If you’re creating content regularly whether it’s blogs, social posts, or marketing videos you know how tricky it can be to find good visuals that are both high-quality and free to use. That’s where Pixabay comes in.
Pixabay is one of the most popular platforms for free stock images, videos, illustrations, and even music. You can use its library for commercial projects without paying or asking for permission. Yet, many creators only scratch the surface of what it offers.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to use Pixabay efficiently from searching smarter and downloading in the right formats to understanding licences and giving proper credit. I’ll also share a few lesser-known features that can save you time and help you stay fully compliant as a marketer.
What Is Pixabay?
Pixabay is a free media-sharing platform that offers millions of royalty-free images, videos, vector graphics, and audio files. All content is uploaded by contributors around the world and made available under the Pixabay licence, which allows free use for both personal and commercial projects.
It’s owned by Canva, which means its library also integrates seamlessly with tools like Canva Pro and Fotor. Whether you’re a blogger, designer, or a video marketing agency in London, Pixabay can give you a strong base of visuals to build from without breaking your budget.
What Makes Pixabay Different?
Unlike traditional stock sites such as Shutterstock or Getty Images, Pixabay offers:
- Completely free downloads no hidden fees or subscriptions required.
- Commercial use allowed images and videos can be used for marketing or advertising.
- No attribution required though giving credit is encouraged.
- A wide variety of media types from HD videos and 4K footage to vector icons and music.
- A user-friendly licence that makes compliance easy.
This flexibility makes it ideal for small businesses, freelancers, and creative professionals who need quick access to reliable visual assets.
Step 1: How to Search Smartly on Pixabay
Typing a keyword and hitting “Enter” is easy, but the real power of Pixabay lies in its advanced search features.
1. Use Specific Keywords
The more precise your keywords, the better your results. For example, instead of searching “dog,” try “golden retriever running.” You’ll find more relevant visuals for your project.
2. Filter by Media Type
You can filter your search by:
- Images
- Videos
- Illustrations
- Vectors
- Music
- Sound effects
This helps narrow down results when you already know the format you need.
3. Choose Orientation and Size
If you’re designing social media graphics or blog banners, you can filter by orientation (horizontal or vertical) and image size. This ensures your chosen file fits your layout perfectly.
4. Use Colour Filters
Need visuals that match your brand’s colour palette? Use the Colour filter tool to search for images containing your preferred hues ideal for creating cohesive brand visuals.
5. Explore “Editor’s Choice”
Pixabay curates a selection of high-quality visuals recommended by its editorial team. These are perfect when you want professional-looking assets without spending hours scrolling.
Step 2: Understanding the Pixabay Licence
This is where many creators make mistakes. Just because an image is free doesn’t mean you can use it any way you like. Thankfully, Pixabay’s licence makes things straightforward.
You Can:
- Use images, videos, and music for commercial or personal projects.
- Edit, crop, or modify the visuals as you wish.
- Use them on websites, social media, presentations, and printed materials.
You Cannot:
- Sell or redistribute unmodified Pixabay content (e.g., reselling images as stock).
- Use identifiable people or trademarks in a misleading way.
- Use visuals for unlawful or offensive purposes.
- Claim the work as your own if you haven’t made any changes.
In short: You’re free to use Pixabay content creatively as long as it’s not for resale or misrepresentation.
Step 3: Downloading the Right Way
Once you’ve found an image or video you like, downloading it correctly ensures the best quality for your project.
1. Select Your Resolution
When downloading, you’ll see different size options. For example:
- Small (640px) – ideal for thumbnails or email use.
- Medium (1280px–1920px) – great for blog posts or social media.
- Large (4K and above) – best for print or video production.
If you’re unsure, choose a higher resolution. You can always reduce quality later, but you can’t upscale without losing sharpness.
2. Avoid Watermarks and Duplicates
Pixabay doesn’t watermark its images, but sometimes third-party content sneaks in. Always ensure the download button says “Free Download” and comes from a verified Pixabay creator.
3. Register for Faster Downloads
While you can download without logging in, creating a free account removes captcha checks and lets you save favourites handy if you’re collecting multiple assets.
Step 4: Giving Proper Credit (Even If Not Required)
Although Pixabay doesn’t require attribution, giving credit is always a good practice. It shows respect to creators and boosts your credibility.
Here’s a simple format:
“Image by [Author Name] from Pixabay”
You can include this credit line in the footer of your blog, in video descriptions, or on a “Credits” page for larger projects.
