Don’t you love perusing Pinterest pictures?
So many beautiful images, so easy to search.
And all that lovely content, just waiting for you to “borrow” for your own purposes: blog, social media, etc.
Uh, NO!
No, nope, never, DON’T DO IT!
This is called copyright infringement, my friend, and it is illegal.
Isn’t Everything Online Free?
There seems to be a pervasive premise that anything you find online is free for the taking – because you can.
Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, anything published online is automatically considered copyrighted by the creator – photos, graphics, words, images, ALL of it. *NOTE: I am NOT an attorney. Please consult one to verify any of this info, or discuss your own content curation policy.
Anything found online is copyrighted, unless specified otherwise. click to tweet
Here’s a simple explanation:
One of the biggest mistakes that people believe is that if a work has no copyright notice, it is not copyrighted. The correct form of a copyright notice is ‘Copyright or © (date) by (author/owner).’ Many people believe that if this notice is absent, they can post, use, or take any work on the Internet. In fact, everything from April 1, 1989 is copyrighted by the owner or author whether is has a notice or not. … All Internet users must assume that the work is copyrighted, unless otherwise specified by the author. source
Copyright rules may vary by country, and whether or not they’ve agreed to the Berne Convention. But face it, someone put in the hard work of creating something – a blog post, a photo, a book, an image. That’s their own intellectual property – they didn’t make it for you to swipe and use how you like.
So do the right thing.
What About Sharing Social Media Content?
Content published on social media is subject to the Terms of Service of that platform. The user has agreed to be bound by the platform’s terms (whether they’ve read them or not), which usually includes that the post may be shared by built-in sharing tools, or embedded on other websites. And these methods always link back to the original poster’s account, so it’s usually welcome promotion. (Once again, this is my interpretation; consult an actual attorney for legal advice).
Don’t download others’ social media images! Use the share function. click to tweet
Note that at this time, Instagram is one platform that doesn’t include a share function. There are third-party apps that help you do this, but on Instagram specifically, it’s not automatically OK to share others’ pictures. If you check some creatives’ accounts, you’ll see that they flat-out forbid it with verbiage in their bio.
And even if you don’t see a notice, be aware that Instagram users aren’t shy about calling you out on content theft. There’s even a hashtag (of course!): #photo_theives_busted
This rant blog post about stolen content started when a friend of mine told me she learned in a blogging class that any image on Pinterest was available to use however you liked.
I was dumbfounded. How could anyone make such a sweeping generalization?! It’s not like Pinterest pictures are all released into the public domain.
But amazingly, that’s what this blogging teacher had said, my friend confirmed.
Here’s a purported expert telling blogging newbies a complete fabrication. Which to me doesn’t even make any sense – so if you pin my graphic to Pinterest, where did I even have any say in the process, let alone agree to allow anyone to use it in any way?
Dumbest thing I ever heard (from an “expert,” at least).
Pinterest is not your personal playground for pilfering pictures. click to tweet
Here’s what Pinterest actually says:
If you post your content on Pinterest, it still belongs to you but we can show it to people and others can re-pin it. source
And from PC World:
Pinterest does have a stringent policy that the user is not to use third-party content for anything but a personal content collection on the site.
Again from Pinterest:
We respect copyrights. You should, too. source: Pinterest Terms of Service
So, please do. DO respect copyright, and others’ intellectual property.
Can I Share Others’ Content If I Link Back?
Sometimes. I mean, don’t ever share others’ content without a link back. But just because you link back doesn’t mean it’s OK.
From attorney Sara Hawkins:
Taking another person’s image or graphic and giving them a “shout out,” linkback, or any other type of attribution does not negate copyright infringement.
And from Roni Loren, who still got sued over an image that she removed immediately when notified:
It DOESN’T MATTER…
- if you link back to the source and list the photographer’s name
- if the picture is not full-sized (only thumbnail size is okay)
- if you did it innocently
- if your site is non-commercial and you made no money from the use of the photo
- if you didn’t claim the photo was yours
- if you’ve added commentary in addition to having the pic in the post
- if the picture is embedded and not saved on your server
- if you have a disclaimer on your site.
- if you immediately take down a pic if someone sends you a DMCA notice (you do have to take it down, but it doesn’t absolve you.)
