Pinterest is a popular platform for discovering and sharing images, but using these images outside of Pinterest without permission can be illegal and risky. Many people don’t realize that most Pinterest images are copyrighted, and unauthorized use can lead to serious legal consequences. Here’s what you need to know about using Pinterest images and how to avoid potential pitfalls.
No, most Pinterest images are not free to use. While Pinterest is a platform for sharing content, the rights to these images typically remain with the original creators.
Pinterest users upload images they’ve created or found, but that doesn’t mean the platform grants a license to use them. Even if an image appears publicly, copyright law protects the creator’s exclusive rights unless otherwise stated.
For example, downloading an image of a painting or a brand logo from Pinterest and using it in your project without permission could result in legal claims. Always remember: visibility does not equal permission.
Using Pinterest images without authorization can lead to serious legal and financial risks for individuals and businesses. Here are some potential consequences:
Example: If you use a photo with a recognizable logo or artwork in a marketing campaign without permission, you could face financial claims or even public backlash.
No, editing images from Pinterest does not remove copyright infringement. Altering an image—such as cropping, adding filters, or removing watermarks—doesn’t change the fact that the original work is still protected by copyright.
In fact, removing watermarks is considered fraud and further violates copyright laws in many jurisdictions. Whether the image is edited or not, using it without explicit permission is unlawful.
It’s a common sight on Instagram—marketing agencies, social media managers, and design studios posting curated inspiration grids or moodboards using images they found on Pinterest. While these posts may look aesthetically pleasing, many of these images are used illegally, putting these businesses at risk.
Most Pinterest images are copyrighted: The rights to these images remain with the original creators, and Pinterest does not grant a license for public use. Posting these images without permission is a violation of copyright law.
Using images on a business profile is considered commercial use: Even if you’re not directly selling a product, using the images on a business-related Instagram profile to promote your services (e.g., as a graphic designer, social media manager, or architect) qualifies as commercial use. This can lead to legal claims, takedown notices, or even lawsuits.
Instagram enforces strict copyright rules: If a copyright owner reports your post, Instagram may remove the content, and repeated violations can result in your account being suspended or banned.
Many agencies assume that because an image is widely shared, it’s free to use—but that’s far from the truth. Instead of risking legal trouble, professionals should source images legally from trusted stock photo websites or create their own content.
Permission from the creator: You can legally use Pinterest images if you contact the original creator and obtain written consent. Some creators may allow free use, while others may require a licensing fee.
Using images ethically and legally not only protects you from legal risks but also enhances your credibility as a professional.
There are situations where an image found on Pinterest is actually free to use. This applies when the image comes from the official profiles of free stock photo websites. These pins are usually well-labeled, clearly stating that the image is free and providing a direct link to the source where it can be downloaded legally.
Kaboompics has over 4,600 pins on its Pinterest profile, meaning there’s a good chance you might come across our images while browsing. Simply click the link on the pin, and you’ll be taken to Kaboompics, where you can download the full-resolution image or choose a size that fits your needs. You can also explore more photos from the same session to find the most suitable one for your project.
By following these verified sources, you ensure that the images you find on Pinterest are genuinely free to use and legally safe for both personal and commercial projects.
Using images without proper permissions is not just a legal issue—it’s also unethical. Customers may assume that a business created or owns the images it uses. When they discover otherwise, it can lead to loss of trust and credibility.
Moreover, businesses that engage in unethical practices, such as using stolen images, may face long-term reputational harm. Ethical practices in content creation ensure trust and transparency, which are vital for building a loyal audience.
Finding free images that won’t cause legal issues requires careful consideration of where you source them. Here are the best practices for ensuring your images are both free and safe to use:
Choose well-known, established platforms like Kaboompics or Rawpixel that have been in the market for years and are run by reputable companies.
Platforms like Unsplash and Pexels are also popular and relatively safe. However, to ensure 100% confidence, take the following precautions:
Not every website offering free images is trustworthy. Before using an image, verify the legitimacy of the platform by checking its Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, or Contact page to see who owns and operates the website. Reputable platforms have clear ownership, while shady sites often hide this information.
As the founder of Kaboompics, I’ve seen firsthand how entire libraries of stock images, including my own, have been stolen and reuploaded under fake licenses. Some platforms even impersonate legitimate sources to trick users into downloading copyrighted content illegally. To avoid legal issues, always use well-established, long-standing websites that have a proven track record in the industry. Many fly-by-night websites steal content, and as a long-time owner of Kaboompics, I’ve seen cases where entire libraries of images were illegally replicated on shady platforms.
Even when a stock photo website allows commercial use, it’s essential to stay cautious. Some images might include recognizable people, trademarks, or copyrighted elements, which could limit their usability in certain projects.
I’ve written a detailed article explaining how to evaluate whether a free photo is truly safe for commercial use. It breaks down key factors to consider, such as model releases, intellectual property concerns, and potential legal risks. If you want to ensure you’re using images legally, check it out!
No, unless you have explicit permission from the copyright owner. Pinterest does not grant a license to use uploaded images for business, marketing, or commercial projects.
Giving credit does not replace the need for legal permission. You still need to get approval from the copyright holder before using their work.
Not necessarily. Fair use is a complex legal doctrine that depends on various factors, such as purpose, nature, and effect on the market value of the original work. Simply using an image from Pinterest without modification or context does not make it fair use.
Only if you have permission from the original creator or the image is explicitly labeled for free commercial use. Otherwise, it’s a copyright violation.
Yes, if you search using the phrase + free photos, you can find Pins that link to trusted websites offering free stock images. Just make sure the Pin directs you to a reputable source like Kaboompics, Unsplash, or Pexels to ensure the images are legally free to use.
Use reputable free stock photo websites such as Kaboompics, Unsplash, or Pexels, which provide legally safe images with clear licensing terms.
Using Pinterest images without permission can lead to serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences. To protect yourself and your business, always ensure you have the right to use an image. Choose legal stock photo sources or request permission from content owners.
Respecting copyright laws not only helps you avoid costly legal battles but also supports ethical business practices. Remember, there are plenty of legal and safe options available to find the perfect images for your projects.
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