When I first started my pins were getting from 0 to 10 views 🙃. But after discovering these image sources, my click-through rates soared by 300%!
I'm thrilled to share my secrets for finding stunning images that'll make your pins pop!
Are you ready to transform your Pinterest account? Let's dive in! 📈
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Fred R. Barnard
He was an English illustrator, caricaturist and genre painter.Pinterest is a Visual Social Media
Pinterest isn't just another social platform - it's a visual wonderland! Unlike text-heavy networks, Pinterest thrives on eye-catching imagery.
It's where users go to find inspiration, plan projects, and discover new products. Your success here hinges on one crucial element: captivating visuals.
The Importance of High-quality Images
You can't afford to skimp on image quality on Pinterest. High-quality images are your ticket to standing out in a sea of pins. They grab attention, convey professionalism, and inspire trust in your brand.
Remember when you last scrolled through Pinterest? Which pins made you stop and click? Bet they had stunning visuals!
Good images don't just look pretty - they drive engagement. They can be the difference between a user scrolling past or clicking through to your site.
And isn't that what we're all after? More clicks, more traffic, more success for your blog or business 💥
10 Sites to Find Images for Pinterest Pins
Okay, let's explore 10 different sites and ways to find/create images for your Pinterest pins, using both free and paid options.
1. Swiftpinz (AI Generation)
Swiftpinz is a game-changer in the world of Pinterest marketing. It's not just an image source - it's your personal Pinterest content generator.
With Swiftpinz, you can create custom images tailored specifically for Pinterest, complete with eye-catching designs and compelling text overlays.
Benefits:- Saves hours of time on image creation
- Generates Pinterest-optimized content
- Perfect for non-designers
- Produces professional-looking pins
- Eye-catching images optimized to get clicks
- Increases chances of engagement
Downsides:
- Limited custom personalization after generation
- May not allow for intricate design tweaks
- Potential for similar-looking pins if not careful
If you're a blogger, marketing professional or just looking to boost your Pinterest account, Swiftpinz is the perfect tool for you. The best part? Has a free plan for all!
2. Unsplash
Unsplash is a treasure trove of high-quality, free-to-use photographs. It's a community-powered platform where talented photographers from around the world share their work.
You'll find a wide variety of stunning images perfect for creating eye-catching Pinterest pins.
Benefits:- Completely free to use
- High-resolution images
- Diverse range of subjects and styles
- No attribution required (though appreciated)
- Easy-to-use search function
Downsides:
- Popular images may be overused
- Limited control over image specifics
- No illustrations or graphics, only photographs
- Can't modify or customize images directly
I once used an Unsplash image of a serene beach for a travel blog pin. It performed so well, I thought I'd hit the jackpot! But then I noticed the same image on several other pins.
Lesson learned: always try to choose unique images or add your own twist.
3. Replicate (AI Generation)
Replicate is an AI-powered platform that allows you to generate unique images based on text prompts. It's like having a personal artist who can create any image you can describe.
This tool is perfect for creating one-of-a-kind visuals for your Pinterest pins.
Benefits:- Creates unique, custom images
- Endless possibilities for creativity
- No copyright concerns
- Can generate images that don't exist in real life
- Saves money on custom photography or illustration
Downsides:
- Requires some skill to craft effective prompts
- Generated images may sometimes look unrealistic
- Quality can be inconsistent
- Learning curve to use the platform effectively
When I first tried Replicate, I was skeptical. But then I generated a futuristic cityscape for a tech blog pin that blew my followers away.
4. Pixabay
Pixabay is a vibrant community-driven platform offering a vast collection of free images, illustrations, vectors, and even videos.
It's a go-to resource for many Pinterest marketers looking for diverse visual content without breaking the bank.
Benefits:- Completely free for commercial use
- Wide variety of content types (photos, illustrations, vectors)
- Simple and intuitive search function
- No account required to download
- Large selection of vertical images suitable for Pinterest
Downsides:
- Some images may look dated or overused
- Quality can vary between contributors
- Limited options for niche or specific topics
- Popular images might appear on competitor's pins
I once created a series of motivational quote pins using Pixabay's abstract backgrounds.