Ask for permission where you found the image – making sure that you’ve found the original creator of the content (permission to repost content that’s already stolen is meaningless).
You can use Google image search to try to verify where the image originated.
The content creator may be thrilled that you want to share their content – or they may say no.
- Honor whatever requests they make – for links and credits, or for not sharing.
- If you don’t like their credit requirements, move on.
- If they say no, move on.
- If you can’t find the content creator, move on.
Can I Use Pinterest Images on My Website?
There is a way to embed a Pinterest pin in a widget. This links back to the pin on Pinterest, which eventually links back to the website where it originated (hopefully – and you should always check the link before embedding or even repinning).
It’s my understanding that this is legal – but it’s always better to ASK the image creator!
You may make a new friend in the process.
Or perhaps find out that they don’t want their images shared in any way.
Always better to know ahead of time. Why trust that the original “pinner” hasn’t infringed on someone’s copyright, and that they won’t delete the pin?
If you wish to embed a Pinterest pin:
- Click the pin.
- Click the 3 dots at upper right, then click Embed.
- Copy and paste the code to the “Text” side of your blog.
- Copy and paste the script once per page.
Before you embed a pin, I strongly suggest you click through to the website.
- Check that the pin actually appears there.
- Confirm it’s a site you’re OK with linking to.
- Make sure they have a PinIt button. If not, ask if it’s OK to pin.
- Repin to your own board to get some exposure for your Pinterest account.
- Embed the pin from your own board.
Here is an example of a blog post with embedded Pinterest pictures. I followed the steps above.
Note that these embedded pins link to someone else’s site and not my blog post! They also won’t appear if someone clicks their browser’s PinIt button.
That’s why it’s always better to create and include your own images. The first embedded pin currently has ~300 repins! It would be nice to have those pins pointing at my website. But still good for my Pinterest clout to have so many repins 🙂
Can I Use Images I Find on Google?
Almost always – NO.
You can filter your Google image search results – but even then, I wouldn’t trust that whoever posted the image knows the allowed usage.
“Because they said so” won’t be honored as a defense if you get sued.
Here’s what I had to say years ago about using Google images.
Just don’t.
Images found on Google are subject to copyright. Don’t use them! click to tweet
So DON’T Publish Anything on Your Blog or Social Media Unless:
- You created it.
- You bought the rights to use it (such as Dreamstime or Fotolia).
- You got it from a free photo site.
- You’re sharing within a social media platform, using their built-in tools.
- You have written permission (and have saved that permission).
Repetition for emphasis: I’m not an attorney, and this is my non-expert opinion. I can’t guarantee that you’ll be safe even if you follow these principles.
So, my friend had to have her entire website redone. She struggled to find legal images to replace those that she loved. ‘Cause let’s face it, when the world’s your oyster (or Pinterest is your personal playground for pilfering pictures) – you’ve got the best stuff available.
Except that it’s not available. It belongs to someone else.
Pinterest is not your personal playground for pilfering pictures. click to tweet
Further Reading on Copyright Issues
Many have written about copyright issues and how to be safe. Here are some of the best articles:
What You Should Know About Pinterest and Copyright via PC World
Bloggers Beware: You CAN Get Sued For Using Pics on Your Blog by Roni Loren (she was!)
How to Use Pinterest and Still Respect Copyrights by Lori McNee
How Brands Can Use Pinterest Without Breaking the Law by advertising attorney Brian Heidelberger
Avoiding Copyright Infringement When Sharing Other People’s Work by attorney Sara Hawkins
What To Use Instead of Others’ Content
I have several useful articles on my own site. Learn where to find images you can legally use, and how to protect your own imagery from copyright infringement.
Finding images you have rights to use:
Ultimate List of Free Photo Sites for Blogs and Social Media
Where to Find Images for Blogs and Social Media: Free and Legal!
Best Picture Quotes #4: Using Royalty Free Art
Best Picture Quotes: How to Use FREE Public Domain Art
Protecting yourself and your intellectual property:
Can You Protect Images from Copyright Infringement?
Stolen Pics: How to Strike Back If It Happens to You
St Patrick Day Graphics: Why Watermark Images?
