Images make your website look better. They can also help explain your content. But you can’t use any image you find online. Some images are copyrighted. This means you need permission to use them. But there is a solution. You can use Creative Commons licensed images.
What are Creative Commons Licensed Images?
Creative Commons (CC) is a type of license. It lets people use images for free. But you must follow the rules. Some images can be used without asking. Others need you to give credit. There are different types of CC licenses. These tell you how you can use the image.
Types Of Creative Commons Licenses
There are six main types of CC licenses:
- CC BY: You can use the image. You must give credit.
- CC BY-SA: You can use the image. You must give credit. If you change the image, you must share it with the same license.
- CC BY-ND: You can use the image. You must give credit. You cannot change the image.
- CC BY-NC: You can use the image. You must give credit. You cannot use it for money.
- CC BY-NC-SA: You can use the image. You must give credit. You cannot use it for money. If you change the image, you must share it with the same license.
- CC BY-NC-ND: You can use the image. You must give credit. You cannot use it for money. You cannot change the image.
Where to Find Creative Commons Licensed Images
There are many websites where you can find CC images. Here are some popular ones:
Flickr
Flickr has a large collection of CC images. You can search for images and filter by license.
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons is a part of Wikipedia. It has many free images. You can use these images for free.
Unsplash
Unsplash has high-quality photos. All images are free to use. You do not need to give credit. But it is nice to do so.
Pixabay
Pixabay has many free images. You do not need to give credit. But it is nice to do so.
Pexels
Pexels has many free images. You do not need to give credit. But it is nice to do so.

Credit: www.wpbeginner.com
How to Insert Creative Commons Licensed Images in WordPress
Once you find an image, you need to add it to your WordPress site. Here is how you can do it:
Step 1: Download The Image
First, download the image to your computer. Right-click on the image. Choose “Save image as…” Save it to a folder on your computer.
Step 2: Log In To WordPress
Next, log in to your WordPress site. You will see the dashboard. This is where you can manage your site.
Step 3: Go To The Media Library
In the dashboard, find the Media Library. Click on “Media” in the left menu. Then click on “Add New.”
Step 4: Upload The Image
Click on “Select Files.” Find the image on your computer. Click “Open” to upload the image.
Step 5: Add The Image To A Post Or Page
Go to the post or page where you want to add the image. Click on “Add Media.” Select the image from the Media Library. Click “Insert into post.”
Step 6: Give Credit (if Needed)
If the image needs credit, add it. You can add the credit in the caption. Or you can add it at the end of the post.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Creative Commons Licensed Images?
Creative Commons licensed images are free to use. They need proper attribution.
How Can I Find Creative Commons Images?
Use websites like Flickr, Wikimedia Commons, and Unsplash to find Creative Commons images.
Can I Use Creative Commons Images In WordPress?
Yes, you can use Creative Commons images in WordPress. Remember to give proper credit.
How Do I Insert Creative Commons Images Into WordPress?
Upload the image to your media library. Then, insert it into your post or page.
Conclusion
Using Creative Commons licensed images is a good way to get free images. Just make sure to follow the rules. Always give credit if needed. This way, you can make your website look great without breaking any rules.

Credit: verpex.com
Summary Table
License | Can Use | Need Credit | Can Change | Can Use for Money |
---|---|---|---|---|
CC BY | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CC BY-SA | Yes | Yes | Yes, must share alike | Yes |
CC BY-ND | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
CC BY-NC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
CC BY-NC-SA | Yes | Yes | Yes, must share alike | No |
CC BY-NC-ND | Yes | Yes | No | No |