used on a website, it is best to receive the proper permissions beforehand.
It is important to give credit to the original source when using their work. Taking these precautions will go a long way towards keeping the website free of any infringement of copyright laws.
Adam Garfield
Marketing Director, Hairbro
Use Proper Attribution
One thing to know about using images from Google on a website is that you should always properly attribute the image to its original source. This means that you should include a link to the original website or the photographer’s website where the image originated from.
It’s important to check the copyright license of the image you’re using to ensure that you can use it on your website.
Jaya Iyer
Marketing Assistant, Teranga Digital Marketing
Ensure Creative Commons License
You are using someone else’s work without their permission when you use an image that you got on Google. The sole authority to reproduce, distribute, and display a picture may live with the image’s owner if that person is the holder of a copyright. Without the owner’s consent, you are using the image, which is against the law and may cause penalties, including fines or legal action.
Use photographs that are licensed for commercial use or have a Creative Commons license, so the owner has granted permission for others to use the image subject to specified restrictions, to avoid these dangers. Another excellent choice is to use trusted stock photo websites, which offer excellent photos with usage rights.
You may reduce the danger of copyright infringement and legal problems while giving your audience a professional and trustworthy impression by using photos that are properly licensed and displayed on your website.
Chris Peacock
CEO, Trickle Digital
Look Into Google Reverse Image Search Advantages
Based on my experience, you can find images that are identical to or comparable to the source by conducting an image search. Relevancy also holds for reverse image search.
A reverse image search will provide any relevant images based on any source. You can find the websites and image providers that have posted the images on their sites by conducting a reverse image search.
James Nathan, Founder, Market Jar
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