Top 10! Free Watermark Software & Sites to Watermark Online
More Questions? Consult an Attorney
I’ve tried to help you protect yourself from committing, as well as being the victim of, copyright infringement. But I’m not qualified to provide legal advice. The forgoing is simply my understanding as a creative and a blogger who has researched this topic for years.
I hope my post has helped you learn why not to, and what to do instead of, using Pinterest pictures!
• • • CLICK to get your FREE Pinterest Basics e-course! • • •
Great post and a wonderful reminder for everyone. Pilfering images from Pinterest is rampant, don’t you agree?
Yes it is! Unfortunately many people don’t know better. There’s also a lot of false information circulating. Hoping to clear things up!
Thank you Frances!
Hi Louise, great article!
Just to clarify: It’s OK if…
“You’re sharing within a social media platform, using their built-in tools.”
So that means if you follow a photographer on FB, who posts their images, signature, water-mark or not, you MAY use the ‘built-in share’ tool, which links back to them.
Correct? (and I always give photo credit/link in my message also.)
Hi Leslie,
All FB users have agreed to that in the Terms of Service: “When you publish content or information using the Public setting, it means that you are allowing everyone, including people off of Facebook, to access and use that information, and to associate it with you (i.e., your name and profile picture).”
But who reads the ToS?
If you want to be certain they would find it agreeable, you can ask. That’s the only way to be 100% certain they’re OK with it.
I’d love to be able to say it’s fine, but anyone can sue anyone for anything. And even if you’d win, doesn’t mean you want to deal with that 🙂
Absolutely agree and have always been keen to ask first, save the message/email (even from friends) and then take “action” and publish with a author/link back no matter if they want to be acknowledged or not, not my words, not my work, not my photos… Then just let others know that (but with a safeguard with me, just in case)!!! ??????
Just a few words I’d rather would have not forgotten in the above comment but… Oh well!
I keep telling my Dad over and over again about this and at least identity where the heck (pardon my French) the image came from in the caption, but he says it’s redundant and that I’m overreacting…
Even regarding photos I’ve taken and that have been stolen by at least 2 persons, including an attempt to remove my watermark, and a re-copyrighting of my own photos still with my logo (!!!) and still my Dad says I’m just overreacting… It makes me M.A.D. and sad… But let’s face it, Dad is 78, even though I don’t think that should be an excuse!!!!
Reading this article I decided to call a lawyer for the laws of my country regarding this issue (I found the law and should be covered) and follow in with this postponed and overdue issue!
Many people have a bad attitude about this. It’s unfortunate for content creators that others don’t always value their intellectual property.
Great article! Definitely one to book mark and share- legally that is! 🙂
Thank you Denys! You’re the best!!
I must admit I saved it as pdf file…. To read it again anytime as needed ?? that’s okay with you? It’s like bookmarking… just straight to iBooks so it doesn’t get lost in all the bookmarking cluster…. ???
Of course I’d prefer you visiting my site, but as long as you don’t share with anyone, I don’t think I have any recourse.
Don’t worry, I do visit every week and I keep ur newsletters in a handy folder so it’s easier to come back when needed ? and the pdf keeps the links intact (even for the page it originated from)…. It never crossed my mind to share, but if you’d rather have me deleting it it’s ok anyway!
I’m glad to hear you’re such a fan! As long as it’s for your own personal and private use, it’s OK 🙂
I would love to see a follow up article that goes into some detail about how to find the original photographer or artist who created an image. Is there a search engine specifically for images? Or an image search service that will help identify where an image originated?
Hi Karen,
Great idea! Of course you can look up images in Google, and there’s also TinEye.com. Neither one tells you the original source, though. It’s a long and arduous task to track that down, sometimes.
I’ll see if I can find more.
It sure is…. I’ve done it again and again…. Was a follow up post been made already? Did you have the time to go back into it?
I don’t believe there’s any solution to this.
Bummer! Maybe one day… *fingers crossed*
Louise, Great article. it is very hard to convince people that this in important. Thanks for all the work that went into putting this together.
Thanks for your comment, Susan. It’s always refreshing to hear that my work is appreciated! Thanks for tweeting, too.