If you’re using multiple visuals, a general note like “All images and videos sourced from Pixabay” works fine.
Step 5: Using Pixabay for Video Projects
Pixabay isn’t just about photos it’s a goldmine for video content. You’ll find thousands of free clips, from scenic landscapes to business footage and b-roll shots.
1. Searching for Video Footage
When browsing, switch the media filter to Videos. You can then refine by:
- Resolution: HD or 4K
- Duration: Short or long clips
- Category: Nature, People, Technology, etc.
2. Download Formats
Videos are available in MP4 format, which is compatible with all major editing software, including Premiere Pro, Final Cut, and DaVinci Resolve.
3. Editing and Combining Clips
Pixabay videos are royalty-free, so you can edit or combine them with music and text overlays to create ads, YouTube intros, or product explainers.
If you’re working with a video marketing agency in London, they can even use Pixabay clips as filler shots to enhance your campaign visuals without extra cost.
Step 6: Exploring Pixabay’s Hidden Features
Pixabay has several useful features that many users overlook:
1. Collections
You can save groups of related images into Collections a great way to organise content for specific campaigns.
2. Following Creators
If you find a contributor whose style matches your brand, follow them. Their new uploads will appear on your dashboard, helping you stay consistent with your visual tone.
3. Mobile App
Pixabay’s mobile app makes it easy to browse and download assets on the go ideal for social media managers and creators working remotely.
4. Illustrations and Vectors
These are perfect for infographics, presentations, and animated videos. You can even edit vector files in tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva.
5. AI-Powered Search
Pixabay now uses AI to recommend related visuals based on what you search or download frequently. The more you use it, the smarter it gets.
Step 7: Staying Legally Compliant
Even with free-use platforms, compliance matters especially for commercial marketing. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Avoid identifiable faces or logos unless you’re sure they’re released for commercial use.
- Don’t imply endorsement. For example, you can’t use a photo of a person next to a product claim without consent.
- Keep track of downloads. Save links or file names to prove licence compliance if questioned later.
- Avoid editing in a misleading way. Don’t manipulate images to spread misinformation or false advertising.
Following these small steps ensures you stay on the right side of copyright law while maintaining professional credibility.
Step 8: Combining Pixabay with Other Tools
Pixabay integrates smoothly with many creative tools, making your workflow faster.
- Canva: Search Pixabay directly from Canva’s interface.
- WordPress: Use plugins like “Pixabay Images” to import visuals directly into your posts.
- Figma & Adobe Express: Access stock photos without leaving your design workspace.
- CapCut and Filmora: Import Pixabay videos straight into your editing timeline.
Using these integrations saves hours of manual downloading and re-uploading, especially for teams managing multiple campaigns.
Step 9: Advanced Tips for Marketers and Creators
If you’re using Pixabay professionally, these pro tips will help you get more from the platform:
- Combine Pixabay visuals with your branding. Add filters, logos, or text overlays to make them unique.
- Use videos as background elements. A subtle looped video can make website headers or social media posts more engaging.
- Batch-download content for campaign planning organise by theme or season.
- Test visuals before publishing. Even free content performs differently across audiences, so run small A/B tests.
- Mix Pixabay with original visuals. It’s a great way to balance cost savings with authenticity.
Step 10: Alternatives to Pixabay
Pixabay is amazing, but it’s not the only source for free media. You can also explore:
- Pexels – Similar to Pixabay, great for lifestyle and modern visuals.
- Unsplash – Known for artistic, high-quality photography.
- Videvo – Free stock videos with optional premium clips.
- Mixkit – Focuses on cinematic video footage.
- Freepik – Excellent for vectors, icons, and templates.
Using multiple platforms expands your creative library and helps you find the perfect visual for every campaign.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced marketers sometimes misuse free content. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Downloading copyrighted material from third-party reposts.
- Forgetting to resize or optimise images, slowing down website speed.
- Using visuals that don’t align with your brand identity.
- Ignoring colour and tone consistency across campaigns.
- Failing to credit creators when required (for non-Pixabay licences).
By avoiding these errors, you’ll maintain a professional image and strengthen your creative credibility.
Why Pixabay Is Perfect for Small Businesses
If you’re running a small business or managing content for clients, Pixabay can be a real game-changer. It gives you access to a vast library of high-quality visuals without the expense of hiring photographers or purchasing costly stock images. You can quickly find images, videos, vectors, and illustrations that fit your brand aesthetic, saving you hours of searching and ensuring your content looks polished and professional.
