As your lawyer bestie, I feel inclined to tell you that Pinterest is NOT a stock photo site. And despite many people being well aware of this, they choose to treat it like one anyways.
But again, as your lawyer bestie, I want you to know that using photos that you download on Pinterest in your business – in any capacity – whether it be on your website, on social media etc. is copyright infringement… aka illegal.
And trust me I get it – Pinterest is one of those places that you go to for the ~vibes~ and you probably feel like you can’t find the aesthetic pictures that you really want anywhere else.
I know the aesthetic vibes are important to you, but that doesn’t give you the right to steal someone else’s work!
The good news is that there are a few aesthetic stock photo alternatives that give the Pinterest feel that you can actually use WITHOUT committing copyright infringement.
Before I dive into that list, let’s do a quick review on why you can’t use Pinterest images as stock photos in your business.
Why You Can’t Use Pinterest Images As “Stock Photos” In Your Business
When someone uploads an image to Pinterest, it doesn’t transfer ownership or licensing rights to anyone else. Which means that if or when you decide to download and use Pinterest images without permission, it constitutes copyright infringement because the copyright law protects the original creator’s rights over their work, including photos.
By using these images in your business without securing proper rights, you’re violating the creator’s exclusive right to control how their work is used, reproduced, or distributed.
This infringement can lead to legal consequences, such as cease-and-desist orders, fines, or lawsuits, all of which could have a significant financial and reputational impact on your business.
But what if there’s not a clear copyright notice displayed?
Short answer: doesn’t matter.
Even if a Pinterest image doesn’t have a visible copyright notice, it is still protected by copyright law. In most countries, including the U.S., copyright protection is automatically granted the moment an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form, like a photograph.
This means the absence of a copyright notice doesn’t negate the creator’s rights. Using the image without permission is still copyright infringement, regardless of whether there’s a visible notice. It’s always your responsibility to ensure you have the proper rights or licenses before using any image for business purposes!
So what can you do instead?
Short answer: Use websites that are meant for stock photos and allow you to download without committing copyright infringement.
Here are my favorites. ⬇️
4 Aesthetic Stock Photo Options That Won’t Land You In Legal Trouble
Elevae Visuals is a leading styled stock image and video membership site for female entrepreneurs, content creators, coaches, designers, bloggers, influencers and more.
It offers a curated collection of high-quality, stylish images that are perfect for branding, websites, social media, and marketing materials. With a focus on unique, visually appealing content, Elevae ensures that your business stands out while staying legally protected.
They also have a designer use license option, which is what I personally use, and it allows you to use the images in your own digital products (that you sell) and on client’s websites etc.
2. Dupe Photos
Dupe Photos is another great option, providing a relevant royalty free imagery that cater to a variety of industries and styles. Its library is constantly updated by everyday people – this is one of the cool parts about Dupe! It’s a community led initiative where anyone can upload their aesthetic photos for use if they wish.
Dupe Photos is completely free and provides a user-friendly platform where you can find the perfect licensed images without any copyright concerns.
3. Haute Stock
Haute Stock is another favorite among female entrepreneurs, bloggers, and creatives who are looking for chic, feminine, and modern stock photos.
The subscription-based service offers exclusive access to styled stock images, graphics, and templates that are perfect for elevating your brand’s visual identity. With Haute Stock, you can easily find cohesive imagery for your marketing and social media needs.
4. Kaboompics
Lastly, Kaboompics offers a vast collection of free, high-quality stock images that can be used for commercial and personal projects. Known for its beautiful, natural light photography, Kaboompics features images in categories such as interiors, lifestyle, fashion, and food.
Every photo is available for download with clear usage guidelines, making it a safe and reliable alternative to Pinterest images!
Protect Your Brand From Copyright Infringement
Overall, while Pinterest may seem like an easy place to find images for your business, it’s important to understand the legal risks involved with using unlicensed content.
Copyright infringement can lead to costly fines and damage to your reputation, so instead, opt for legitimate stock photo sources like the ones listed above to ensure you’re using high-quality, legally compliant images.
By doing so, you protect your business, maintain professionalism, and elevate your brand with stunning visuals!
For more on understanding copyright and the consequences that come with it, click here!
Oh and if someone happens to steal your content – like pics from Pinterest – here’s what to do.
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If we haven’t had the chance to *virtually* meet yet, hey I’m Amber – not a regular lawyer, but a cool lawyer that helps online business owners sell without getting sued.
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