Thanks for the great article, Louise! Some infringements do come from the simple not-knowing of essential copyright principles and it’s important to educate the image users about the creators’ rights.
At Pixsy, online image tracking platform that helps visual artists fight image theft, we always take the good faith effort into the consideration, but, unfortunately, more often than not image thieves just don’t care about someone else’s rights and work.
If you’d like to give Pixsy a try yourself, let me know — I’d be happy to share an invite code with you and walk you through the process.
Thanks Nadia, sounds like a great service!
I do wish someone would remind the big players (google, microsoft, etc.) that they also have to comply with copyright laws. I have put pictures I have taken, online, and some have been reused, hundreds of times, on different sites, all without my permission or any mention of where the images were taken from. I have asked various organisations to help me, or get involved, but they all say the same thing “you will never win/get a penny in compensation/get them taken down”.
In order to battle this I have started posting heavily photoshopped images, so if stolen, the thieves will be using images that do not represent reality e.g. buildings that are in the wrong places or show views that have never existed.
Sorry to hear this, Rob. It’s a battle. Just doing my best to educate the public – most of whom have no idea they can’t just use any image they find online 🙁
there is one thing that comes to mind ….there are aproximately 8 billion or more people on this planet with each a webpage or facebook page or pininterst page+- a few who are not social or have a phone or internet ….there are billions more for every image that is out there…who is going to protect the artists no one because you cannot tell the difference between an artist or a thief the whole human race is a thief just even sharing pics on facebook…except for the actual artists themselves but how do you tell them apart from those who just want to copy them…your not gonna be able to stop this can of worms anymore than we can stop isis and terrorism a bush created agency..yes im an artist but i am seeing that i need me a darn huge ugly watermark on my things so i dont get copied…but then it still does watermark and all
I can only do my best to educate – because most people don’t even know it’s wrong!
ps if there should ever come a day that someone actually cares about another artists feelings as much as i do or you do someone smart should make an app like tiny eye and google image search (reverse) that would filter the webpages by the date not the size its the date that counts it really does especially in copyright laws….poor mans copyright
Agreed – not sure why Google can’t do that!
This is a great article. Thank you for taking time to research and write these very important points, often contentious when a photographer discovers someone else is using or taking credit for their image(s).
I cringe when even on YouTube,I’ve come across dozens of how to gurus who instructs newbies to Google certain key words i.e. “roses” or “floral” for their header art and just copy and paste the image to use as their own! What? OMG No!
I have a family history website. Headstone photos are in great demand. When I find one that I want to add to my site, #1 on my list is to email the photographer with a link to the photo and a description and ask permission to use it on my website but also asking if the person I’m writing to did indeed take the photos. I tell them their name and email address will be added to the photo. #2 is to keep all emails to ensure I can prove I asked for and received permission.
Just adding my two cents to an already outstanding article. Thank you for bringing to light an all too common problem and for providing some much needed clarification on copyright and photo usage.
Best Regards,
Carol
Thanks so much for your two cents, Carol! I really appreciate that you’re doing it right. And very good point that I didn’t mention – keep proof that you received permission to use an image.
Cheers,
Louise
OK, I get it, not cool not nice, same way I said it when my work was stolen BUT I dont cry for mommy and daddy, I dont threat with suing and so on I re-orientate in creating something that cannot be stolen OR very hard to replicate
now when this trend, social blabla started and gadgets started also to be more accessible, everyone is a photographer
now the things like this, and trust me IT WONT CHANGE: we are almost 8 billion people on this this rock and from 8 billion almost 1 billion is in direct poverty so from 7 billion lets say 5 have compete access to web and in that 5 billion are the ones that steal the work and dont care if there is a copyright or not, they use it because its pretty hard to the one who stole it
so whoever stole a picture uses the world as cover and by the time someone is caught is to late or he has enough money escape like a porn actress(face clean)
PLUS why to stress yourself when others can do it for you, I mean, a uncaught thief is pure merchant…
Um, OK. If you want to justify stealing, that’s your issue.
Fortunately Pinterest is very savvy to this problem and will remove stolen content within 48 hours of notification. I’ve done it 4 times and it works. I’ll update the article so readers know how to fight back.