Pixabay also helps you maintain a consistent visual identity across all your campaigns. By using similar styles, colours, and themes, you can make your website, social media, and marketing materials feel cohesive and memorable to your audience. You’ll no longer have to worry about whether your visuals match your brand or if they’re legally safe to use.
For example, a startup working with a video marketing agency in London might integrate Pixabay clips into a larger creative strategy, combining free stock footage with custom branded scenes to deliver maximum impact at minimal cost. Even if you’re handling marketing in-house, Pixabay can help you create engaging visuals for social posts, email campaigns, and video projects without stretching your budget.
Additionally, by exploring features like Collections and AI-powered search, you can organise your assets by campaign, theme, or season. This makes it easier to plan ahead, batch-download visuals, and stay ahead of your content calendar, ensuring you’re always ready with professional-looking content.
FAQs:
1. Can I use Pixabay images for commercial purposes?
Yes, you absolutely can. Pixabay allows you to use images, videos, and music for both personal and commercial projects without paying a fee. You’re free to include them in your blog, social posts, marketing campaigns, or even printed materials. Just remember not to sell the visuals unmodified or present them in a misleading way.
2. Do I need to give credit when using Pixabay content?
Technically, you don’t have to, because Pixabay’s licence doesn’t require attribution. However, giving credit to the original creator is a good practice. It shows respect for the person who made the content and adds credibility to your work. You can include a simple line like “Image by [Author Name] from Pixabay” in your blog footer, video description, or project credits.
3. Are all images and videos on Pixabay really free?
Yes, the vast majority of content on Pixabay is free under their licence. However, it’s worth checking that you’re downloading directly from verified contributors and not third-party reposts that might not follow Pixabay’s rules. This ensures the visuals are safe to use and truly royalty-free.
4. Can I modify Pixabay images or videos?
Absolutely. You can crop, resize, combine, or otherwise edit Pixabay content to suit your project. You’re encouraged to adapt visuals creatively, whether that’s adding your branding, overlaying text, or combining multiple clips into one video. Just avoid using the content in a misleading way or selling it as-is.
5. How do I search for the right visuals quickly?
Using specific keywords will give you much better results than generic searches. If you’re looking for something very particular, such as a golden retriever running, type that full description instead of just “dog.” You can also filter by media type, orientation, size, colour, and even explore Editor’s Choice selections to save time and find high-quality assets.
6. Can I use Pixabay videos in professional projects?
Yes, you can use Pixabay videos in professional campaigns, presentations, or social media posts. The clips come in MP4 format, which works with all major editing software. You can edit them, add overlays, or combine them with music and text to make them fit seamlessly into your marketing content.
7. Is there a limit to how many files I can download?
Pixabay doesn’t have a strict limit for free downloads, but creating a free account makes things easier if you’re downloading multiple files. With an account, you can save favourites, avoid captchas, and organise assets into collections for smoother workflow management.
8. Can I use images that show identifiable people or logos?
You need to be careful here. You can use images with people or logos as long as it doesn’t imply endorsement or misrepresent anyone. For commercial projects, it’s safest to avoid identifiable faces or trademarks unless you’re certain they are cleared for commercial use. This protects you from legal complications while still letting you use compelling visuals.
9. How does Pixabay integrate with other tools I use?
Pixabay works seamlessly with platforms like Canva, WordPress, Figma, and Adobe Express. You can search and import visuals directly from these tools without leaving your workspace. This integration saves you time and keeps your workflow smooth, especially when managing multiple campaigns or collaborating with a team.
10. Are there any alternatives to Pixabay for free media?
Yes, there are several other options you can explore if you want more variety. Sites like Pexels, Unsplash, Videvo, Mixkit, and Freepik offer free images, videos, and vectors that might better suit certain projects. Using multiple platforms allows you to build a larger library of visuals and ensures you always find the perfect content for your marketing needs.
Final Thought: Making the Most of Pixabay for Your Content
Pixabay is a fantastic resource if you want to create professional-quality visuals without spending a fortune. By using its search filters, understanding the licence rules, and exploring hidden features like AI-powered recommendations and Collections, you can save time while ensuring your projects stay fully compliant. Whether you’re sourcing images, videos, or vectors, following these steps helps you produce polished content that aligns with your brand.
You can contact our video marketing agency in London to take your video content to the next level, combining free stock visuals with custom footage to create campaigns that truly engage your audience.