The engagement was fantastic, but I quickly realized I needed to get creative with my searches to find truly unique images that would make my pins stand out.
5. Pexels
Pexels is another excellent source of free stock photos and videos.
It prides itself on offering modern, high-quality visuals that can give your Pinterest pins a professional and contemporary look.
Benefits:- All images are free to use, even commercially
- Curated collection ensures high-quality content
- Regular updates with fresh images
- Easy-to-use photo editor for quick adjustments
- Ability to follow and support your favorite photographers
Downsides:
- Limited selection compared to some larger sites
- Popular images may be overused across Pinterest
- Mostly focused on photographs, fewer illustrations or graphics
- Search function can sometimes be hit or miss for specific concepts
I remember using a striking Pexels image of a woman working on a laptop for a work-from-home tips pin. It resonated so well with my audience that the pin went semi-viral.
The lesson? Sometimes, relatable and authentic imagery trumps overly polished studio shots. Pexels is great for finding those genuine moments.
6. DALL-E (AI Generation)
DALL-E is an advanced AI system created by OpenAI that generates unique images from text descriptions.
It's like having a digital artist at your fingertips, capable of bringing even your wildest Pinterest pin ideas to life.
Benefits:- Creates completely unique, custom images
- Capable of generating a wide range of styles and concepts
- No copyright concerns with generated images
- Can produce images that don't exist in reality
- Allows for highly specific and branded visual content
Downsides:
- Requires a paid subscription after initial free credits
- Learning curve to craft effective prompts
- Generated images may sometimes look unrealistic or have oddities
- Limited control over specific details in the image
- Potential ethical concerns around AI-generated art
I once used DALL-E to create a surreal image for a dream interpretation pin. The result was so captivating and unique that it sparked a whole conversation in the comments.
7. Bing Image Creator (AI Generation)
Bing Image Creator, powered by DALL-E, is Microsoft's free AI image generation tool.
It's integrated right into the Bing search engine, making it incredibly accessible for creating custom visuals for your Pinterest pins.
Benefits:- Free to use (with Microsoft account)
- Easily accessible through Bing
- Generates unique images based on text prompts
- No copyright issues with created images
- Good for creating conceptual or abstract visuals
Downsides:
- Limited to a certain number of generations per day
- Less advanced than some paid AI image generators
- May produce less consistent results than premium options
- Generated images can sometimes look artificial or have quirks
- Requires practice to write effective prompts
I remember when I first tried Bing Image Creator for a series of productivity tip pins. The abstract representations it created for concepts like "time management" and "focus" were eye-catching and unique.
However, it took some trial and error with my prompts to get images that truly aligned with my vision.
8. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is a premium stock image platform known for its vast library of high-quality photos, vectors, and illustrations.
It's a go-to resource for professional marketers looking for polished visuals to elevate their Pinterest pins.
Benefits:- Enormous selection of high-quality images
- Regular updates with fresh content
- Advanced search filters for precise results
- Offers editorial images for news-related pins
- Includes useful editing tools for customization
Downsides:
- Requires a paid subscription or per-image purchase
- Can be more expensive than other options
- Popular images may be used by competitors
- Overwhelming number of choices can lead to decision fatigue
- Some images may look too "stock-like" or inauthentic
I once splurged on a Shutterstock subscription for a client's luxury travel blog. The glossy, professional images definitely gave the pins a high-end feel.
But I had to be careful - some images were so popular, they showed up in other travel pins too. The key was to get creative with cropping and text overlay to make them unique.
9. Freepik
Freepik is a treasure trove for designers and marketers, offering a mix of free and premium vectors, photos, and PSD files.
It's particularly strong in its selection of illustrations and graphic elements, making it perfect for creating visually striking Pinterest pins.
Benefits:- Large selection of free resources available
- Specializes in vectors and illustrations
- Offers editable graphics for customization
- Includes templates for various design needs
- Premium option available for expanded access
Downsides:
- Free images require attribution
- Best graphics often reserved for premium users
- Website can be slow to navigate at times
- Quality can vary between contributors
- Some images may look dated or overused
When I was creating pins for a small business client on a budget, Freepik was a lifesaver. I found some great vector illustrations that perfectly captured their brand vibe.