“Stop pilfering pinterest pictures”
Uh, the vast majority of images on pinterest are themselves stolen and “pinned” without their creator’s knowledge or approval.
Where are you getting your stats?
And even if an image is stolen, you can still be held legally liable for “pilfering” it.
I have just found almost all of my pins being sold as free public domain images on PinsDaddy for use on blogs, or whatever someone wants them for without crediting me. How is this even legal, given what you are saying here?
It’s about 1000% illegal. Report the site to their web host for copyright infringement. I’ve been hearing others talking about this site, too.
Such fanatic adamance when pinterest itself is made NINETY NINE POINT NINE PERCENT of infringed copyrights. There’s your elephant in the room. The site itself has no right to exist, it does so on the sweat of others, saying
“Oh, well, that’s the users’ responsibility.”
It is NOT analogous to youtube and not even close to google images.
And then it fills google’s own search results back up with its own walled, stolen conent, which is the last straw of FU to the original creators.
So, article generally true, but leaving it out that pinterest itself is the pit of thieves that makes the whole slimy venture possible.
Really? So I’m enabling Pinterest to infringe copyright? 99.9% of the time, of course.
Pinterest is very savvy to copyright infringement and will remove stolen content within 48 hours of notification. I’ve done it 4 times and it works. Just fight back.
I’ve been trying for months to get pinterest to remove hundreds of my digital-watch.com photos from their site. They are very unhelpful. They expect me to state the url to every single image used on their site and exactly where it is on mine. There are hundreds it would take weeks, I already run the site for free I don’t have that sort of spare time, and why should I? Has anyone else had these problems? I have tried using legal email templates but to no avail. They always have an excuse. Every one of these photos I have taken myself. They even have a watermark on. If anyone else has any experience of this please feel free to contact me through the site
I’m not sure if you’re trying to remove your images that others have stolen, or you don’t want your images on Pinterest at all, even if they point to your site. While I think it’s the first one, in the second case you can block people from saving your photos to Pinterest.
But either way, Pinterest does make it very difficult to get content removed. Another disturbing fact is accounts or websites that are 100% stolen content. There’s no way to report this except one image at a time…
Hi Louise, I’ve found this post when searching for a solution to my problem… which is stolen pins that I’ve spent HOURS photographing, editing, adding my own graphics, branding and text etc, being used to promote another website, and the other website is a known scam. After a few stressful weeks, Pinterest finally removed all the infringing images, and disabled the account of the thief. A few days later, the thief is back, with FOUR new Pinterest profiles, each one full of hundreds of my stolen pins all linking to the scammy site I’m not associate with. So, I have to start this entire process again. Constant battle and now I’ve discovered a website (thecedrus(dot)com) who is pilfering entire boards at a time, and yes Pinterest want me to list every single individual one of the hundreds of stolen pins. I feel like this will never end and it’s so frustrating.
Hi Tasmin,
I’ve recently become more aware of the scope of this problem. I reached out to Pinterest last week but haven’t gotten a reply. I hope to write more about this pervasive issue. Pinterest is going to get sued over this if they don’t step up their enforcement of protecting our copyrights.
Completely agree. I’ve bookmarked your blog so I can refer back to this and look forward to a proper response from Pinterest. Good luck!
Thanks for the article – all great points. I had original photos stolen from Google images and used by a national newspaper! It’s going to be a hard tsunami to stop.
BTW, something that stood out to me was the image you embedded of the quote featuring Audrey Hepburn that had so many repins – I doubt the creator of that original quote image had the right to use the Audrey image in the first place?
Not sure, I wasn’t able to find it. With old movies, there are often images that are released into the public domain for promo purposes. This could have been a black and white one that someone recolored.
Hi Louise,
Thanks for sharing this vital information.
It is an eye-opener and I am grateful to you.
Pete
You’re welcome, Pete. Always trying to get the word out!
Hi Louise! Like the commenter above, I also came across your post when searching the stolen-pins-on-Pinterest problem. It baffles me that people do this with no shame whatsoever, and the problem’s just been getting worse and worse. I really hope Pinterest does something to get this under control soon because their current system just isn’t working. Copyright infringement has always been my biggest pet peeve in the blogging world. Thanks for the great article.
