Can Stock Photos Be Used for Commercial Use? A No-Fluff Guide for Small Business Owners
Not long ago, I was helping a friend update her website for a new offer launch. She had the layout just right, picked fonts that matched her personality, and wanted to add a few colorful photos to tie it all together.
She’d found some “free stock photos” from a random blog and dropped them in, thinking they were fine to use. But when I asked where they came from, she said, “I don’t know—Google?”
Yikes.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “can stock photos be used for commercial use?”, you’re not alone. In this post, I’ll break down exactly what commercial use means, which stock photos are safe, and how to protect yourself while still creating amazing content for your brand.
What Does “Commercial Use” Mean in Stock Photo Licensing?
Let’s start with the basics. Commercial use refers to using something (like a photo) to support a business or make a profit. That includes:
Promoting a product or service on social media
Running digital ads
Adding visuals to your website, sales pages, or landing pages
Designing marketing materials like flyers or freebies
Using graphics in your online shop listings
Even if you’re not selling something directly in the image, if it’s being used to promote or grow your business, it falls under the umbrella of commercial use.
That’s important—because not all stock images are cleared for that type of use.
Why Stock Photo Licensing Matters for Your Business
If you’re a small business owner or solopreneur, it might feel like licensing doesn’t apply to you. You’re not a huge brand with thousands of followers. You’re just trying to post on Instagram or finally finish that newsletter.
But here’s the thing: stock photo agencies do monitor how their images are used. And using a photo without the right license can result in:
Takedown requests (which can derail a launch)
Legal issues or fines
Loss of trust from your audience
Time-consuming redesigns down the road
According to Copytrack, over 2.5 billion images are misused online every day—often by people who simply didn’t understand the licensing terms. And I totally get it—the fine print can be confusing.
That’s why knowing what to look for (and where to find the right images) is so important.
Infographic created using this template.
So, Can Stock Photos Be Used for Commercial Use?
Yes—but only if they’re licensed for it.
This is the part that trips people up. Just because a stock photo is labeled “free” doesn’t mean it’s free for commercial use.
If you're using the image in a way that promotes your business, always make sure the license clearly states that commercial use is allowed. Look for platforms or creators who make this information easy to find—and don't make you dig through confusing terms.
Free Stock Photo Sites with Commercial Use Licenses
Here are a few common stock photo sources and what you need to know:
1. Unsplash
✅ Commercial use allowed
🚫 Can’t resell or use in logos
Licensing is simple, but always double-check individual image terms
2. Pexels
✅ Commercial use is typically allowed
🚫 Cannot imply endorsement or sell the unedited image
Great for general visuals, but limited brand-specific styles
3. Pixabay
✅ Similar to Pexels and Unsplash
🚫 Watch out for third-party ads on the site—those images may not be safe to use
4. Getty & Adobe Stock
✅ Extensive commercial licenses available
💸 Typically require paid plans or extended license upgrades
Good for agencies or brands with larger budgets
5. Pinterest or Google Images
❌ Just because you can download an image doesn’t mean you should
These sources often host images with unknown or restricted rights
Pro tip: If you can’t find clear commercial use language, skip it. It’s not worth the risk.
How to Avoid Stock Photo Licensing Headaches
Here’s a quick checklist to protect your business when using stock photos:
✔️ Always check the photo’s license—even on free platforms
✔️ Avoid screenshots, Pinterest saves, and “borrowed” blog images
✔️ Use photos from trusted sources with straightforward commercial terms
✔️ Don’t alter or repurpose photos in ways that violate the license
✔️ When in doubt, reach out to the creator (or find a new image)
The Problem with Most Stock Photos (and What I Did About It)
When I first started creating content for my own business, I’d spend hours trying to find images that felt fun, colorful, and on-brand and were licensed for commercial use. Most looked way too corporate, or too generic to stand out.
That’s when I realized: I could just make my own.
And that’s how Shamblen Studios was born—so other small business owners like you could finally have access to photo-based Canva templates and stock images that are:
✅ Bold and colorful
✅ Commercial-use safe
✅ Easy to customize in Canva (no fancy tools needed)
Whether you want a single template for your next launch or full access to my photo library through the membership, every piece of content is created specifically for business owners who want to save time while standing out.
Grab this template here.
What Happens If You Use a Stock Photo Without a License?
This is the part most people don’t think about until it’s too late. If you use a stock photo that isn’t licensed for commercial use, here’s what can happen:
You may receive a DMCA takedown notice
The photo owner could demand payment or legal action
Your content might get flagged or removed on platforms like Instagram or Etsy
You’ll likely have to redesign anything that used the image
It’s a headache you don’t want—and one that’s totally avoidable with the right setup.
Why Choose Templates Designed for Commercial Use?
If you’re running a business, your time is better spent growing it—not digging through legalese or second-guessing every image you use.
That’s why I designed every Canva-based template and image pack at Shamblen Studios to be:
Clear about licensing
Editable in minutes
Visually aligned with bold, fun brands who want to stand out
You can check out the shop for one-off templates, or join the membership to get unlimited access to everything—plus new monthly drops.
Template source here.
Final Thoughts: Choose Visuals That Work For Your Business
To wrap it all up: can stock photos be used for commercial use? Yes, but you’ve got to make sure the license allows it.
Using photos the right way protects your business legally and helps you build trust with your audience. It might take a little more intention up front—but it’ll save you so much time, stress, and rework later (and possibly a fine).
And if you want scroll-stopping, license-friendly visuals that don’t make you want to throw your laptop, you’re always welcome inside Shamblen Studios.
Ready to Create With Confidence?
Explore the template shop or become a Studio Member and never second-guess your visuals again. Because building a brand you love shouldn’t come with legal question marks.