The only catch? I had to get creative with attribution in a way that didn't clutter the pin design. It was a bit of a puzzle, but the engagement boost was worth it!
10. Getty Images
Getty Images is a powerhouse in the stock photography world, known for its extensive library of high-quality, professional images.
It's the go-to source for many top brands and publications, offering a premium selection of photos, illustrations, and videos.
Benefits:- Vast collection of professional-grade images
- Includes exclusive and editorial content
- High-resolution files suitable for all uses
- Offers unique, less commonly used images
- Regular updates with fresh, trendy content
Downsides:
- One of the most expensive options available
- Complex licensing terms can be confusing
- Overwhelming number of choices
- Many images may be out of budget for small businesses
- Some images may look too polished for relatable Pinterest content
I remember the first time I used a Getty image for a client's finance blog pin. The sleek, corporate feel of the image definitely elevated the pin's professional appearance.
But boy, did it cost a pretty penny! It taught me an important lesson: sometimes, a premium image can set your pin apart, but you need to weigh the cost against the potential return carefully.
Conclusion
You've now got a powerful arsenal of image sources at your fingertips! From AI-generated wonders to professional stock photos, there's something for every Pinterest strategy and budget.
The key to Pinterest success isn't just finding great images - it's about using them creatively to tell your story and connect with your audience.
Don't be afraid to mix and match sources. Maybe use Swiftpinz for your core content, spice things up with some DALL-E 2 creations, and throw in a premium Getty image for that high-impact pin.
The possibilities are endless!
What's Next?
Now that you're armed with these fantastic image resources, it's time to put them to work! Here's what you should focus on next:
- Start experimenting with different image styles and sources
- Create a content calendar for consistent pinning
- Learn to use text overlays effectively on your images
- Analyze your Pinterest analytics to see which images perform best
- Join Pinterest group boards in your niche for increased exposure
- Consider creating multiple pins for the same content to maximize reach
Remember, Pinterest is all about trial and error. What works for one niche might not work for another. Keep an eye on your Pinterest analytics.
And hey, don't forget the most important part - have fun with it! Pinterest is a creative platform, so let your imagination run wild.
Who knows? Your next pin might just be the one that goes viral and takes your traffic to the next level.
Happy Pinning! 💖
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a good Pinterest image?
To make a good Pinterest image, use vertical dimensions (2:3 ratio), bright colors, and clear, legible text. Keep it simple and eye-catching. Use high-quality images that relate to your content. Include your branding subtly, and make sure the image tells a story at a glance.
How to find free to use images on Pinterest?
You can find free-to-use images on Pinterest by using the Creative Commons filter in the search options. However, it's safer to use dedicated free stock photo sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Pexels. Always double-check the licensing terms before using any image.
Are there any copyright concerns when using free images for Pinterest?
Yes, there can be copyright concerns even with free images. Always check the licensing terms. Some free images require attribution, while others don't. Never use images marked as "editorial use only" for commercial purposes. When in doubt, stick to sites that offer images under Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.
What types of images perform best on Pinterest?
Images that perform best on Pinterest are usually vertical (2:3 ratio), bright, and visually appealing. Lifestyle images, infographics, and images with text overlay tend to do well. Photos showing products in use or step-by-step tutorials are also popular. Authentic, relatable imagery often outperforms overly polished stock photos.
Is it okay to use stock photos on Pinterest?
Yes, it's okay to use stock photos on Pinterest, but use them wisely. Try to choose unique images or customize stock photos with text overlays and branding elements. Avoid overused images that might appear in competitors' pins. When possible, mix stock photos with original images for a more authentic feel.
How do I add text overlay to my Pinterest images?
To add text overlay to your Pinterest images, use a graphic design tool like Canva, Adobe Spark, or even Swiftpinz. Choose a legible font and contrasting colors for visibility. Keep the text concise and place it where it doesn't obscure important parts of the image. Use text to add value, like a headline or call-to-action, not just to restate the pin description.