Yes, it’s a HUGE problem.
You might have already seen my recent post that deals with stolen pins specifically, but if not:
https://louisem.com/240750/pinterest-copyright-infringement
Hi Louise,
Very interesting article, well summarised!
I’ve a different case, A company shares our Pinterest photos , which they are welcome to do! Yet, they edit the text below and add their own link.
Now, they cannot change the basi link of the Pinterest, meaning the link that’s links the photo itself.
It feels not right what they do. They use our photos to try to get some links and clicks and users. What do you think we should do?
It’s definitely wrong to do that. You could report to Pinterest and see if they’ll take care of it.
Read this about Pinterest copyright infringement.
I am in a Facebook artist group. Many times a week the following statements (accompanying works of art) appear, ‘I got the reference photo for my painting on Pinterest’ or ‘I tried to do the painting I saw on Pinterest’. My question is (and I already know the answer), is it legal for people to create their own ‘original’ art from either a Pinterest pinned photograph or worse yet, a pin of a painting someone else did? I am about 99% sure they did not receive permission to use said item in this way.
Hi Margo,
I really don’t know the legalities or ethics of an artist being “inspired” by someone else’s work. It should be fine if they’re doing it for their own enjoyment. If they’re selling it, they should seek legal advice.
It can still be copyright infringement if an artwork is “inspired” by someone else’s, and there are a few cases in point that can easily be found through a Google search. I remember one a couple of years ago where a photographer took a photograph of (I think) Westminster Bridge, with everything reduced to black-and-white except a red London bus; somebody else had previously had the same idea and the result was an expensive Court battle.
Also please note that even if you buy a painting the copyright still resides with the artist unless they have specified otherwise.
Street art is considered to be copyrighted in many countries, which can lead to the situation where the vandals that painted graffiti on your wall can claim against you if you publish a photo of it.
Finally, if you do wish to use somebody else’s photographs in your blog or Web site, the standard fees for this are generally very low.
Do also be aware that anything designed by somebody (clothes, sunglasses, smartphones, shampoo bottles) is also intellectual property and a property release may need to be sought depending on how you use the image.
Thanks – Good points.
My favorite stock photo sites are listed on my resources page.
Hi Louise, great post, and tips. My question is about embedding someone else’s pin from Pinterest. I’ve come across a blog that talks about home decor or a blog magazine such as Mydomaine and they embed Pinterest pins from home decor images that they talk about, and then under the embedded pin put image suggestions with affiliate links to suggest to buy a product. I noticed a lot of blog magazine sites do this – even putting images from a home decor book sold on Amazon but adding the source of the picture from the book. When is it ok to embed images from books or home decor Pinterest images?
It’s only 100% safe when you have permission and can be sure the creator owns rights to any images used. Otherwise you could still be sued by the copyright holder.
My photos have been used by many for years. They have been taken from selling sites, groups sites, etc. I don’t usually have an issue, and I don’t post personal photos of myself or family that I don’t want re-posted. I have met people that get nuts about their pics, but mine are used for selling, or sharing for educational purposes. If someone asks me to do a project, and I don’t have all the info, I make a Pinterest board for ideas. I type in the category, and share the pic to a new board. it is not for commercial purposes but just for us to see if we agree on a look. My photos come up in most google searches regarding Vintage Costume jewelry, it’s part of advertising. So I am not sure where the line is drawn? I know there have been people that do not own my merchandise that have used my photos pretending they do, but they are usually overseas, and there is no way I can go after them, except to say, I have heard you are showing my items, I would love to sell you, but until you buy them, please take them down. Some do, some don’t. Where do you go when that happens? I can’t file a lawsuit in China? They are at the moment the biggest offenders?
“I am not sure where the line is drawn?”
You should draw the line wherever you want it to be! My own yardstick is, Is this hurting my business enough to be worth the time or money to pursue?
“Where do you go when that happens?”
If it’s on a social site, use their copyright infringement reporting process. This works well.
If it’s on their own website, you can report them to Google (their site won’t be indexed) and their web host (who will usually remove the site).
Of course, this takes time because you need to follow the procedures with proper proof.
But hiring a lawyer could be extremely costly. There are your first steps. IF you decide to pursue it.